15 Things You Should Never Put Into the Dishwasher

Your trusty wooden stirring spoons — and any wood or wood-handled utensils for that matter — can warp and crack in the heat of the dishwasher. It’s important to hand wash these items with a mild detergent, dry them with a towel and then let them fully air dry. Also, avoid letting them sit in the bottom of your sink. Soaked wood utensils absorb too much moisture, which can also lead to damage.

Seasoned cast iron pans don’t need much in the way of cleaning. In fact, a simple wipe-down after use is usually enough to keep these products working for generations. Dishwashing detergent is too harsh for the seasoned finish and can even result in rust. When you do need to clean your cast iron, use a stiff brush and hot water, then re-season on the stove with a layer of oil.

The dishwasher can affect the vacuum seal on insulated mugs and popular water bottles. Once it’s broken, your vessel won’t keep your beverage hot or ice cold for as long as the product is advertised. Don’t spend a lot of money on a nice mug if you’re not going to hand wash it! It only leads to disappointment and frustration and can void your warranty.

Crystal glass is delicate and can easily become etched, scratched and made cloudy by the heat and detergent in the dishwasher. Instead, plan to hand wash these delicate pieces with dish soap and warm water. To reduce water spots, dry by hand with an absorbent dish towel.