Dishwashers are certainly a handy appliance to have on hand, especially after hosting a get together, party, or even a long day. The clean up is done quickly so you can spend the rest of the time relaxing. However, it is a good idea to know what to put into a dishwasher, because while they save a lot of time, there are certain items that aren’t safe for the dishwasher. 

What is Considered Not Safe for the Dishwasher?

Wooden Items

Wooden utensils, (including knives with wooden handles), cutting boards, etc. Wood can be damaged from the heat, causing it to warp and perhaps even crack. 

Cast Iron

This is a no-no as this cookware is perfectly seasoned and a dishwasher would ruin that. 

Copper Pots, Pans & Precious Metals 

These will eventually lose their finish. Best to wash these by hand.

Nonstick Cookware

The reason being the nonstick coating. It does not hold up well to the washer. However, if labeled ‘dishwasher safe’ by the manufacturer then it should be fine. You may want to take a look at it after a wash to see for yourself if it holds up.

Plastic Items

Now some can be washed, this is an item you should check before placing in the dishwasher as some plastics have BPA and phthalates which could leach out of the plastic. If you do have something that is dishwasher safe, place it on the top rack.

Kitchen Knives

Best to keep your cutting knives out of the dishwasher as the detergent can dull the knife’s blade. As well, the heating cycle can cause the loosening of the knives handles. Safer to hand wash these unless specifically stated in your manual that it is safe to do so.

Fine China, Crystal or Painted plates

Again you can check the manufacturer’s label, however placing these items in the dishwasher can chip, fade or lose their finish. 

What Can You Put in Your Dishwasher?

• Basic ceramic plates, bowls and mugs.
• Stainless-steel can go in (but not aluminum). This includes stainless-steel half sheet pans, muffin tins, cooling racks and other metal bakeware.
• Pyrex mixing bowls and Pyrex baking dishes as well as stoneware baking dishes.
• Kitchen shears.
• Kitchen sponges and scrubs brushes.
• Silicone and metal kitchen utensils.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Stainless-steel flatware.
• Plastics with a high melting point. 

Now you know what to put into your dishwasher to prevent damage to your cookware as well as to the dishwasher. But there are also a few tips to help you keep your dishwasher in good working order.

Cove & Asko Dishwasher Tips

• Clean the filters according to the manual, if your dishwasher goes through heavy use then more frequent cleaning may be necessary.
• If you notice odors then it may be time to clean the waste disposer connected to the dishwasher. Follow the disposer manufacturers cleaning instructions.
• Also, if you have cleaned the disposer and your filter is cleaned regularly, yet odors remain, use higher temperature wash cycles/or cycle options.
• When the dishwasher is not in use it is a good idea to leave the door open slightly to avoid any bacteria or mold growth.][
• You should always consult your Cove manual or Asko manual for specific cleaning instructions for your model. 

When To Call For a Dishwasher Technician

Of course having a high quality dishwasher is well worth the longevity it provides. As all machines work hard, they will need service or repair at some point. You will want to call for a dishwasher technician if you are unable to correct the issue with troubleshooting, or if you need an immediate extra hand. 

Dishwasher Won’t Turn On

First check the following for an easy fix: Verify that your dishwasher is properly connected to a power source. Confirm that the dishwasher is receiving a water supply. Make sure the dishwasher door is closed correctly. Check your dishwasher settings to make sure that a setting is selected. Make sure your chosen setting doesn’t involve a delay in start.

Dishwasher is Not Draining

After you have checked and cleaned the filters, verify the garbage disposal is not blocked if connected to the dishwasher. Then verify the drain line is not clogged. If these Cove troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, service is necessary to expertly diagnose and repair the product.

Dishes Not Clean After Rinse Cycle

If the dishes are not cleaned adequately or if they aren’t cleaned at all, there are trouble shooting steps to follow. You can verify spray arms turn freely by hand and ensure dishes are not placed too close together and cups and bowls are face-down and not nested. Check to make sure water is entering the dishwasher. Filters need to be clean and secured properly and the drain is clear. Improperly placed filters can lead to spray arms clogging. Also, check to see if the spray arms are blocked or clogged.

If these don’t solve the problem, a Cove or Asko certified technician at C&W Appliance Service can help solve the problem for you. 

C&W Appliance Service can help service your appliances when you need it! Helping service the Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, San Marcos areas for 60 years. Call us at (855) 358-1496 or submit our online service request form for prompt service.