Surprise! Never Put The Cheese Grater in The Dishwasher

The first dishwasher was patented 175 years ago in 1850. It was a hand-crank thing, no motor. Modern dishwashers weren't common until the 1970s.

And I still don't have one! Yep, I'm still washing dishes at the sink like a chump. So admittedly, this knowledge doesn't come from me.

I have a friend who's doing the SAHM thing, and she told me about an unfortunate situation that happened at her house the other week. She and her husband have two kids, one girl that's seven, and one boy that's almost eleven. And while the kids are smart, they don't know all the insa nd outs of dishware safety.

Heck, I don't even know. So anyway, she told me that her boy wanted to help her the other day by starting a load of dishes. And he loaded up things pretty nicely, but... well. He doesn't know. So she had to tell him after the fact, and find a way to say it that doesn't kill his enthusiasm to help, that there are certain things you can't put in the dishwasher.

It turned into a bit of a list. And with her kind permission on the condition of anonymity, here are her list of things NOT to put in the dishwasher...and why.

Six Things To Never Put In the Dishwasher

Copper mugs, pots, and pans. Dishwashers dull the copper shine.

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Pressure cooker lids. The detergent and heat can damage the seals and valves.

Wooden utensils.

The heat can cause them to warp and crack over time.

Cheese graters. They're a pain to wash, so it's tempting. But it can rust the curved edges over time. Using a stiff-bristled brush is better.

Nonstick cookware and Cast Iron Pans.

It's a good way to ruin the nonstick coating. And for cast iron, you shouldn't put it the dishwasher because the harsh detergents and high temperatures can strip away the crucial seasoning, leading to rust and a loss of its non-stick properties.

Plastic Containers.

Unless they say they're dishwasher safe, they can warp and leach chemicals.  And then THEY  never fit back on right, either.

Well thank you, my Stay At Home Mom Friend, for elucidating us.  We appreciate it!  Now, if that boy wants to do some chores the old fashioned way, he could come to my house and wash some dishes....just sayin'.

Washingly yours,
Behka