This Sunday is National Dishwasher Day. Can you guess how old dishwashers are? Maybe older than you think. 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.
Here are 10 things you should probably hand-wash instead.
1. Wooden utensils. The heat can cause them to warp and crack over time.
2. Cast iron pans. You can usually get away with just wiping them down.
3. Insulated mugs. Some are dishwasher safe, but not all. Check the bottom.
4. Crystal glassware. It scratches easily, and it can get cloudy from the heat.
5. Nonstick cookware. It’s a good way to ruin the nonstick coating.
6. Copper mugs, pots, and pans. Dishwashers dull the copper shine.
7. Gold-plated silverware. It’s a lot more delicate than stainless steel.
8. 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.
9. Pressure cooker lids. The detergent and heat can damage the seals and valves.
10. Plastic containers. Unless they say they’re dishwasher safe, they can warp and leach chemicals.
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