
If It Fits, It Washes… Right?
We’ve all been there.
You’re loading the dishwasher, and suddenly you’re holding something that makes you pause. A wooden spoon? Grandma’s fancy wine glass? That questionable knife with the “hand wash only” tag that you conveniently ignore?
And the little voice in your head asks:
“Can this go in the dishwasher… or am I about to ruin something expensive?”
Good question. Because while the dishwasher feels like it can clean anything, the truth is—some items just don’t belong in there.
Let’s break it down. By the end of this, you’ll know exactly what to keep out of the dishwasher (and why), and your future self (and your cookware) will thank you.
1. Wooden Utensils & Cutting Boards: Nature Doesn’t Like the Heat
Imagine this… You put your beautiful wooden spoon in the dishwasher. It comes out cracked, warped, or fuzzy around the edges like it aged 40 years in one cycle.
Yeah—wood and dishwashers don’t mix.
Why?
- The heat dries out the wood.
- Moisture can cause it to swell, split, or warp.
- Over time, wood may even splinter or get rough to the touch.
Keep out:
- Wooden spoons
- Bamboo cutting boards
- Wooden salad bowls or utensils
Instead, hand wash them with warm soapy water, rinse, and let them air dry. Your wooden tools will live much longer—and look better, too.
2. Cast Iron & Carbon Steel: Dishwasher = Rust Factory
If you love your cast iron skillet, step away from the dishwasher.
Here’s why it’s a big no-no:
- Cast iron needs seasoning (that protective oily layer you build over time). Dishwasher detergent strips it off.
- Water exposure = rust city.
Same goes for carbon steel knives or pans—they’ll rust, discolor, and lose their edge.
So how should you clean them?
Wipe with a paper towel or rinse briefly with warm water and scrub with coarse salt if needed. Dry immediately. Done.
3. Sharp Knives: The Fastest Way to Dull a Blade
Yes, your dishwasher can physically wash your knives.
But should you?
Absolutely not.
Why?
- Dishwasher detergent is abrasive—it dulls the blade fast.
- The motion and heat can loosen the handle over time.
- It’s not great for safety either (hello, hidden sharp objects when unloading).
Bottom line: Keep your sharp knives out of the dishwasher. Wash them by hand. Dry them right away. They’ll stay sharper, longer—and so will your cooking skills.
4. Crystal, China & Hand-Painted Dishes: Too Delicate to Risk
That gorgeous wine glass or heirloom teacup? Don’t trust your dishwasher with it.
Why not?
- The intense heat can crack or weaken delicate materials.
- Dishwasher jets can knock them around or chip the edges.
- Hand-painted or gold-trimmed items? That detailing can fade, flake, or disappear entirely.
So unless you’re cool with your fancy dinnerware looking like it’s been through a bar brawl, hand wash the good stuff.
5. Anything with Adhesive Labels: You’ll Regret It Later
This one’s simple. Ever put a jar or container with a label in the dishwasher, thinking, “Eh, it’ll come off…”?
It comes off, alright—in tiny, gluey shreds that clog your filter.
If you need to wash something sticky-labeled, peel it off first. Or at least give it a soak and scrape. Future-you will thank you when you’re not pulling soggy paper out of your dishwasher drain.
6. Certain Plastics: Not All Are Created Equal
You’d think plastic would be safe, but here’s the deal:
- Some plastics can warp or melt under high heat (especially on the bottom rack).
- Others can leach chemicals if they’re not marked dishwasher-safe.
- Lightweight containers may flip during the wash and fill with gross water.
Check for the dishwasher-safe label—and when in doubt, hand wash or use the top rack only.
Especially be careful with baby bottles, food storage containers, or older plastic items. Safety first.
Bonus Round: Other Things to Keep Out
Just for good measure, here’s a quick lightning round of dishwasher don’ts:
Aluminum pans – can discolor or darken
Nonstick pans – harsh detergent breaks down the coating
Graters or garlic presses – bits get stuck and don’t clean well
Insulated mugs or bottles – hot water can mess with the seal
Items with electronic parts – self-explanatory (please don’t try)
When in Doubt, Keep It Out
Look—we get it. The dishwasher is a magical time-saving machine. But not everything belongs inside it.
If you’re ever unsure, here’s a good rule of thumb:
If it’s delicate, coated, sharp, wooden, or handmade—it’s probably a hand-wash kind of item.
Taking a few minutes to wash these special pieces by hand can save you from damaged cookware, ruined knives, or dish disasters.
So next time you’re loading the dishwasher and you hesitate? Trust your gut. Hand wash it.