Just like other wooden utensils, hot water can damage the surface of your cutting board, dulling it and causing it to lose its shape. But the damage doesn’t stop there: the pressure may even scratch the wood to the point that certain small debris damage the rest of the dishes during the wash cycle.
8. Thin and sharp knives
If you have invested in rather expensive kitchen knives, it would be wiser to wash them by hand, as heat, humidity and even detergent dull the steel blade and alter the sharpness of specialty knives. Not to mention, the hard plastic of the dishwasher can easily be damaged by thin, sharp knives.
These could also scratch the rest of the dishes. Unless you have a special compartment for knives. However, even to prevent rust from forming, knives will last longer if you wash them by hand.
9. Copper utensils
Copper pots, pans and mugs are damaged in the dishwasher: the fine color of copper fades and becomes dark. Hand washing is the best option!
NB: generally, the packaging of utensils mentions whether they are machine washable or not.
10. Aluminum utensils
Your dishwasher is at great risk: aluminum objects risk discoloring the dishwasher and clogging its circuits. This also applies to disposable items. Particularly flexible plastic containers which can themselves deform, melt or stick to the wall of the appliance. It is therefore best to wash them by hand.
11. Bottles and jars with labels
continued on next page
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