At the end of a big meal there’s nothing better than being able to put all the dirty cutlery in the dishwasher.
At the press of a button, everything comes out clean and sparkling – even the grubbiest of dishes.
But you’ve likely been using the appliance wrong, it turns out.
Experts from Which? have compiled a list of unexpected items than you can and can’t put in the dishwasher.
They have revealed some common mistakes that could be ruining your items – and some surprising things you can safely put in.
‘Before you start throwing in anything and everything, there are certain items where handwashing is always best,’ Andrew Laughlin, principal researcher at the consumer brand said.
His tips can help ‘avoid having to replace items that aren’t dishwasher safe’.
So, are you guilty of the following errors?
Experts from Which? have compiled a list of unexpected items than you can and can’t put in the dishwasher (stock image)
Putting proper kitchen knives in the dishwasher can make them dull. Experts recommend washing them by hand to avoid having to sharpen them more often (stock image)
KITCHEN KNIVES
‘While steel and ceramic knives are safe in the dishwasher and won’t tarnish, the heat can make the blade more prone to dulling,’ he said.
‘It’s better to wash them by hand to avoid having to sharpen them more often – and it will ensure they last longer and stay in great condition.’
The same goes for blender blades, he explained, which can also dull over time and make your smoothies less smooth.
WOODEN SPOONS AND CHOPPING BOARDS
It may come as a surprise to some but anything wooden can’t go in the dishwasher, Mr Laughlin said.
‘Regardless of what type of wood it is, the high heat of a dishwasher will cause it to splinter and split, and any cracks are ideal breeding grounds for bacteria.’
He said wooden items should be washed by hand but not submerged in water for too long. Lingering odours or stains could be treated by sprinkling some salt onto the board and scrubbing with half a lemon.
It’s best to keep anything wooden out of the dishwasher, Mr Laughlin said, as the high heat will cause it to splinter and split (stock image)
Wooden items should be washed by hand but not submerged in water for too long, he recommended (stock image)
NON–STICK ANYTHING AND SOME BAKING TRAYS
Putting non–stick pans in the dishwasher can wear down the non–stick surface over time, he explained.
Instead, these should be washed and dried by hand.
While baking trays made of stainless steel or anodised aluminium are fine, cast iron or regular aluminium will need hand–washing.
CRYSTAL OR MILK GLASSES
Crystal can be expensive, and the best way to preserve it is by avoiding the dishwasher, Mr Laughlin said, adding: ‘If you’re adamant, choose a very mild detergent or look for one approved for crystal or cut–glass use.
‘Place the crystal in the top rack of the dishwasher and make sure that the glasses do not touch one another. Then use a delicate cycle, which washes at a lower temperature to protect items.’
Milk glass, meanwhile, can be chipped by knocking against other plates in the wash. Using the dishwasher might also cause it to turn slightly yellow over time.
Crystal can be expensive, and the best way to preserve it is by avoiding the dishwasher, Mr Laughlin said (stock image)
COPPER, ALUMINIUM OR CAST–IRON COOKWARE
If you want to keep your prized copper cookware shiny, it’s best to wash by hand as the harshness of the dishwasher can cause surfaces to dull.
Meanwhile, detergent can cause aluminium to tarnish and turn black.
‘If you’re not sure, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so keep your Le Creuset out of the dishwasher,’ Mr Laughlin said.
INSULATED COFFEE MUGS OR WATER BOTTLES
The vacuum seal – a very important part of insulated items – could be damaged in the dishwasher.
This could make insulation worse, preventing them from keeping your drinks hot or cool, or it could make them prone to leaking.
‘While some coffee cups and travel mugs can be popped into a dishwasher on the top shelf, others need to be washed by hand, so always check the packaging or the manufacturer’s website,’ he said.
The harshness of the dishwasher can cause surfaces of copper, aluminium or cast–iron cookware (like these Le Creuset dishes, pictured) to dull (stock image)
The vacuum seal on insulated coffee mugs could be damaged in the dishwasher, making them prone to leaking (stock image)
PRESSURE COOKER LIDS
Finally, while the actual pot of a pressure cooker can go in the dishwasher, a lid should always be hand washed.
‘The high heat and water jets could damage the seal mechanism, making the actual pressure part of your pressure cooker obsolete,’ he said.
‘It could even make using your pressure cooker dangerous if the safety mechanisms are faulty.’
Mr Laughlin also revealed a list of unusual items that can safely be put in the dishwasher, including make–up brushes, plastic hairbrushes, toothbrush holders and soap trays.
The dishwasher can also come in handy for cleaning vacuum cleaner attachments and refrigerator shelves and drawers.
Many baby items can also be cleaned in the dishwasher – and some models even come with high–heat programs specifically for this.
‘These programs are often promoted as leaving dishes germ–free or sterilised,’ he said.
While the actual pot of a pressure cooker can go in the dishwasher, a lid should always be hand washed (stock image)
‘However, we wouldn’t recommend that you rely on your dishwasher for sterilising items for very young babies.
‘Use an alternative method instead.’
Mr Laughlin has also previous shared advice on the correct way to stack a dishwasher.
This includes never rinsing the plates and placing the dirtiest dishes on the bottom rack.
Not overloading is also important, he said, to allow the water to circulate properly.
