Whether you're breaking in a new dishwasher or you're a veteran of automated cleaning, the urge to cram everything inside and hit start is real.
Hold up before you toss every utensil and blade onto those racks. Those scorching temperatures and intense wash cycles can wreak havoc on your best kitchen gear. Think warping, rust, cracks, and dull edges -- even items marked "dishwasher-safe" aren't immune. Yes, that means some of your most expensive tools are at risk too.
So before you run that next cycle, double-check what you're tossing in. Your chef's knives, skillets and stemware will thank you.
12 things that should never go in the dishwasher
1. Insulated mugs
Insulated mugs can be damaged by the pressure from a dishwasher. The Darling Effect
The high heat and pressure of a dishwasher can damage or break the vacuum seal that makes these insulated vessels effective. Instead, wash them by hand using warm water and soap.
2. Wooden cutting boards
Always air-dry a wood board on its side for at least an hour before storing it. David Watsky/CNET
Wood cutting boards can become damaged after even one cycle through the dishwasher. Hot water can cause even the strongest wood to warp, bend, crack or split. While plastic and stone cutting boards can typically handle the dishwasher, any wooden slab should be washed by hand and dries thoroughly on its side.
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