With the ability to save us time and exertion, the dishwasher has developed into an essential appliance in numerous households. But despite its many advantages, there are several types of dishes your dishwasher simply can’t handle.
Below is a collection of items you should never put into your dishwasher to help you make sure your appliance continues to work properly.
- Dishes layered with food remains. Unfortunately, your dishwasher is not a garbage disposal, and can’t effectively break down the remains of a meal. While the water jets may break pieces of food down to some extent, these chunks can still block your drain line and result in a serious problem. Make sure you clear and scrape your dishes thoroughly before placing them in the dishwasher to prevent this issue from emerging. You should also refrain from putting oil-, fat-, and grease-covered dishes in your dish washer, as these substances can become solid again once they have made it into your pipes and cause blockages.
- Labels. Sometimes people forget to remove the adhesive labels that come attached to new plastic containers or dishes. But when these labels remain when they are put in the dishwasher, they are prone to losing their adhesive grip and generating a clog in your dishwasher’s drain or filter. Make a point to remove labels before you set new items in the dishwasher and begin a new cycle.
- Hollow plastic. If you have plasticware with hollow handles, putting them in the dishwasher can cause water to filter in and lead to mold development.
- Insulated travel mugs. Similarly to hollow plastic wear, water can infiltrate insulated mugs that aren’t dishwasher safe and result in mold growth.
- Wood. Putting wooden kitchenware, including wooden spoons, cutting boards and other items, in the dishwasher can cause them to swell and break. Instead, hand wash wooden kitchenware and dry them promptly to ensure they remain in good condition.
- Fine china and delicate dishes. When your dishwasher runs a cycle, items inside may bounce around and change positions, so it’s best to hand wash your delicate dishes and fine china carefully.