Are you destroying your cookware with these simple dishwasher blunders? Find out now!
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Ah, the dishwasher – a modern marvel that has saved countless hours in the kitchen and spared many of us from the drudgery of handwashing dishes. For many Australians over 60, the dishwasher is a household staple that offers convenience and efficiency. But, as wonderful as this appliance is, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution for cleaning all your kitchenware.
In fact, certain items should never see the inside of a dishwasher if you want to preserve their quality and extend their lifespan. Let's delve into the common dishwasher mistakes that could be ruining your beloved cookware, as highlighted by the professional organiser and home hacks guru Anita Birges.
Chef Knives
These culinary companions are often the pride of the kitchen, with some of us investing in high-quality chef knives that promise precision and longevity. However, the dishwasher is not the place for these sharp tools. The high water pressure and hot temperatures can dull the blades, leading to discolouration and rust. They can also damage the dishwasher shelves' plastic coating or pose a safety risk when unloading. To keep your chef knives in top condition, always hand wash and dry them immediately after use.
Anything Wooden
Wooden utensils, chopping boards, and servingware add a touch of rustic charm to any kitchen, but they're also vulnerable to the harsh environment of a dishwasher. The intense heat and moisture can cause wood to warp, splinter, and break. This not only ruins the aesthetic but also makes them less functional. To care for your wooden kitchen items, hand wash them with mild soap and water and dry them right away to maintain their integrity.
Resin Pieces
Resin kitchenware, with its unique designs and vibrant colours, can be a beautiful addition to your dining experience. However, the high heat of a dishwasher can soften and warp these items, leaving them misshapen and unusable. The best way to clean resin pieces is to gently hand wash them in warm, soapy water.
Metal Cookware
While stainless steel can generally withstand the dishwasher, other metals like cast iron and aluminium should avoid it at all costs. Dishwashing can strip away the seasoning on cast iron, destroying its nonstick properties and leading to rust. Aluminium, being highly reactive, can discolour and sustain damage from dishwasher detergents and temperatures. Preserve these items by hand washing and promptly drying them.
Natural Stone
Stone may seem indestructible, but when it comes to dishwashers, it's surprisingly delicate. The abrasive nature of dishwasher detergents can leave a residue on porous stone surfaces, such as granite or marble, and even etch and dull them. To keep your stone cookware looking pristine, stick to hand washing with gentle cleaners.
Despite these cautions, there's good news, too! There are items you might not have considered dishwasher-safe that can actually take the heat. According to Birges, your microwave turntable plate, fridge shelves, and rangehood filter can all be cleaned in the dishwasher, making maintenance of these often-overlooked items a breeze.
Remember, dear members, the key to preserving your cookware is knowing what can and cannot withstand the dishwasher's robust cleaning cycle. By avoiding these common blunders, you'll ensure that your kitchenware remains functional and beautiful for years to come.
Have you ever made the mistake of putting something in the dishwasher that you later regretted? Or do you have any dishwasher-safe tips to share with our community? We'd love to hear your experiences and advice in the comments below!
In fact, certain items should never see the inside of a dishwasher if you want to preserve their quality and extend their lifespan. Let's delve into the common dishwasher mistakes that could be ruining your beloved cookware, as highlighted by the professional organiser and home hacks guru Anita Birges.
Dishwashers can damage certain kitchen items due to high water pressure and hot temperatures. Credit: MEDITERRANEAN / iStock
Chef Knives
These culinary companions are often the pride of the kitchen, with some of us investing in high-quality chef knives that promise precision and longevity. However, the dishwasher is not the place for these sharp tools. The high water pressure and hot temperatures can dull the blades, leading to discolouration and rust. They can also damage the dishwasher shelves' plastic coating or pose a safety risk when unloading. To keep your chef knives in top condition, always hand wash and dry them immediately after use.
Anything Wooden
Wooden utensils, chopping boards, and servingware add a touch of rustic charm to any kitchen, but they're also vulnerable to the harsh environment of a dishwasher. The intense heat and moisture can cause wood to warp, splinter, and break. This not only ruins the aesthetic but also makes them less functional. To care for your wooden kitchen items, hand wash them with mild soap and water and dry them right away to maintain their integrity.
Resin Pieces
Resin kitchenware, with its unique designs and vibrant colours, can be a beautiful addition to your dining experience. However, the high heat of a dishwasher can soften and warp these items, leaving them misshapen and unusable. The best way to clean resin pieces is to gently hand wash them in warm, soapy water.
Metal Cookware
While stainless steel can generally withstand the dishwasher, other metals like cast iron and aluminium should avoid it at all costs. Dishwashing can strip away the seasoning on cast iron, destroying its nonstick properties and leading to rust. Aluminium, being highly reactive, can discolour and sustain damage from dishwasher detergents and temperatures. Preserve these items by hand washing and promptly drying them.
Natural Stone
Stone may seem indestructible, but when it comes to dishwashers, it's surprisingly delicate. The abrasive nature of dishwasher detergents can leave a residue on porous stone surfaces, such as granite or marble, and even etch and dull them. To keep your stone cookware looking pristine, stick to hand washing with gentle cleaners.
Despite these cautions, there's good news, too! There are items you might not have considered dishwasher-safe that can actually take the heat. According to Birges, your microwave turntable plate, fridge shelves, and rangehood filter can all be cleaned in the dishwasher, making maintenance of these often-overlooked items a breeze.
Remember, dear members, the key to preserving your cookware is knowing what can and cannot withstand the dishwasher's robust cleaning cycle. By avoiding these common blunders, you'll ensure that your kitchenware remains functional and beautiful for years to come.
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