12 Surprising Things That Are Not Dishwasher Safe

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I love using the dishwasher. In my house, loading the dishwasher is an art (and sometimes a cause for argument as to whose method is best). In addition to silverware, plates and drinkware, a slew of surprising items clean up nicely in the dishwasher . Unfortunately, this appliance can’t clean everything.

Here’s a quick rundown of some pieces you really shouldn’t put in the dishwasher (and how to clean them instead).

What is not dishwasher safe?

1. Stanley cups

We love staying hydrated, so our Stanley cups get heavy use. But there’s good news and bad news about washing Stanleys. The bad: Stanley cups shouldn’t go in the dishwasher. The heat can damage the finish and—worse—compromise the seal, spoiling the cup’s insulating properties. (Technically, the manual asserts that they can go in the dishwasher, but it’s not ideal.)

The good news, however, is that if you’re using your Stanley cup for water, you don’t have to wash it every day. Just disassemble and give it a quick rinse, then give it a full soap-and-water wash once a week. Use hot water and not too much soap (that’s a surprisingly common dishwashing mistake ).

2. Hydro Flask water bottles

You’ll find the same deal with Hydro Flask bottles—the dishwasher puts lots of pressure on the insulated chamber. Older models aren’t dishwasher safe, and while newer bottles technically can go in the dishwasher, it’s not the ideal cleaning method for an insulated cup.

For daily and weekly care, wash your water bottle in hot, soapy water. When it’s time to deep-clean your water bottle (say, if you happen to have forgotten to clean it for a while—we’ve all been there!), fill the bottle with one part white vinegar and five parts water. Let soak overnight, then wash with soapy water, rinse and dry.

3. Cast-iron pans

We love cooking with cast iron , but it does call for special cleanup. Plain cast iron is an uncoated metal, which makes it prone to rust. Putting cast iron in the dishwasher can seriously tarnish the metal. Luckily, it’s easy to clean cast iron . Just wash it in a bit of soapy water, using a gentle cloth or scrubber to dislodge stuck-on particles. Dry it off right … Read More