18 Things You Should Never Put in the Dishwasher (Even If You’re Tempted)

The dishwasher is one of the most convenient appliances in the kitchen, but not everything belongs inside it. High heat, strong detergents, water pressure, and long wash cycles can damage certain materials surprisingly quickly.

Dishwasher cleaning tablets
Some items may lose their finish, warp, crack, rust, or become unsafe to use. Others can even damage the dishwasher itself.

Here are 18 things that are usually better washed by hand.

## 1. Wooden Cutting Boards

Wood and prolonged hot water do not mix well.

Dishwasher cycles can cause wooden cutting boards to:

* warp
* crack
* split
* dry out
* lose their smooth finish

The heat can also weaken glued joints in laminated boards.

Wash wooden boards by hand with warm soapy water, rinse them promptly, and dry them upright.

## 2. Wooden Spoons and Utensils

The same rule applies to wooden spoons, spatulas, and handles.

Repeated dishwasher cycles may cause them to:

* become rough
* split