Kitchen knives
A sharp knife is a must in the kitchen but the easiest way to dull them is constant cleaning in a dishwasher. And that prolonged exposure to the environment in a dishwasher can also cause wooden handles to warp. Treat your precious knives with the respect they deserve and clean them in hot soapy water and, carefully, hand dry with a tea towel.
Non-stick cookware
Teflon is a miracle of science; most of us would be cleaning all manner of gunk from our frying pans without it. The mix of intense heat, water and harsh detergents can wear away the Teflon coating over time and make your pans much less effective. Gentle scrubbing with a non-abrasive cloth in hot soapy water is the way to go before drying them on a dish rack or with a tea towel.
Insulated travel mugs and bottles
When you’re on the go, insulated travel mugs and bottles are essential to keep caffeinated or hydrated. At the end of a long day it might be tempting to throw them in the dishwasher but before you do bear in mind it’s always better to clean them in a sink full of hot soapy water, as the prolonged heat in dishwashers can cause harm to the rubber vacuum seals that help keep your beverage hot or cold.
Crystal glassware
If you own fine china or delicate crystal items then you don’t want these anywhere near the heat and sudsy chaos of a dishwasher. Never clean your precious china and crystal in water that’s too hot, a sink full of lukewarm water is best and add 2 teaspoons of dishwashing detergent and a teaspoon of vinegar. Soak and then gently clean each item with a lint free dish cloth and then carefully hand dry.
