Items you should never put in the dishwasher as they can cause 'serious damage'

Dishwashers, the unsung heroes of our kitchens, save us a ton of time and turn our grimy cutlery to dazzling perfection. Hard to remember what life was like without this kitchen miracle, isn't it?

Yet, dishwashers aren't immune to mishaps; some kitchen items simply can't withstand the dishwasher's robust environment and are better off with a manual scrub down.

Plus, did you ever think that by throwing the wrong bits and bobs into your faithful washer could lead to its demise?

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Proper care could have these indispensable appliances last up to 10 years, but misuse might be begging for a breakdown. And since we're talking about an item that could cost up to £1,600 to replace, it pays to treat your dishwasher to a little tender loving care rather than splashing out on a new one every couple of years.

It's reassuring to know that most kitchenware is built to survive the intense conditions of a dishwasher's cycle. , reports the Mirror.

However, there are notorious offenders that could spell disaster for your machine if they slip inside. The experts at RGBDirect have dished the dirt on what should steer clear of the dishwasher to ensure its long-term health.

They warn specifically against metallic objects such as tin foil or sharp-edged metal containers, as these can "damage" the inner workings of your reliable appliance. The professionals flag up: "These items can cause physical damage to the interior of the machine or create sparks, which can be hazardous."

Advising further caution, they note that placing items experiencing very hot or cold temperatures into the dishwasher should also be avoided since sudden temperature changes can compromise the appliance's components.

Experts have warned that placing extremely cold items into a hot dishwasher could cause "thermal shock" and potentially damage the machine. Sticky labels are also a hazard in the dishwasher, as they can disintegrate and "clog the dishwasher's mechanisms", or even damage other items.

Non-dishwasher-safe plastics should be avoided, with specialists cautioning: "Some plastics are not designed to withstand the high temperatures and intense water pressure of a dishwasher."

They advise against putting such plastics in the appliance as they can become deformed, melt, or release harmful chemicals. Moreover, bulky or heavy items like cooking pots and baking trays might obstruct the dishwasher's spray arms, hampering water circulation and cleaning efficiency.

If you do decide to wash them in the dishwasher, ensure they're adequately spaced to allow for thorough cleaning.