Whoever invented the dishwasher certainly made life a lot easier for parents and homeowners. Instead of watching the dishes pile up and dreading having to scrub them all, you're probably tempted to stick them in the dishwasher. There are a few things that should still be washed by hand though, as the dishwasher can cause more harm than good in some cases.
Wash your wood cutting by hand, then dry it immediately. If you have a unique or engraved board like the ones from Wood Cutting Board then you should avoid the dishwasher as it can change the texture and shape of the board as well as dull the finish on it.
Any cheese or food remnants stuck in the holes of the grater probably won't be removed in the dishwasher; it's better to give it a good scrub with a sponge.
Hand painted or vintage china can be delicate, to avoid chipping, dulling or ruining the paint then it's better to wash them by hand.
Labels can come off in the dishwasher and clog the filter, which can damage the machine. It's better to take off the labels before hand or to wash them by hand.
The shape of wooden utensils can become warped if placed in the dishwasher, which can make them useless.
The hot temperature of the dishwasher can chip and crack the crystal. It's also at risk of falling over or breaking if it's not placed securely.
The dishwasher can cause discolouration and corrosion.
Harsh stains or sticky ones such as egg yolk should be scrubbed off with a rough sponge and some hard work.
Gold plating is delicate and can wear off if placed in the dishwasher repeatedly.
If the vacuum between the outer and inner shell is filled with water, it can damage the mug and the insulation most likely won't work anymore.
The dishwasher can be harsh to copper pots and pans and cause them to dull and lose their bright shiny quality.
Wash your garlic press by hand to ensure that all the bits of garlic are scrubbed away, whereas the dishwasher won't clean it thoroughly enough.
To properly care for your pans, wash them with a soft sponge so they don't lose their non-stick quality.
Putting sharp knives in the dishwasher can dull them, so they lose their lustrous appeal.
Seasoning a cast iron skillet can take work, so wash it by hand as the dishwasher can corrode the seasoning and cause the skillet to rust.
Most cookware and dishes declare if they're dishwasher friendly on the label. So you'll know if it's safe or if it's better to wash it by hand and save yourself the heartache of damaged dishes. If your cutting board is outdated, visit our online store!