18 Things You Should Never Put in the Dishwasher (Even If You’re Tempted)
Wooden Utensils and Cutting Boards
Those natural oils in wood? The ones that keep it smooth and strong? Dishwasher detergent strips them away. What you’re left with is dry, brittle wood that can eventually crack.
Soaking can make it worse—causing warping, swelling, and other damage.
A quick hand wash followed by immediate drying is usually the better approach.
Kitchen Knives
Putting knives in the dishwasher is like tossing your phone into a washing machine and hoping for the best.
Three problems can happen all at once:
The blade dulls faster.
The handle, especially if it’s made of wood, can split.
You risk cutting yourself while unloading it.
A good knife deserves better. Wash it by hand—it takes only a few seconds.
Cast Iron Cookware
If you’ve ever seasoned a cast iron pan, you already know this one hurts.
Dishwashers can strip away that carefully built layer of seasoning. Without it, the pan may become more prone to rusting and sticking.
Even enameled cast iron may benefit from gentler care, so it’s often best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and hand wash when in doubt.
Some cookware may look sturdy enough for the dishwasher, but the next materials can suffer subtle damage over time.
