In case you didn’t know, some items are better left washed by hand. Here are five items you absolutely shouldn’t try to wash in the dishwasher.

1. Anything that is considered antique. If you’ve been given a bowl, casserole dish, vase, etc., that once belonged to someone many years ago, it’s best to wash it by hand. While it may survive a few cycles in the dishwasher, it’s still at risk of breaking, chipping, and/or exploding.
2. Anything gold and silver. Dishes that have gold rims and delicate patterns should be washed by hand, especially fine chinaware. As for silverware, it can be washed in the dishwasher but runs the risk of losing its shine over time.
3. Take-out containers. Unless it’s labeled “dishwasher safe,” chances are it should be washed by hand. The high temperature of the water, mixed with the heat from the drying stage, can melt or change the chemical composition of the container, making it unsafe to use again for food storage.
4. Wood items. More specifically, utensils and cutting boards. The high temperatures of the dishwasher can alter the consistency of wooden items, even dissolving it if the items are exposed to the heat on a regular basis. The best way to clean wooden items is with a nylon scrubbing pad. Wet the pad in a bowl of warm, soapy water. Wash and then rinse the utensils and/or cutting board under warm water. In order to help them maintain their appearance, oil them at least once a month.
5. Crystal items. It can seem intimidating to clean crystal glasses by hand, but they can become cracked, chipped, and dulled in the dishwasher due to the repeated exposure of high temperatures. In order to help your crystal keep its shine, warm-up two cups of vinegar and pour into a larger container. Place the crystal glasses and/or bowls into the vinegar and allow soaking for 3-5 minutes. Rinse with clear water and dry with a lint-free towel.