10 Kitchen Items You Should Always Hand Wash (So They Last Longer)
The dishwasher is absolutely the fastest way to clean your dishes. It’s a modern convenience most of us wouldn’t ever want to give up. However, not everything can or should be cleaned in the dishwasher. The strong jets and hot water are still too much for some items to take, and you don’t want to risk breaking your precious things or shortening their lifespan. So, here are ten kitchen items you should always hand wash to keep them from breaking or wearing down too quickly.
Sensitive Cookware
According to Mary Gagliardi (aka “Dr. Laundry”), Clorox’s in-house scientist and cleaning expert, there are several types of cookware that do not belong in the dishwasher. “Aluminum, copper, cast iron, carbon steel, and pans with non-stick coatings should only be hand washed,” she says. If you aren’t sure what your cookware is made from, she advises checking the back of the pot or pan or researching the product online.
Plastics
Whitney Cardosi, cooking class instructor, nutrition coach, and author of In The Kitchen: Healthy Meals You’ll Actually Enjoy, says most plastic items—but especially those plastic tops for glass food containers—should not be washed in the dishwasher. “I always hand wash the plastic lids to make sure they stay in good shape,” she says. Thin plastic items can easily gets warped from the high heat of the dishwasher. If you have plastic dishes or containers that are dirty or stained from storing tomato sauce, stews, or soups, and you really need to put them in the dishwasher, be sure to use the top rack.
Insulated Cups and Containers
When it comes to insulated cups, Cardosi says it’s better to hand wash. “They last longer and keep drinks hot or cold much better if you do [hand wash them],” she says. “That being said, if they need a deep clean, I’ll toss them in the dishwasher.” The same goes for insulated water bottles or thermoses.
Wooden Utensils and ltems
If you want your wood utensils and items to last, don’t put them in the dishwasher. “They tend to lose their finish, so I keep them looking fresh by washing them by hand,” says Cardosi. “Every once in a while, I’ll use a food-grade wood seal to keep them looking as good as new.”
Kitchen Appliances
Rice cookers and Crockpots should be hand washed, according to Gagliardi. “Sometimes these appliances have removable inserts that are dishwasher safe, so be sure to check the care instructions,” she says.
Marble
Marble may look luxurious and sturdy, but it’s a porous material that isn’t always the most durable—and items like cheese plates, rolling pins, and pastry boards often come with a hefty price tag. That’s why it’s essential to protect them by hand-washing them rather than throwing them in the dishwasher, says Gagliardi.
Sterling Silver
Did you inherit your grandmother’s old silverware? Don’t let it get ruined in the dishwasher. “Always hand wash,” notes Gagliardi.
Knives and Kitchen Scissors
Good knives don’t come cheap, so it’s crucial to maintain them properly. “The dishwasher’s heat and moisture dull the blades, while the forceful water jets can knock them against other dishes, damaging the edges,” Alicia Sokolowski, president and CEO of AspenClean, says. “Knife handles, especially wooden ones, can also loosen or crack under the pressure of the dishwasher.”
Fine China and Delicate Dishware
Yes, cleaning up after a formal meal can be exhausting, but unfortunately, you still have to hand-wash your china, explains Sokolowski. “High temperatures and strong detergents can fade intricate patterns, weaken delicate glazes, and cause chips or cracks,” she says. “Gold or silver trim on your favorite dishware can also tarnish if washed in the dishwasher.”
Crystal and Glassware
The same rule applies to those wine glasses you only use when you have guests over or to celebrate a big accomplishment. “Crystal is fragile and prone to clouding or cracking due to sudden temperature changes,” Sokolowski says. “Stemware can also break easily if it shifts during the wash cycle.”
