8 Things You Absolutely Should Not Put in a Dishwasher (And Why)

Dishwashers are one of the most convenient kitchen appliances, but not everything is designed to withstand the combination of high heat, strong water pressure, and powerful detergents. Placing the wrong items inside can damage your cookware, ruin valuable kitchen tools, or even create safety hazards.

If you want your dishes—and your dishwasher—to last longer, here are eight items that are best washed by hand.

1. Crystal Glassware
Fine crystal is much more delicate than regular glass.

Repeated dishwasher cycles can cause:

Cloudiness
Scratches
Chipping
Cracks or even shattering
Wash crystal gently by hand with warm water and a mild dish soap.

2. Cast Iron Cookware
The dishwasher removes the seasoning that protects cast iron.

This can lead to:

Rust
Food sticking
Loss of the nonstick surface
Instead, wash with hot water, dry immediately, and apply a thin layer of cooking oil.

3. Sharp Kitchen Knives
Dishwashers can dull knife blades as they knock against other utensils.

Moisture can also damage handles, especially wooden ones.

Hand washing helps keep knives sharper and extends their lifespan.

4. Wooden Cutting Boards and Utensils