Not everything in your kitchen should go in the dishwasher. High heat, strong water pressure, and harsh detergents can damage many items.

Always hand-wash sharp knives, wooden utensils, cast iron, copper cookware, crystal, fine china, and heirloom dishes, as dishwashers can dull, crack, or fade them.

Use caution with nonstick pans, insulated mugs, plastics, and blender jars—only dishwasher-safe items should go inside. Avoid washing anything with stickers or adhesive labels, as they can clog filters.

To keep your kitchen tools lasting longer, check labels, hand-wash delicate items, clean the dishwasher filter regularly, avoid overloading, and use proper detergent.