Your dishwasher is a handy helper in the kitchen, saving you from hours of painstakingly hand-washing dishes. But as nice as it is to rinse dishes and toss them in the dishwasher, this kitchen machine isn’t equipped to clean all types of items.
The heating element in modern dishwashers is located at the bottom. The high heat and pressure produced near the bottom rack can crack and melt certain types of cookware. While you should always check dishwasher symbols, avoid placing the following items on the bottom shelf.
Plastic Containers
Plastic containers are often constructed of very thin plastic. When placed on the dishwasher’s bottom rack, the high heat will melt the containers, leaving them useless and creating a potential mess. Check the bottom of your plastic containers to ensure they’re safe for the dishwasher. If so, place them on the top rack only where they’re not exposed to high levels of heat.
Insulated Water Bottles
Insulated water bottles like the Stanley and Hydrojug are better off hand-washed. However, if you must clean them in the dishwasher, place them on the top rack. These water bottles have an insulated airspace in their walls. High heat from the dishwasher can corrupt the insulated airspace and even lead to slight warping, making your water bottle no longer airtight.
Glass or Porcelain Cups and Mugs
Coffee mugs, wine glasses, and other glass or porcelain mugs and cups are top-rack safe only. Placed on the bottom, the high pressure can create small cracks, shatters, and leaky drinkware.
Fine China or Crystal
Fine China and crystal are delicate. It’s best to hand wash these items (especially if they’re sentimental or expensive pieces). If you don’t want to hand wash them, place them on your dishwasher’s top shelf and avoid using the heat drying setting.
Wooden Cutting Boards
Wooden cutting boards and utensils are porous, meaning they absorb moisture and can warp. High heat also causes them to expand and contract, leading to cracks and brittleness. Hand wash your wooden utensils and cutting boards. If you don’t want to hand wash them, place them on the top rack and avoid the heat dry setting.
Lightweight Plastic Bowls and Plates
Any lightweight or thin plastic dishware has an increased chance of melting on the bottom rack compared to other types. The plastic may also release harmful chemicals when exposed to extreme temperatures. Hand wash or top rack wash your thinner plastic bowls and plates.
Non-Stick Cookware
Unfortunately, when repeatedly exposed to high heat and pressure, non-stick cookware can lose its protective coating. While it’s fine to occasionally place these items on the bottom rack (granted, they’re marked dishwasher safe), you’re better off washing them on the top rack or hand washing them if you want your non-stick pots and pans to last for years.
Baby Bottles
Not all baby bottles are dishwasher-safe. Those that are dishwasher safe should go on the top rack. Like other types of plastic, baby bottles can melt or warp when too close to the dishwasher’s heating element. Consider investing in utensil baskets or bags that can sit on the top rack to hold your baby bottle nipples and rings while they’re being cleaned.
What To Keep Out of the Dishwasher Altogether
I use my dishwasher daily. It’s a fantastic tool for keeping the kitchen clean and making life easier. But not everything is dishwasher safe. Cast iron, sharp knives, aluminum pans, and jars will need to be hand-washed to preserve their longevity.
