These 5 Things Can Damage Your Dishwasher

Written by Camilla Jessen

May.23 - 2024 1:22 PM CET

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Photo: Shutterstock.com
Photo: Shutterstock.com
The dishwasher has become an indispensable part of many households, making our everyday lives easier and saving us from the hassle of scrubbing and washing up. To ensure your dishwasher lasts as long as possible, it’s important to treat it with care.

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With just the press of a button, the dishwasher starts running, saving time and effort. Whether it's plates, casserole dishes, or cutlery, it cleans everything efficiently.

However, some items do not belong in the dishwasher. MyHOMEBOOK reveals five things you shouldn't put in the machine to avoid damaging it.

1. Items with Labels or Stickers

While it may be tempting to wash jars with labels or stickers in the dishwasher, this can lead to significant problems. The adhesive from labels can loosen and come off during the wash cycle. These detached labels can then clog the drain hoses when the water is pumped out, potentially causing serious damage to your machine.

Tip: Remove labels and stickers from jars and bottles before placing them in the dishwasher to prevent clogs.

2. Using the Wrong Detergent

Detergent is key for cleaning dishes effectively, but using the wrong type can harm your dishwasher. Regular dishwashing liquid creates excessive foam, which can overwhelm the machine. Stick to using dishwasher-specific tabs and powders to ensure proper function and cleanliness.

Tip: Always use detergents specifically designed for dishwashers to avoid damaging the machine.

3. Not Scraping Off Leftover Food

Leaving large food particles on dishes before placing them in the dishwasher can lead to clogs. These remnants can block the sieves, filters, and hoses, potentially causing the dishwasher to malfunction.

Tip: Scrape off any leftover food from dishes before loading them into the dishwasher to keep the internal components clean and functional.

4. Avoiding Household Remedies

Household remedies like vinegar, lemon juice, baking soda, or baking powder are often praised for their cleaning power, but they can be harmful to dishwashers. These substances can damage sensitive parts of the machine, compromising its performance and longevity.

Tip: Use only products specifically designed for dishwashers, and avoid home remedies that might harm the machine's delicate parts.

5. Small Parts Blocking the Spray Arms

Small items such as bottle caps or children’s toys should not be placed loosely in the dishwasher. These small parts can move around during the wash cycle and potentially block or damage the spray arms and other internal components.

Tip: Secure small items in a dishwasher-safe container or wash them by hand to prevent them from damaging the spray arms.