Built-in dishwasher installation Oakville

10 Things You Should Never Put in a Dishwasher

1. Big Pieces of Food

Remember that big pieces of food can clog the dishwasher drain or end up on otherwise clean dishes. Thus, the first important point is to scrape the dishes before you load them into the dishwasher.

2. Wooden Spoons, Cutting Boards and Bowls

When we talk about wooden items, we mean cutting boards, wooden utensils and knives with wooden handles. Any dishwasher detergent is abrasive and, over time will scratch the wood. Besides, the heat of the drying cycle can lead to the warping and cracking of all types of wooden things. Cutting boards need to be hand-wash soon after you use them but avoid submerging them into water. The quickest way is to use baking soda to scrub away different food stains.

3. Cast Iron Cookware

If you want your cast iron cookware to serve you for a long time, do not ruin it using a dishwasher. The harsh detergent and excessive water strip away the oil and leave the cast iron unusable. Frankly speaking, these iron pans and skillets can last forever only when you must care properly. It would help if you seasoned them with oil to keep them from rusting and the food from sticking. This helps to leave a perfect cooking surface. Thus, it is necessary to rinse it in hot water using a soft sponge and dry it thoroughly with a towel. The same should be done for cast iron pots and pans with outer enamel coatings.

4. Aluminum Cookware

When we talk about aluminum pots, pans or baking sheets, they should care as well. Of course, you can put them in the dishwasher, but it will lead to an unpleasant result, they will turn dark and dull. The main problem is that they oxidize and fade from shine after a single cycle. Besides, the detergent that is used in the appliance can cause pitting and corrosion. Even if the pan or a pot is labelled as “dishwasher safe”, do not put them a risk, and it would be better to hand wash.

5. Copper and Other Precious Metals

Copper pots, pans and mugs are pretty and look good. However, they require extra effort to keep them shiny and bright. Do not make your task harder than it is by putting it in a dishwasher. Chemicals in the detergent will lead to dullness and can cause corrosion and pitting. Remember that even the best cooper cleaner cannot remove pitting, be careful. We can’t mention silver, gold and bronze heirlooms that also need hand-wash. Otherwise, they will tarnish and lose their gleaming finish.

6. Non-stick Cookware

The other thing with nonstick cookware, most of them are labelled “dishwasher-safe” by the manufacturer, but they lose their first look coming out of the dishwasher. The point is that dishwasher detergents and high temperatures during the drying cycle can affect the nonstick coating. If you want to use it long, skip the drying cycle. But, when you notice the first sign of damage (scratching, chipping or flaking), do not use it as dangerous toxins can be released into the food.

7. Ceramic Pans and Other Cookware

Ceramic cookware is very popular for its non-stick cooking surface. Generally, there is just a ceramic coating bonded to the metal of such cookware. This coating can be applied to any metal, including aluminum, stainless steel, copper or cast iron. Here, there is no exclusion, as all dishwasher detergents can contain bleach and citric acids that are too harsh for the finish. Only hand wash can be applied to ceramic pans, pots and other cookware.

8. Most Plastic Items

You should be careful putting plastic items in a dishwasher. Many softer plastics cannot handle high temperatures. Though most hardier processor bowls, plastic cutting boards and mixing bowls can often go in the appliance, they will get scratched and dulled over time. Thus, hand washing is much better than putting them in a dishwasher.

9. Kitchen Knives, Graters & Sieves

Say “No” to putting kitchen knives in the dishwasher. The harsh dishwasher detergents will dull a knife’s blade, and the hot water and heat loosen kitchen knives’ handles. We must consider the same when you put any other kitchen tools with sharp edges. Graters and sieves can nick the plastic coating on the racks, and rust will appear. Wash all these items by hand in soapy water.

10. Fine China, Crystal or Painted Plates

Any glass, china or hand-painted heirlooms should be carefully hand-washed. They can chip, fade, or lose their finish in the dishwasher. As well as, any silverware with carved antlers or bone handles should stay out of the appliance. If you do not want to ruin them, hand wash them.

As for delicate crystal heirlooms, they should be hand washed to prevent chipping. Remember that some lead crystals will become cloudy and pitted under harsh detergents. However, if you still want to use the dishwasher, use the top rack and place the glasses between the tines. This will help avoid damage and breakage.