10 things not to put in the dishwasher

Good morning!  
Did you wake up feeling happy and enthusiastic about life?
Me either...It's Monday, I was grumpy and I just wanted coffee.  The weekend went by so fast that I didn't have time to accomplish everything I had wanted to.  When you have a challenging week ahead, it's always nice to have coffee to rely on.  It tastes like hopes and dreams, and it doesn't hurt to have that little caffeine boost.
As I was washing all the dishes left in the sink this morning, I started thinking about the items that you shouldn't put in the dishwasher. (I was also thinking of a lot of other things, but this was the only thing I could include in this blog.)  So, I am doing a follow-up to a blog I did a few weeks ago about things you can  put in the dishwasher.  
10 things that are not dishwasher safe:
Today's dishwashers have individual racks and holders that separate everything along with more gentle cleaning cycles that are meant to clean grease and food off of dirty dishes.  I am guilty of putting several of these in the dishwasher, but after researching for some old, really grimy cast iron skillets I found in the garage I have learned what needs good old-fashioned cleaning.
CAST IRON SKILLETS
I didn't realize that Grand-ma had spent years seasoning these with love and that they needed to be preserved.  They seem so sturdy that you could run them through a car wash and they would survive.  But not the case, they require gentle washing and drying. Then you coat them with a little bit of cooking oil before putting them away.
NON-STICK POTS AND PANS
Some brands are safe, read the manufacture's instructions to be sure.  You wouldn't want to compromise the whole reason you bought them.
INSULATED MUGS AND CUPS
The insulating effect can be ruined it the outer and inner layers fill with water when they are in the dishwasher.  Be sure to protect those Tervis cups you have invested so much money in!
SOFT PLASTICS
Soft plastic bottles and containers can warp in the high heat.
BOTTLES AND JARS WITH LABELS
​The adhesives can damage the dishwasher as well as stick to other items in the dishwasher making even more of a mess.  
GRATERS, GARLIC PRESSES & MICROPLANES
These items can remain clogged and dirty when placed in the dishwasher.  They are best cleaned using a soft brush.
WOOD CUTTING BOARDS, UTENSILS AND BOWLS
The heat can cause them to warp, bend and break.  Have you ever forgot and put a wooden spoon in the dishwasher?
CRYSTAL
I mentioned this before as something you do not want to put in the dishwasher.  It's an expensive investment, you don't want to take a chance with.  It could break or chip, as well as dull when placed in the dishwasher.  
VINTAGE DINNERWARE AND ITEMS TRIMMED IN GOLD
Hand wash these to maintain their nice finish and value.
COPPER
Hand wash only with a mild soap, so you don't dull the copper's shine.
I hope these tiny tips help with any dish washing dilemmas you might come across in the future.  Of course, you could always eat out and avoid having to use the dishwasher at all!
​We hope you have a wonderful Monday full of hopes and dreams, as well as a tasty cup of coffee!
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