Here we walk you through 18 items you should not put in the dishwasher.

If you do choose to slip them,opt for the top rackand be prepared to accept your mistakes!

When those oils are stripped, the wood will begin to crack.

Dishwasher racks filled with pots, cups, plates and utensils

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Wooden items should be hand washed quickly with a mild detergent in warm water.

Do not allow them to soak because that can cause the wood to swell and distort.

Kitchen Knives

Knives pack a triple no-no whammy in the dishwasher.

Wooden spoons, spatula and cutting board not placed in dishwasher

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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.

Large cutting and kitchen knives not placed in dishwasher

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It’s best to hand wash all types of kitchen knives.

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.

Stainless steel cheese grater and small sieve not placed in dishwasher

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Again, hand wash for best results.

To keep cast iron fromrustingand food from sticking, it must be seasoned with oil.

The oil penetrates the iron and leaves a near perfect cooking surface.

Cast iron pots stacked and not placed in dishwasher

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The seasoning process must be completely started over.

This applies to cast iron pots and pans that have outer enamel coatings, as well.

Use some old-fashioned elbow grease instead.

Aluminum pans

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It turns dull and darkens.

The same thing can happen to youraluminum pots, pans, and baking sheets.

If the aluminum has not been anodized, the harsh detergent can cause pitting and corrosion.

Pair of copper mugs not placed in dishwasher

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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.

Spread the paste over the pot and use some elbow greaseand remember to hand wash next time!

a pressure cooker lid

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Don’t make the task any harder by putting them in the dishwasher.

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

The lid contains the valves that control how well the cooker works.

Pouring eating oil in frying pan

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The harsh chemicals can also damage the rubber or silicone seals of the lid.

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.

Purple ceramic pot with lid not placed in dishwasher

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Ceramic Pans and Cookware

Ceramic pans and cookwareare popular for their non-stick cooking surface.

A ceramic coating can be applied tocast iron, aluminum,copper, or stainless steel.

Alwayshand wash ceramic cookware.

plastic dishes and spoon

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Dishwasher detergents can contain bleach and citric acids that are too harsh for the finish.

Unfortunately, the high water and drying temperatures and harsh dishwasher detergents can ruin the dishes.

Most are constructed with two layers of material with an airspace between the two.

Thermal glasses

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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.

Printed glassware and measuring cups not placed in dishwasher

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Use a soft brush or cloth to apply the paste and then “scrub” gently.

Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth.

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

Thin plastic containers with red lids not placed in dishwasher

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The high heat can cause them to melt or warp.

Remove from the dishwasher to air dry.

There’s no problem with placing the jars in the dishwasher if you remove the paper labels first.

a selection of herb and spice jars

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

Porcelain and fine china are dishwasher safe unless they havegold metallic trimor images.

Theharsh detergentand the strong water action of the jets can cause the metallic work to flake away.

Gold china and flatware

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With any delicate china, take care when loading so that pieces don’t knock together and cause chipping.

This is especially important for any item that has been repaired.

Delicate crystal should be hand washed to prevent chipping.

Vintage china cups and saucers not placed in dishwasher

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Remember, some lead crystal will become cloudy and pitted after being etched by the harsh detergents.

This happens whether the blade is sterling orstainless steel.

Sterling Silver

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milk glass bowl and mug

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