If you own a dishwasher, you probably rely on it heavily to keep your kitchen tidy. While these appliances do a wonderful job cleaning most dishes and cookware, they are not suited for all items. If you want to avoid unnecessary dishwasher repairs, skip putting the following items in your machine. 

5 Items to Wash by Hand to Prevent Dishwasher Repairs

1. Cast-Iron

Putting cast-iron cookware in the dishwasher will cause the pans to rust and strip them of their seasoning. Instead, scrub the pan immediately after cooking with a stiff brush, coarse salt, and water. Once free from food, wipe it off with a paper towel and place in the oven on low heat to fully dry.

2. Knives

To keep your knives sharp, always wash them by hand. When these utensils are put in the dishwasher, they bang against other items, which can dull their blades. High temperatures and dish detergent can also produce an abrasive effect that can wear the metal.

3. Wooden Utensils & Cutting Boards

Wooden tools are wonderful helpers in the kitchen but if you want them to last a while, keep them out of the dishwasher. The high heat inside the appliance can cause mixing spoons and spatulas to warp and loose their shape. It can also dull the finish on your chopping boards. 

4. Bottles With Paper Labels

If you like to recycle glass bottles and jars, remove the labels before washing them in your dishwasher. If you don’t, the paper might become lodged in the filter. This component prevents food and other scraps from entering the pipes; if debris makes it through, the drain hose or sewer line can become clogged, requiring you to call a dishwasher repair technician.

5. Aluminum & Copper Cookware

Although you can put your aluminum or copper cookware in the machine, it might not come out looking the same. High heat and soap can cause aluminum to oxidize and lose its shiny finish. As for copper, the high temperatures can degrade the cookware and cause it to tarnish much quicker than if you’d washed it by hand. 

 

If you’re experiencing dishwater problems, contact our team at MB Appliance in Lahaina, HI. Since 1990, we’ve provided first-rate residential appliance maintenance, installation, and repair services to residents across Maui. We work on all major brands and offer a prompt response for all unexpected breakdowns. Call us today at (808) 669-6860 or visit our website to schedule help with anything from dishwasher repairs to installations.