Read This Before Putting Your Tumbler In The Dishwasher
While we all might make our fair share of dishwasher mistakes, the machine is impactful for those lucky to have one. This appliance is not only a modern marvel of the kitchen that saves us from pruney fingers and tired arms from drying, but it also frees up our time, allowing us to spend it with our family and friends. Per Forgotten Newsmakers, we have Josephine Cochrane to thank for it. They say necessity is the mother of invention and when Cochrane found her servants couldn't clean her good china without chipping it, she took over the task herself. When she discovered the task was more involved than she remembered, Cochrane had her eureka moment and soon the dishwasher was born. Today, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, approximately 80 million homes in the United States have a dishwasher.
But as amazing as the dishwasher is, there are still some things you really shouldn't wash in it if you want to extend the longevity of this kitchen item. For example, a common mistake everyone makes when cleaning cast iron is putting it in the dishwasher, which will ultimately cause it to rust. And think again if you plan on putting your favorite plastic or metal tumblers in the dishwasher. In fact, you may want to think twice.
The dishwasher compromises your tumbler
The dishwasher can definitely compromise the job your tumbler is supposed to perform. Because of the way your insulated tumblers are engineered to keep cold liquids cold and hot liquids hot, the airspace between the layers of these cups that creates that insulation can be problematic in the dishwasher (The Spruce). Place it on the bottom rack, and you may find the seal breaking, allowing water to fill in that space. If you hear your tumblers sloshing back and forth when you are unloading your dishwasher, this very well may be the issue, and your tumbler has lost its effectiveness and may no longer perform its job of keeping your preferred beverage hot or cold.
However, if you do not want to wash your tumblers by hand, and honestly who does, The Spruce suggests using the top rack, and don't go for the high heat when it comes time to dry your dishes. Additionally, if you find that your tumblers have some unsightly stains, the site also recommends using a paste made from baking soda and water to help remove any coffee stains you may find in your favorite coffee tumbler.