Can You Really Wash Utensils in a Washing Machine?
Let’s be real: your washing machine is a wizard with clothes but a bit of a klutz when it comes to kitchen utensils. Picturing forks, spoons, and knives tumbling inside your drum along with your laundry is like imagining ballet dancers at a rock concert — beautiful in theory, chaotic in practice.
You might be tempted to throw your utensils in the washing machine for convenience (hey, who wouldn’t want to cut down chore time?), but spoiler alert: it’s generally not recommended, nor is it safe or effective.
Why Washing Utensils in a Washing Machine Is a Recipe for Disaster
- Potential Damage to Utensils: The harsh agitation and high-speed spin cycles are designed to clean fabric, not delicate or brittle metal or plastic utensils. This can cause bending, breaking, or warping.
- Washing Machine May Get Banged Up: Cutlery and other utensils can knock around inside the drum causing dents or damage inside the machine. Plus, small items can get stuck in holes or the drainage system, potentially causing malfunctions.
- Cleaning Effectiveness is Questionable: Washing machines just don’t have the right mechanics or detergent formulation for washing greasy, sticky utensils. Result? You may end up with a load of laundry smelling like last night’s dinner, and utensils that still have food residue.
- Safety Hazards: Sharp knives and other pointed utensils can become dangerous projectiles in the spin cycle. Opening the machine mid-cycle could even result in serious cuts or injuries.
- Cross-Contamination Risks: Washing utensils in a machine that’s meant for clothes may transfer food particles and bacteria to your laundry, and vice versa. Gross and unhygienic.
What the Experts and Videos Have to Say
Multiple experiments and videos, such as this one on YouTube, reveal consistent results: while some plastic utensils might survive the spin and wash, glass and metal utensils often don’t. They tend to get damaged or remain grimy. Trusted cleaning resources like Whirlpool and the American Cleaning Institute recommend dishwashers or hand-washing as the go-to methods. No mention of washing machines here, because—well, it just doesn’t work.
How to Safely and Effectively Wash Your Utensils
Use a Dishwasher Like a Pro
If you’re lucky enough to have a dishwasher, this is your best bet. Follow these pro tips to get sparkling clean results:
- Place utensils in the designated basket with sharp items facing down to avoid injuries.
- Don’t overcrowd — utensils should not nest together so water can reach every surface.
- Use dishwasher detergent, not laundry detergent, for proper cleaning.
- Choose the right cycle based on your load (pots and pans may need a heavy-duty option).
Check out the detailed guide on proper dishwasher use for even more tips.
Hand Washing — The Classic, Tried-and-True Method
Nothing beats the hands-on approach, especially for delicate or sharp utensils:
- Use hot water and a good quality dish soap or detergent.
- Start washing the least dirty utensils first to keep the water cleaner longer.
- Use a sponge or brush to scrub surfaces, paying close attention to any stuck-on food.
- Rinse thoroughly with hot water to remove soap residue.
- Dry immediately or place in a clean drying rack.
Bonus Tip: Get a Dishwasher If You Don’t Have One
If hand washing sounds like a drag (and who can blame you?), investing in a dishwasher might be the smartest kitchen upgrade. For affordable and highly rated options, check Amazon for deals:
Why Not Try Washing Machine Washing? The Final Verdict
Tempting as it is to kill two chores with one machine, washing utensils in your washing machine is just not a smart idea. It’s a gamble with your utensils and laundry, and more often than not, it ends with disappointment—and maybe an expensive repair bill.
Stick to hand washing or use a proper dishwasher. Your utensils (and washing machine) will thank you for it.
Related Cleaning Tips
While we’re on the topic of washing tips, you might enjoy our handy guides like How to Wash Soft Toys in LG Washing Machine: A Gentle Guide or How to Wash Sofa Covers in LG Washing Machine: A Careful Guide—cleaning can be less of a chore when you know the right method!