A dishwasher is an excellent household assistant that will help you deal with washing dishes without spending extra time and effort. But we should not forget that you should not neglect the operating rules of this equipment, as this can lead to its breakdown. This article will tell you what should not be washed in the dishwasher.
What dishes are exposed to in the dishwasher
To answer this question, it is necessary to understand the operating features of this category of household appliances. The following can be distinguished from them:
- high water temperature;
- exposure to cleaning chemicals;
- prolonged contact of dishes with water;
- drying dishes with hot air.
All these factors do not have a negative impact on the condition and service life of the cookware, because it can easily withstand the effects of all of the listed properties (if it has an appropriate sign allowing such a method).
To use a dishwasher, you must purchase special dishwashing detergents. They differ in their release form into tablets, powders and gels.
They include the following components:
- Phosphates (they are necessary to soften the water).
- Alkalies (dissolve grease and dirt).
- Chlorine-containing composition (this is what helps to cope with complex contaminants).
What dishes can be washed in the dishwasher?
Most dishes are dishwasher safe. This list includes:
- products made from reusable food plastic;
- enamel-coated objects;
- stainless steel;
- high temperature resistant silicone;
- cupronickel;
- glass;
- ceramics (but not if the pattern is applied to a fired surface - cracks are likely to appear).
What is not dishwasher safe
Despite the fact that the dishwasher does an excellent job of cleaning most dishes, there are some that are strictly prohibited from being washed in this way.
Wooden and cast iron objects
Many of us remember cast iron skillets from our childhood. They were highly valued for their strength and durability. This frying pan served for many years, passing from generation to generation. However, washing cast iron items in the dishwasher is a bad idea. Even if such an experiment is successful the first time, then unpleasant consequences will inevitably occur. The fact is that cast iron will inevitably lose its appearance due to corrosion. In addition, there is a high probability that cracks will appear on such a frying pan due to sudden temperature changes and exposure to harsh chemicals.
As for kitchen utensils made of wood, it is recommended to give preference to the usual option of washing by hand. The fact is that prolonged contact with hot water leads to swelling of the wood. In addition, dishwasher detergents are quite concentrated and have an aggressive effect, which very quickly destroys the oil or varnish layer applied to a wooden object for protection. A few more unpleasant consequences are deformation, cracks and scratches. That is why it is best to wash various wooden boards, spatulas, cups by hand with a sponge - this way they will last much longer, maintaining their ideal appearance.
Aluminum, copper and silver dishes
Aluminum, copper and silverware are not dishwasher safe.
Aluminum products that have been washed in this way inevitably become covered with a white coating. In addition, there is another danger: such dishes are very light in weight, which does not allow them to be securely fixed in the compartment. As the dishwasher operates, it may hit nearby objects, leaving scratches or even chips on them.
Silver dishes do not like exposure to steam and high temperatures - this causes them to darken. It is possible to correct this defect, but is it worth spending extra time and effort on this if it is easier to avoid this problem?
Copper utensils are also extremely unstable to extremely high temperatures. Contact with chemical detergents will cause a green tint to appear, which will be very difficult to clean.Therefore, it is strictly not recommended to wash copper products in the dishwasher; it is more advisable to do it manually.
Thermoses and thermal mugs
These items will be very useful if you are planning a long trip or an outing. No matter how high-quality and durable thermal mugs or thermoses may seem at first glance, you should not risk washing them in the dishwasher. Here a lot depends on what material they were made from. For example, if there is an aluminum or copper container inside a plastic case, then washing it in a dishwasher can leave an unpleasant residue on it.
In addition, in many instructions, manufacturers directly warn that washing the product is only possible by hand, otherwise it may lose its functionality - if it gets wet for a long time, the thermal insulation material will deteriorate. The right decision would be to avoid the risk by washing the thermos or thermal mug as recommended in the instructions for its use. But there are models of thermal mugs and thermoses that can be washed in the dishwasher. Usually they have a special sign on them, which guarantees that these items will not be damaged or lose their functions when washed in the dishwasher.
Crystal and porcelain dishes
Porcelain is known not only for its beauty, but also for its delicacy. Many housewives know how carefully and carefully they need to handle such dishes, because they are so easy to spoil or damage. Hot water and exposure to chemicals can destroy your favorite set, damage its design or leave cracks. Dishes made from fine porcelain are used on special occasions.
As a rule, it is inherited by the next generation. That is why you should treat it with care and not be lazy; it is better to spend an extra couple of minutes washing each item by hand, drying it on a towel.
Crystal is not only stunningly beautiful and elegant, but also extremely fragile. It will hardly be able to withstand a sharp change in temperature and strong household chemicals without loss, while maintaining its original and impeccable appearance. Most likely, your first attempt to wash your crystal in the dishwasher will result in a lot of scratches. If you value crystal dishes, then you should not treat them so indifferently and irresponsibly. In addition, here it is recommended to think about your dishwasher, because improper handling can lead to its failure.
Dishes with decorative elements
Modern technologies make it possible to make dishes almost a work of art. Decoration with three-dimensional figures, color change upon contact with hot water, a mechanism built into the mug for stirring sugar - these are the things that can be found and bought today. Handmade dishes using polymer clay for decoration are very popular. Such dishes must be treated very carefully, making the washing process as delicate as possible.
For example, exposure to hot water and household chemicals can permanently ruin hand-painted dishes. You shouldn’t try such experiments on expensive things - it’s better to wash them with your hands than to regret a rash action later.
Knives, strainers and garlic presses
A garlic press (also called a “garlic press”) is an indispensable kitchen item for any housewife.It will help save time if you want to chop the garlic as finely as possible. Using a garlic press, this can be done in just a couple of seconds: simply, quickly and without any extra effort. The only downside to this kitchen appliance is that it is very difficult to clean due to the many small holes. But don’t be fooled by hoping that a dishwasher can handle this task.
This item should be cleaned exclusively by hand; this is the only way to achieve an ideal result. Don’t forget the fact that this item is usually made of aluminum. This metal is extremely susceptible to high temperatures, which leads to darkening and the appearance of an unpleasant coating. In addition, a stream of water will not be able to clear the remaining garlic clogged in the holes. In any case, this will have to be done manually.
Each dishwasher manual contains comments on how to achieve the best possible dishwashing. For example, there is a special compartment for cutlery. However, not all of them are dishwasher safe. It is not recommended to wash knives with plastic or wooden handles. The impact of high temperature on wood can lead to its destruction or loss of quality (the handle will swell and become covered with cracks). Plastic may become deformed or split into several parts. In addition, prolonged exposure to hot water will have a negative impact on the sharpness of the knife blade. This rule especially applies to ceramic knives: when washed in the dishwasher, they will very quickly lose their cutting properties and acquire many cracks.
Strainers are another kitchen item that should not go in the dishwasher. Most likely, the very first such attempt will lead to the appearance of gaps in the grid. In addition, the handle may be damaged: they are usually made of plastic or wood. Both materials are not suitable for regular dishwasher cleaning.
Non-stick frying pans
Manufacturers of non-stick frying pans warn that their operation should be extremely careful and gentle. The fact is that the Teflon layer is quite easy to damage - it does not tolerate the effects of abrasive substances or rough brushes (metal sponges or brushes can not only scratch, but erase the entire layer).
This frying pan can only be washed with a soft sponge. The choice should be given to the detergent that has a gel consistency. It should be remembered that a dishwasher can very quickly destroy the non-stick coating, ruining the frying pan. Therefore, it is recommended to wash this type of cookware by hand, following the manufacturer’s advice. This way, pans with a non-stick layer will last much longer.
Cracked and glued dishes
You should not try to wash dishes in the dishwasher that have been glued together or have cracks. Exposure to hot water, steam and household chemicals can worsen the situation: the crack will inevitably increase.
The glued part may fall off - the glue will not withstand such impact.
Moreover, as a result of this, other items in the dishwasher may also be damaged: broken pieces of dishes may fall and damage other items.In addition, collecting the fragments later will be traumatic and very difficult. That is why you should abandon this idea.
Pet bowls
It is quite possible that a situation may arise when it begins to spread across the inner surface of the dishwasher, transferring to the dishes. You should not endanger your own health and the health of other family members; it is better to wash your pet’s dishes separately, using special products. The main condition: you need to thoroughly rinse your pet’s cups so as not to leave traces of household chemicals on them. This can negatively affect the well-being and health of your pet.
Basic rules for using a dishwasher
In order for your dishwasher to serve for a long time, you should follow a number of rules to avoid breakdowns:
- The correct mode must be selected. If the tablets, gel or powder are selected in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, you will not have to replace damaged parts or additionally wash the dishes by hand.
- Load dishes into the appropriate sections. They were not invented by chance. Following the recommendations allows you to avoid creating obstacles to water jets. This will ensure quality washing.
- Use only products that are designed for the dishwasher. Using regular dishwashing detergent can damage several of its parts at once. Don't save money - repairs will cost much more.
- Don't forget the rinse aid. It helps to rinse the product off the dishes completely, without leaving any marks or streaks.
- Clean the filter in a timely manner to remove waste. This is an important rule that absolutely cannot be neglected. Otherwise, serious damage may occur. In some cases, a clogged drain may leak, which can cause flooding to neighbors.
- Do not wash dishes and kitchen items in the dishwasher that are not intended for this purpose. This could ruin them. In addition, you will have to spend a lot of time and effort to eliminate the unpleasant consequences. The right decision would be to strictly follow the instructions - this will help maintain the ideal performance of the dishwasher and keep dishes and other kitchen items in perfect condition.
What happens if you break the dishwashing rules?
By purchasing a dishwasher, each of us expects to save time and effort that we have to spend on washing dishes every day. However, if you do not follow the operating rules of this equipment, you can cause its breakdown very quickly. This will entail new expenses and loss of time. Therefore, dishwasher manufacturers strongly recommend listening to the recommendations in the instructions.
One of them is that you need to load your dishwasher correctly. It is prohibited to leave large amounts of food residue on the dishes; they must be thrown away. If this is not done, sooner or later the drain in the washing mashine will clog.In addition, another problem may occur, which will be much more difficult to eliminate. We are talking about damage to the pump that is responsible for supplying water.
It is very important not to open the machine until it has completed the dish drying cycle. It is best to wait until the work is completely completed so as not to reset the settings.
The next rule concerns water and household chemicals used. They should be selected in accordance with the recommendations given in the instructions. As for water, you need to know its characteristics. A product suitable for soft water will cope less well with contaminants if the water in the house is hard and vice versa.
Conclusion
A dishwasher can significantly reduce the time spent on cleaning. At the same time, its use helps to save on water, the consumption of which is reduced significantly. By following simple rules, you can save yourself from this daily household chore for a long time, giving yourself additional time for relaxation and hobbies. Do not forget that proper operation is the key to long-term use of the dishwasher.
