What You Can (and Can’t) Put in Your Dishwasher

When it comes to doing the dishes, the dishwasher feels like a magical time-saving machine. You load it up, push a button, and voilà—sparkling clean dishes emerge. But not everything in your kitchen is as thrilled about being tossed in with the pots and pans! Understanding what’s dishwasher safe and what’s best left to a hand wash only approach will save you from heartbreak (and possibly some shattered crockery).

Let’s take a closer look at what your dishwasher loves, what it tolerates, and what it downright despises, along with some handy dishwasher best practices to keep things running smoothly.

What Can Go in the Dishwasher?

First things first, the good stuff! Here’s a list of common kitchen items that thrive in the steamy, soapy environment of your dishwasher.

1. Plates, Bowls, and Everyday Glasses

Most standard dinnerware is designed to be dishwasher-friendly. Look for labels or markings on the bottom that explicitly say “dishwasher safe.”

Pro Tip:

Load dishes facing the centre for optimal cleaning. Think of it as chore choreography—when everything faces the spray arm, it all gets its chance to shine.

2. Cutlery (Mostly)

Stainless steel knives, forks, and spoons are dishwasher-approved friends. Place them in the cutlery basket, ideally with handles facing down (except knives which should go handle-up for safety).

Exceptions:

• Silver-plated cutlery can tarnish or lose its shine. These work better with a gentler hand wash.
• Fancy gold-accented cutlery? Keep it out—your dishwasher’s hot water will strip that gold faster than you can say, “Oops.”

3. Kitchen Utensils (Plastic and Silicone)

Cooking spatulas, whisks, and ladles made of hard plastic or silicone are generally safe unless labelled otherwise.

Pro Tip:

Place these on the top rack to avoid accidental warping or melting from proximity to the heating element. Nobody wants a droopy spaghetti spoon!

4. Dishwasher-Safe Plastics

Look for items with a “dishwasher safe” label or symbol on the bottom. These are typically heat-resistant and sturdy enough to handle a wash cycle.

Caution:

Even “dishwasher safe” plastics should be top-rack only—down below, they risk turning into modern art sculptures.

5. Bakeware (Metal and Some Glass)

Non-stick metal bakeware can often go into the dishwasher safely. Tough glass brands like Pyrex also hold up well to the heat and jets.

Pro Tip:

If you’ve got baked-on lasagna or brownie residue, give stubborn pans a pre-soak to avoid overworking your dishwasher.

What Can’t Go in the Dishwasher?

Sadly, not everything shares your dishwasher enthusiasm. Here are items that are better served by some good old-fashioned elbow grease.

1. Wooden Items

Wooden cutting boards, spoons, and salad bowls should never see the inside of a dishwasher. The heat and water can warp and crack them, and over time, they’ll lose their quality.

Tip:

Hand wash with mild soap and dry immediately to keep them in top-notch shape.

2. Sharp Knives

This may come as a surprise, but putting your chef’s knife in the dishwasher is a no-go. The intense heat dulls the blade faster, and the detergents can corrode the metal over time.

Tip:

Rinse and hand wash sharp knives right after use, and wipe them dry. Your cutting skills (and fingers) will thank you.

3. Copper and Non-Stick Cookware

Copper pots and pans will lose their beautiful shine in the dishwasher, while non-stick pans risk losing their coating (and their magic touch).

Tip:

Treat both with delicate care—a soft sponge, a touch of soap, and a loving hand wash will work wonders.

4. Crystal and Delicate Glassware

Grandma’s heirloom crystal is best admired from afar—dishwasher jets can spell disaster for fragile pieces.

Tip:

Hand wash delicate items using warm, soapy water and a soft cloth to avoid damage or scratches.

5. Anything with Adhesive Labels

Jars and bottles with sticky labels should steer clear. The labels can come loose, clogging the dishwasher filter in the process.

Tip:

Peel off labels before loading or better yet, soak them in warm water and scrub off the residue manually.

Dishwasher Best Practices

Now that we’ve covered the dos and don’ts, here are some simple dishwasher best practices to keep your machine running smoothly and your dishes sparkling clean.

1. Don’t Overload the Dishwasher

It’s tempting to cram in every last plate from dinner, but overcrowding prevents proper water circulation. Pace yourself—it’s not a dishwashing sprint.

2. Scrape, Don’t Rinse

Contrary to popular belief, pre-rinsing isn’t necessary for most modern dishwashers. Give plates a quick scrape—those jets of water can handle the rest!

3. Keep the Filter Clean

A clogged dishwasher filter is your worst enemy. Remove and rinse the filter at least once a month to maintain efficiency.

4. Use the Right Detergent

Stick with dishwasher-specific detergent. Using dish soap might seem like a harmless substitution, but trust us—foamy floods of bubbles on your kitchen floor are not a vibe.

5. Run Hot Water Before Starting a Cycle

Turn on the kitchen tap and run hot water for a few seconds before starting your dishwasher. This ensures the cycle begins with water at the ideal temperature for efficient cleaning.

Safeguard Your Kitchen and Your Dishes

Your dishwasher is an amazing tool, but it’s no universal solution. By understanding what’s dishwasher safe versus hand wash only, you can extend the life of your kitchenware and get spotless results every time.

Keep these tips close to your dishwashing station for reference—they’ll save you stress and maybe even a little heartbreak over accidentally-ruined items.

Feeling inspired to tackle your dishwasher woes? Test out these tips and see the difference good dishwashing practices can make. Your plates, pans, and wine glasses will thank you!