05 July 2023 , 14:58
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Dishwashers are such a fantastic invention as they save us so much time - and they make dirty items sparkling clean, leaving them good as new. Those who are lucky enough to have one may wonder what they ever did without the hero machine.
Annoyingly, not everything is dishwasher safe, however, and you'll need to hand wash some more intricate items.
But did you know that some things are not safe for the dishwasher, because they'll destroy the appliance itself?
When they're used properly, they can last up to 10 years - but if they're mistreated, problems can quickly develop.
Dishwashers are so handy to have (Stock Image) (Getty Images)As a new dishwasher can cost up to £1,600, it's an appliance you should take proper care of, rather than replacing regularly.
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Most items can be placed in the dishwasher, meaning they can withstand high heat, detergent, and water. But if some things are put in there, they can cause damage.
Appliance experts at RGBDirect have shared which items homeowners should never put in the dishwasher to extend its lifespan, the Express reports.
Metallic items, such as tin foil or metal containers with sharp edges, should not be placed in the dishwasher as they can "damage" the appliance.
The experts said: "These items can cause physical damage to the interior of the machine or create sparks, which can be hazardous."
Some things can cause damage to your dishwasher (Stock Image) (Getty Images)People also need to "avoid" putting extremely hot or cold items in the dishwasher as a sudden change in temperature can put stress on the machine's components.
Extremely cold items in a hot dishwasher can cause a "thermal shock" which can "potentially damage the machine."
Items that contain sticky labels on them should also not be put through the dishwasher, as the labels may disintegrate and then "clog the dishwasher's mechanisms", or potentially cause damage to other items.
Labels can cause havoc for your dishwasher (Stock Image) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Non-dishwasher-safe plastics also should not be put into the dishwasher, as the experts said: "Some plastics are not designed to withstand the high temperatures and intense water pressure of a dishwasher."
"Avoid putting non-dishwasher-safe plastics in the machine, as they can warp, melt, or release harmful chemicals."
Large or heavy items like cooking pots and baking trays should also be avoided, as they can obstruct the dishwasher's spray arms which can hinder water circulation and cleaning performance.
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If you do want to pop them in regardless, ensure that they have enough space to be cleaned effectively.
Have you got any cleaning tips to share? Email: [email protected]