News

Jul 07, 2023

Things You Should Never Put in the Dishwasher

Can you put a stainless steel pot into a dishwasher? What about a nonstick pan?

Can you put a stainless steel pot into a dishwasher? What about a nonstick pan? This week I’m digging into the things you should definitely not put inside your dishwasher. Also in this issue: What to do when your tire-pressure warning light comes on, and does vodka get rid of smells in clothes?

THE BIG STORY:

My relationship with each household appliance is different. With the fridge, I feel a friendly familiarity, and with my microwave, a sort of unspoken camaraderie. I use both frequently, sometimes several times a day.

With dishwashers, there is a reverence. My family didn't own one until I was way older, and it has always seemed like a mysterious invention to me. Every time I’m using it, I’m worried about doing something wrong, specifically whether I’m putting in an item that I shouldn't. If you’ve ever had similar worries as me, here's what you should know.

The things you should not put in your dishwasher include …

Acrylic. Crazing (small cracks through the acrylic) might occur.

Brass, bronze, copper, and pewter. High temperature water and detergent can cause discoloration, says Larry Ciufo, who has tested hundreds of dishwashers over the past 20 years at CR.

Cast-iron cookware. You risk removing the seasoning—the baked-on oil in your pan that helps prevent food from sticking—which can cause the pan to rust.

Insulated mugs. Unless it's labeled as dishwasher-safe, water can get inside the seal between the inner and outer layers of the mug, which might affect the mug's ability to retain heat or keep drinks cold.

Nonstick pans. If the manufacturer doesn't say it's dishwasher-safe, avoid putting these in the dishwasher because it could wear away the coating, Larry says.

Sharp knives. Even if they’re labeled dishwasher-safe, you should wash them by hand because the knives can get dull after rubbing against other cutlery in the basket.

Tin. It will rust if washed in the dishwasher, so you should hand-wash and dry immediately.

Wood. Water and heat can result in your wooden salad bowls or cutting boards warping and cracking.

The things that are generally safe, but with caveats …

Aluminum. It's usually dishwasher-safe, but minerals in the water might cause spots or darkening. If you want to remove those, scour with a soap-filled steel wool pad.

China, crystal, and stoneware. It's mostly safe, but if the pieces are hand-painted or fragile, wash by hand. And if it has gold leaf, that might discolor or fade in the dishwasher, Larry says.

Glass. Milk glass material might yellow after repeated washings in the dishwasher.

Plastic. Plastic items vary in their ability to withstand heat and detergents, so check whether it's dishwasher-safe and make sure to place it on the top rack—away from the heating element—and don't select cycles that use higher wash or dry temperatures.

Stainless steel and silver. They’re generally safe, but make sure you run your rinse cycle if not washing immediately because prolonged contact with food might damage their finish.

Bonus link: This is how we test dishwashers to see how good they are at removing food.

PUBLIC FORUM

When we asked our Instagram followers in a poll whether they’ve ever put something in their dishwasher they shouldn't have, 77 percent of those who responded said yes.

Knives were frequently mentioned, as were insulated mugs. Several users also brought up what happened after they placed plastics that were not dishwasher-safe in for a wash: The plastics ended up shrunken, warped, and one plastic lid even melted(!).

QUIZ

Photo: Getty Images Photo: Getty Images

Which has a longer shelf life, ketchup or mustard?

(The answer's at the end of the newsletter.)

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BURNING QUESTION>

Question: Can you wash a cast-iron pan with soap?

Answer: If you have problems removing food stuck on the pan, it's okay to use a little dish soap and water. "Using a little soap won't remove the seasoning," says Tara Casaregola, who oversees CR's cookware tests.

And if that still doesn't work, add water to your pan and let it simmer for a minute or two. When it's cooled down a bit, scrape the pan with a spatula. Remember, whenever you wash your pan, you should let it dry completely to prevent it from rusting.

Bonus link: Here are the fastest ways to ruin your cast-iron pan.

Have a question you want to ask our experts? Let us know and your question will be featured in Smarter.

THE GOOD STUFF

Does vodka get rid of smells in clothes?

And as an extra tip, make sure you don't use too much detergent when washing your clothes.

QUIZ ANSWER

The answer is mustard. The shelf life of mustard opened and refrigerated is 1 year—similar to jam and jelly—compared with ketchup, which is 6 months. If you want to keep your condiments fresh, follow our tips on making them last longer.

"Controversial opinion: Ketchup is overrated."

Pang-Chieh Ho

I'm a newsletter writer who likes looking into the different ways we can live smarter. The topics I cover typically explore unanswered questions we have about the products we use every day and bridge the gaps between what owners' manuals advise and what we actually do. In my spare time, I like to take photos, critique movies out loud while I watch (at home!), and take care of my ever-increasing plant "children."