Things That Shouldn't go into the Dishwasher - part 16

Sterling Silver Knives

Sterling silver flatware goes through a dishwasher just as well as stainless steel, with one exception: Many sterling silver knives have a hollow handle and the heat of the dishwasher can cause the glue that holds the blade to the handle to melt and separate. This happens whether the blade is sterling or stainless steel. Hand wash instead.

Comment:  Did not know this but I've always washed silver by hand and dried it immediately.

Things That Shouldn't go into the Dishwasher - part 15

Vintage China, Delicate Crystal and Repaired Items

For any glass or china heirlooms, skip the dishwasher and carefully hand wash. This is especially important for any item that has been repaired. The high heat and harsh detergents will cause the adhesives used to weaken and you may lose any small pieces.

Delicate crystal should be hand washed to prevent chipping. If you decide to use the dishwasher, use the top rack and place the glasses between the tines, not over them, to help avoid breakage. Remember, some lead crystal will become cloudy.

Comments:  Not guilty!  

Things That Shouldn't go into the Dishwasher - part 14

Gold Flatware and Metalic Trimmed China

While sterling silver flatware travels through a dishwasher well, gold-colored flatware will dull and discolor in the dishwasher due to the harsh detergent.

Porcelain and fine china are dishwasher safe unless they have metallic trim or images. The harsh detergent and the strong water action of the jets can cause the metallic work to flake away. With any delicate china, take care when loading so that pieces don't knock together and cause chipping.

Comment:  This is one that has to be washed with a soft touch no matter how you wash it.  

Things That Shouldn't go into the Dishwasher - part 13

Containers With Paper Labels

Along with your deli containers, you may also save glass food jars for storage. There's no problem with placing the jars in the dishwasher, IF you remove the paper labels first. If you don't, the paper and adhesive may come off and clog the dishwasher drain and food disposal system.

Extra tip: One of the best label/adhesive removers on the market is Un-Du with a built-in scraper. 

Comment:  Never heard of the Un-Du but sounds like something that might be worth checking into.  I have washed containers before but have had enough brain to soak the paper part in hot water to remove the label before going into the dishwasher.

Things That Shouldn't go into the Dishwasher - part 12

Thin Plastic Containers

If you save every butter tub and deli container to use for storage, be prepared to loose a few if you place them in the dishwasher. The high heat can cause them to melt or warp.

When you place them in the dishwasher, use the top rack only and skip the high heat drying cycle. Remove from the dishwasher to air dry.

Comment:  Learned my lesson the hard way with this one.  A lid got hot, crinkled up and ended up on the heating element of the dishwasher.  Never again.

Things That Shouldn't go into the Dishwasher - part 11

Printed or Hand Painted Glassware

The techniques for commercial printing on glassware have improved but they are not always infallible in the dishwasher. That harsh detergent and the force of the water spray can remove the paint in just one or two washes.

And what good is a glass measuring cup with no lines?

Comment:  I have noticed over the years that the markings eventually came off my measuring cup.

Things That Shouldn't go into the Dishwasher - part 10

Insulated Glasses, Tumblers and Thermal Containers

Plastic and metal insulated cups, tumblers and containers are great for keeping hot things hot and cold things cold. Most are constructed with two layers of material with an airspace between the two. It's that airspace that provides the insulation.

While some containers are labeled as dishwasher safe, many are not. It is best to hand wash both plastic and metal insulated containers. If you decide to place one in the dishwasher, opt for the top rack and skip the high heat of the drying cycle.

Comments:  I'm waiting on the list of what I CAN put in my dishwasher!

Things That Shouldn't go into the Dishwasher - part 9

Acrylic or Melamine Dishes

Lightweight, non-breakable acrylic or melamine dishware is very popular due to the bright colors and patterns. Unfortunately, the high water and drying temperatures and harsh dishwasher detergents can ruin the dishes. After several washings, especially for cheaper sets, there can be hairline cracks and loss of color and design.

If you love them and want them to last, hand wash.

Comment:  I've wasted a few of these dishes in the past.  Guess I now know why.

Things That Shouldn't go into the Dishwasher - part 8

Nonstick Pans

While many nonstick pans are labeled as dishwasher safe, the harsh detergents and excessively high drying temperatures can take a toll on the nonstick coating. If you choose to wash your pans in the dishwasher, skip the drying cycle and allow them to air dry.

At the first sign of damage to the surface, it's time for a new pan. When the nonstick surface is scratched, chipped or flaking, it can release dangerous toxins into the food.

Comment:  Guilty again.  Guess this is why I've gone through so many non-stick pots and pans.

Things That Shouldn't go into the Dishwasher - part 7

Pressure Cooker Lids

While a pressure cooker pot may go through a dishwasher cycle just fine, you should never put the pressure cooker lid in the dishwasher.

The lid contains the valves that control how well the cooker works. The action of a dishwasher can force small particles of food into the valves and vents and cause the cooker to malfunction (explode). The harsh chemicals can also damage the rubber or silicone seals of the lid.

Comment:  Not guilty.  I'm actually afraid of pressure cookers.

Things That Shouldn't go into the Dishwasher - part 6

Copper Pans and Mugs

Copper pans and mugs for Moscow Muels are classic and beautiful but require extra effort to keep them shiny and bright. Don't make the task any harder by putting them in the dishwasher. The harsh chemicals in dishwasher detergent will immediately dull the finish and can be corrosive and cause the copper to pit.

Pitting is not going to be removed even with the best copper cleaner and elbow grease.

Comment:  Whew!  I don't have copper so I don't have to worry about this one.

Things That Shouldn't go into the Dishwasher - part 5

Aluminum Pans and Cookware

If you've ever put a shiny disposable aluminum pie plate in the dishwasher, you've seen what happens. It turns dull and darkens. 

The same thing can happen to your aluminum pots, pans and baking sheets. If the aluminum has not been anodized, the harsh detergent can cause pitting and corrosion. You may also see white spots on the surface from the alkalinity of the dishwasher detergent. Even if the pan is labeled as "dishwasher safe," it's better to hand wash.

Comments:  Guilty again. I'm beginning to wonder if there is any need for a dishwasher!

Things That Shouldn't go into the Dishwasher - part 4

Cast Iron Cookware

Cast iron skillets and pans have been around for centuries and they can last nearly forever if they are cared for properly. To keep cast iron from rusting and food from sticking, it must be seasoned with oil. The oil penetrates the iron and leaves a near perfect cooking surface.

When the cast iron is placed in the dishwasher, the harsh detergent and excessive water strips away the oil and leaves the cast iron unusable. The seasoning process must be completely started over. 

Comment:  I knew this one.  I always wipe my cast iron pans out with a paper towel removing anything that might be left after making my bread and then lightly wipe it with oil.

Things That Shouldn't go into the Dishwasher - part 3

Graters and Sieves

Any kitchen tool with sharp edges should not be placed in the dishwasher. Graters and sieves can nick the plastic coating on the racks and rust will begin to form. 

And if you crowd items with small holes into the dishwasher, it is nearly impossible for the water stream to remove all of the food particles. Again, hand wash for best results.

Comments:  Guilty Again.  Never thought about them nicking my rack.  

Things That Shouldn't go into the Dishwasher - part 2

Kitchen Knives

Knives pack a triple no-no whammy in the dishwasher. First, the edges can nick the protective coating on racks and baskets causing rust to form. Secondly, those sharp edges are dangerous when unloading the dishwasher especially when kids are helping.

Finally, the harsh dishwasher detergent can dull edges and cause wooden handles to loosen and split. It's best to hand wash all types of kitchen knives.  

Comment:  I'm afraid I'm guilty of this.  I had no idea it would damage my knives.  Guess that's why I have to sharpen them so often.

I Didn't Know That - Knives

When I got married and started a kitchen I had no idea as to what to look for when buying knives.  After many years in the kitchen I still don't.  I either received a nice set of knives as a Christmas or Birthday gift or just picked up one here and there if I felt the need.  I do know what a paring knife is but as for some of the others I simply guess.  Call me a dumb blond but that has been my life with knives.

Now at 64 I've decided it's about time that I learn what some of these knives are really supposed to be used for.  To do this, I went searching and this is what I found.

The Bread Knife has an 8" blade that is serrated which allows you to easily cut through breads, bagels, tomatoes, cakes and other foods with tough exteriors and soft interiors.  (Didn't know about the tomatoes and cakes.  I've always used mine for bread only.)

The Chef's or Cook's Knife also has an 8" blade.  It's used to chop, dice and mince foods with the wedge-shape blade.  (This one I've seldom used because it's so big.  Guess I'll give it a try now that I really know what it's used for.)

The Paring Knife has a 3 or 4" blade.  This knife is comfortable to handle when peeling and cutting fruits and vegetables or other small items.  (This one I use constantly.  I actually use it in place of just about all of the other knives.)

The Utility Knife has a 6" blade that is thin making it easy to smoothly slice sandwiches and other soft foods such as fruit and cheese.  (Yep, you got it.  I've been using my Paring Knife for these tasks.)

The Carving Knife/Slicer has a 10" blade that is long and thin making it easy to slice cooked meats.  (Got this one right.  I actually use my Carving Knife to carve turkey, ham, etc.)

There are many more knives in various shapes and sizes but these are supposed to be the essential knives for all kitchens.