
Why You Might Want to Rethink Your Dishwashing Habits
The dishwasher is a beloved household appliance celebrated for liberating us from the toil of scrubbing pots and pans by hand. But as convenient as it is, there are some things that experts recommend keeping out of this kitchen marvel to avoid damaging both your items and the machine itself. Understanding which items to hand wash can extend the life of your kitchen tools and help maintain the efficiency of your dishwasher.
What Not to Put In Your Dishwasher
According to Larry Ciufo, head of dishwasher testing for Consumer Reports, items that shouldn't hit the dishwasher include:
- Nonstick Pans: Unless labeled as dishwasher safe, nonstick pans should be hand washed. The harsh environment of a dishwasher can erode the precious nonstick coating.
- Wooden Utensils: Wooden cutting boards and spoons absorb moisture, warping and cracking when subjected to the intense heat of a dishwasher. This not only ruins the utensils but can also harbor bacteria.
- Cast-Iron Cookware: Cast-iron skillets lose their seasoning (the magical layer that prevents sticking) when washed in the dishwasher, turning a perfectly good pan into a rusty disaster.
- Crystal: Elegant crystal dishes can suffer surface damage from dishwasher detergent and heat, leading to unsightly corrosion.
- Sharp Knives: Quality knives can be dulled and damaged by colliding with other cutlery during the wash cycle, even if they're labeled dishwasher safe.
Moreover, surprising items like fish and baseball caps should also be avoided. Yes, those baseball caps can become misshapen, and not to mention, the strong dishwasher detergent could ruin the fabric!
Making Your Kitchen More Friendly to Your Beloved Gadgets
While we solve many cleaning challenges with our dishwashers, there’s something satisfying about a good hand wash as well. Embracing the art of hand washing particular items can be seen as a quirky ritual in the cooking journey—ensuring your tools remain in top-notch shape while allowing you to take a mindful moment amidst the hustle of cooking.
Ultimately, knowing what to hand wash versus what can go in the dishwasher is not just a fun tip, but an essential practice that helps maintain the integrity of your kitchen tools. Remember, taking a few extra moments in the evening to gently scrub those pots and pans can lead to years of happy cooking ahead!
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