Using a dishwasher saves time and labor after eating dinner. You don’t have to be as picky about cleaning your plates because the dishwasher will take care of it. The dishwasher saves water as well as time. This handy appliance can be found in just about every home in North America.
It takes time to clean up after cooking a delicious meal and it’s much easier to throw everything in the dishwasher, but some items are meant to be hand cleaned because they can otherwise get ruined. Some items should never be put in the dishwasher since they could ruin the appliance altogether. Here are some items you should avoid putting in the dishwasher:
Dirty dishes
Before putting dirty dishes in the dishwasher the dishes should be wiped clean of leftover food from your previous meal. The dishwasher doesn’t magically dispose of any excess food that makes its way into the dishwasher. Chunks of food can clog the drain line and you may have to end up giving your local plumber in Melbourne, Florida a call. Ask your kids to scrape off their food into the trash can after dinner. Avoid putting fat or grease in the dishwasher because these can solidify in your drain line and cause problems.
Paper labels
When you get a new item from the store make sure to peel off the label before putting it in the dishwasher to be cleaned. Any type of plastic ware will have a paper label. With the mixture of heat and water, these labels will come free and the paper can clog your drain or filter in your dishwasher. It’s much easier to take the time to peel it off before it clogs your drain and causes a headache. Use rubbing alcohol or vinegar to remove the labels.
Wood
Don’t put anything wooden in the dishwasher such as cutting boards, spoons or bowls because the dishwasher will cause them to crack and swell, and they will not be usable.
Cast iron and metallic dinnerware
Skillets have a protective seasoning that can easily get stripped away once they have gone through the dishwasher. A cast iron skillet should be hand washed to preserve the skillet usage for the future. Metallic silverware can get permanently dulled from just one dishwasher cycle. Fine china and anything you consider delicate should be hand washed.
If you have a feeling that a kitchen item shouldn’t go into the dishwasher you’re probably right. Take the time to hand wash the items that need some extra care to protect your dishwasher. If you have a clog in the drain line give Sun Plumbing a call and we can schedule a service appointment with one of our licensed professionals.
