June 22/2022

Stop Putting These Things in the Dishwasher

Dishwashers are vital appliances in the kitchen. They can have dirty utensils and dishes sparkling clean in the shortest time without much effort. Despite popular belief, using high water temperature and drying functions in dishwashers is not good for some items. Items labeled "dishwasher safe" by manufacturers help you know what should go in your dishwasher, but not all the items are labeled. If you don't know what is safe for the dishwasher, Mr. Rooter Plumbing can help.

A professional plumber with extensive industry knowledge can help you differentiate between safe kitchen items and those that aren't safe for your appliance. The "dishwasher safe" symbol is usually located at the bottom of most appliances, and it includes a box with glasses or plates inside and droplets to represent washing. If a particular item is not safe for the dishwasher, it will have a similar symbol, but the dishes will be crossed with an X. Here are some of the items we don't recommend putting in your dishwasher.

Cast Iron Pans

Cast iron pans are made from a strong, durable material, which most people assume can withstand the conditions inside the dishwasher. However, prolonged exposure to harsh detergents and high water temperature compromises the exterior finish. This leaves behind an exposed piece of metal that is susceptible to rust, cracks, and leaks in cases of extreme damage.

Wooden Cutting Boards and Utensils

Regardless of how firm wooden utensils and cutting boards appear, exposure to high heat and water for a long time can splinter, warp, and break these items. It is advisable to wash them in the sink than risk damage in the dishwasher. The last thing you want is irreparable damage to some of your wooden utensils, forcing you to include a new one in your budget.

Antique or Hand-Painted China

China is known to be "dishwasher safe" when the appliance runs in a China or light setting. If the item is an antique and painted by hand, the conditions in the dishwasher can wear away any unique designs or details. We recommend hand-washing such delicate items with gentle dish soap to avoid eroding the art.

Expensive Chef's Knives

Chef's knives are usually very sharp and have a protective outer layer that protects them from rust. The jests in the dishwasher can dull the blades and erode the protective layer, leaving them susceptible to rust and incapable of cutting items efficiently. These knives should be washed by hand to preserve them in good condition without the constant need to sharpen them regularly.

Aluminum or Copper Cookware

Prolonged exposure to the dishwashing machine's high temperature and water pressure eventually dulls and darkens the color. The condition is worse if the cookware is not ionized because it can result in corrosion and pitting. Many cookware is made from copper and aluminum, such as pans and pots. A few extra minutes of hand-washing these items can save you a lot of money in replacing damaged ones.

If you have a dishwasher that's not functioning as expected, contact us at Mr. Rooter Plumbing. Our dependable plumber can offer exceptional installations and maintenance, ensuring it runs in optimal condition.