Cleaning expert shares 9 things you should ‘never put in dishwasher’

If you’re someone who can’t live without your dishwasher for the convenience of spotless pots and pans, Lynsey Crombie, known as Lynsey Queen of Clean, cautions that there are certain no-nos to avoid a kitchen calamity.

The cleaning guru warns that whilst a dishwasher is a nifty appliance, “While the dishwasher can be a time-saving cleaning tool, there are certain items that should never be placed inside. High heat and water pressure can cause damage, discolouration, or reduce the effectiveness of some materials”.

She reveals the household items to steer clear of the dishwasher: trainers could melt from the glue, and sharp knives dull their edge. “Trainers, for instance, may have their glue melt, while sharp knives will lose their edge,” she added insightfully.

Lynsey advises keen dishwashers, “To avoid damaging your favourite items, it’s important to know what belongs in the dishwasher and what’s better off cleaned by hand. Keep these tips in mind to make sure your kitchenware and household items last longer!”

Furthermore, wooden utensils might “warp or crack under intense heat”; thus, Crombie suggests washing them by hand. She also notes that cast iron and crystal pieces “can lose protective layers or chip” if they undergo a machine wash.

However, there’s a silver lining with some surprising dishwasher-safe items that Lynsey divulges to keep your cleaning regime strong.

Flip Flops – Position them upside down to prevent water accumulation, ensuring that they get a thorough clean.

Caps – Place them on the top shelf to preserve their shape while washing them gently.

Kids’ Toys – Large plastic toys, such as Lego bricks and dinosaurs, can be easily cleaned in the top rack.

Bath Toys – Keep those rubber ducks clean and hygienic.

Baby Bottles and Dummies – Safely sterilise them in your dishwasher.

Dishcloths and Sponges – A great way to disinfect them for further use.

Makeup Brushes – Brushes with plastic handles fit neatly into the cutlery rack.

You can also wash ceramic plates, bowls, and glassware, but be sure to “separate glass and mugs to prevent scratching.”

Cutlery can be placed in the dishwasher as well, with “knives facing downward for safety” – and also, “plastic children’s dishes are dishwasher safe too”.

If you need an all-purpose spray to clean items after the dishwasher, consider making your own.

For an all-purpose spray, try making “your own citrus all-purpose cleaning spray”. She continued: “This is so easy to make and smells wonderful.

“Use left-over lemon and orange peel, put them in a jar of half water and half white vinegar and let it sit for a few weeks, remove the peels, put them into a spray bottle with a few drops of cinnamon essential oil for a lovely smell.”