🚫 8 Things You Absolutely Should Never Put in Your Dishwasher (And Why)

The Bottom Line

Dishwashers are excellent tools for cleaning everyday plates, bowls, glasses, and many utensils, but they aren’t suitable for everything. Cast iron cookware, sharp knives, wooden utensils, nonstick pans, delicate china, aluminum items, insulated travel mugs, and copper or brass cookware are generally better washed by hand to help preserve their quality and performance.

Taking a moment to separate these items before starting a wash cycle can help protect your kitchen investments and ensure they’ll continue serving you well for years to come.