5 Things You Should Never Put in a Dishwasher

Reader Comments

Back to blog

WITH MY MOTHER(GLOIA SELS) SHE NEVER PUTS ANY THING IN HERDISH WASHER ATLL EXCEPT FOR PLASTIC BOWLS OR DULL KNIFS OR EVEN SPOONS AND DULL NIFES OR ANYTHING ELSE THAT HE HAS INCHER DISHWASHER FROM WENDYSELLS

WENDY LOUISE SELLS of CA 2:36AM January 24, 2013

Never put china in, not matter what the product says. Stainless steel and aluminum bowls will also have a dull finish over time, so do those by hand. No crystal, wood, pots and pans.

Robert of CA 1:22AM July 07, 2011

I have tried to find evidence to back my feelings up regarding the health concerns I have when my mother puts these things in the dish washer:

Plastic Aquarium plants and aquarium parts

filthy dust pans

filthy floor vents

My mother is in her late 60's and puts those items in the dish washer WITH the dishes!! I think it is nasty and could probably cause the dishes to become contaminated and in turn, create sickness and health problems for those who eat off of the dishes and utensils that she washes them with! I have tried to find info to back my thoughts, but as of right now she thinks I'm being dramatic and OCD. If anyone has info that confirms my thoughts please let me know.

Emily of VA 11:02AM May 19, 2011

babies

Pets

The Television

Important documents written on rice paper

Jed 11:03AM October 17, 2010

Add to the list Sterling Silver of any type. I don't know if it's the harsh soap, or the heat, or the mechanics of the dishwasher or some combination thereof, that causes damage. But after only a few washes, the silver will become sort of dull and appear to have a light grayish coating. When I was younger, I did this and it took me many hand polishings to get the flatware back to a reasonably deep shine appearance, never completely back to normal.

Millie of TX 11:09AM July 27, 2010

It is not necessarily the dishwasher that causes the problem, it is the detergent. It can cause pits in some knives, pans and glasses.

You might want to read the article again. You wouldn't believe how many people do not read the bottom of a pan before they put it in the dishwasher.

DUH aka Anna, I'm glad at 18 you are so smart and can actually use a dishwasher. I'm sure you will get far in this world.

Farfalla of CA 8:09PM July 22, 2010

First off I am eighteen, and I know better than to put a cast-iron pan, or skillet in the dishwasher. Half the stuff you say not to be put in the dishwasher says on the bottom or the label NOT TO PUT IN DISHWASHER OR MICORWAVE. As well, many things like the bigger fancier knifes should always be put on the top rack. Anything that is hand painted or blown should not be but under the heat cycle, believe it or not you can shut off the heat. DUH!

Anna of NC 7:26PM July 22, 2010

So basically you shouldn't use your dish washer to wash dishes? Plates and forks only. What's the point in even having one then.

Turtle of TX 2:35PM July 22, 2010

If I can't put it in the dishwasher, I don't want them anyway. I'm with MDH. If the pot falls apart in the dishwasher, it'll fall apart anyway.

A few years ago (okay alot of years ago), I bought some so-called top-of-the-line pots and pans from Macy's in Atlanta. They had a lifetime guarantee and were certified to go in the dishwasher. After a couple of washes, the non-stick coating came off the bottom so I took it back to Macy's and they replaced it.

Shortly afterward, we moved to a house without a dishwasher. Same thing happened. The non-stick coating came off even though no dishwasher!.

As a side note, those pots and pans came highly recommended from Consumer Reports. Just goes to show how useful those are. A few years later, the company went out of business so I guess my lifetime guarantee was not really for anybody's lifetime. Certainly not mine.

To heck with it, I say. Life is short. Put anything you want in the dishwasher.

Marjory of FL 8:21AM July 22, 2010

Knives, unless specifically instructed by the manufacturer (e.g. Global) can be put in the dishwasher. You do need to be careful about them smacking against other metals, but after cutting up poultry, throw those Henkels, Wusthofs, etc. in the dishwasher with light detergent to sanitize.

Pans, yes cheap pans will fall apart, but you won't have this problem if you didn't buy them at your local supermarket or dollar store. Even the "cheapo" Food Network brand pans can withstand hundreds of cycles in the hight them scour.

Wood, common sense, oh, no paper plates either, duh.

Rookie story likely sourced from uncredited internet sources (not experience).

MDH of WI 11:19PM July 21, 2010

Add Your Thoughts
Your comment will be posted immediately, unless it is spam or contains profanity. For more information, please see our Comments FAQ.

Back to blog

My Money

Get personal finance advice from the voices behind the top money blogs, including Wise Bread, Bargaineering, Money Crashers, Nerd Wallet, The Dollar Stretcher, 20s Finances, My Bank Tracker, Card Hub, The Dough Roller, Rather-Be-Shopping and Money Smart Life

advertisement

Slide Shows

Best-Sellers to Help Your 2013 Finances

Seeking advice? Check out these acclaimed financial books.

10 Warning Signs of Identity Theft

About 10 million Americans fall victim each year.

Items You Should Buy Online

Skip the store to save money and time.

Latest Video

advertisement