Three everyday items that expert says mustn't be put in dishwashers

Dishwasher owners have been cautioned against placing three types of kitchen items in their machines: plastics, stainless steel and wood. Appliance specialists at Hisense UK revealed that utensils made from these materials could suffer damage during a dishwasher cycle or potentially become a breeding ground for bacteria transferred from other cleaned items.

Chloe Blanchfield, Product Marketing Manager at Hisense, said: "Dishwashers are brilliant for saving time and ensuring hygienic results, but not everything belongs in one. Plastic containers, wooden utensils, and metal-rimmed items in particular should always be washed by hand if you want them to stay safe, functional, and long-lasting."

The specialists revealed that these materials simply cannot withstand the intense heat, aggressive detergents and forceful water jets that make dishwashers amongst the most sought-after kitchen appliances.

The experts added: "While it's tempting to take shortcuts; a little extra effort at the sink can save you money and protect your kitchenware in the long run."

Certain Tupperware products may display a dishwasher-safe symbol on their base, indicating whether they can tolerate dishwashing temperatures. However, certain plastics might endure several wash cycles, but continuous exposure can lead to the material beginning to distort, fade or split due to the temperature and agitation.

The splits and distortions could render Tupperware less airtight, causing it to lose its primary function and potentially become less sanitary as well. It's advised to place your Tupperware on the top shelf of your dishwasher, which sits furthest from the machine's heating element, and select a low-temperature setting.

A gentle detergent can also prevent any additional damage to these items. The heat and moisture within a dishwasher can cause wood to expand and split. Within these splits, bacteria circulating around the dishwasher can become trapped.

The experts cautioned: "Before long, your trusty wooden utensils will lose their smooth finish and could become a breeding ground for germs."

It's better to hand-wash wooden items using a mild soap and warm water, then dry straight away after washing. Ideally, allow the items to air dry a little by standing them upright.

Finally, stainless steel and metal-rimmed items could be permanently damaged by throwing them in a dishwasher. The harsh detergents can cause rusting and discolouration, which will likely mean the items need replacing soon, too.

Metal items with non-stick coatings or other special finishes can also be harmed by the high heat and detergent in a dishwasher. It's always better to look for a dishwasher-safe symbol on your kitchen items.