Dishwasher tips

Yesterday's installment of Chicago Tribune's daily e-newsletter, "Daywatch" included an article with these helpful tips for using a dishwasher. We've had some problems with this in the past — smoggy glassware, for example.

Here are "do's and don'ts" from the Universal Press Syndicate's Mark Hetts:

• DO: Use less detergent than the dishwasher or detergent manufacturer recommends.
• DO NOT put aluminum pans or utensils in the dishwasher. Repeated machine washings dull, pit, and eventually ruin the finish.
• DO: If non-stick cookware and utensil makers recommend against diswasher cleaning, take their advice.
• DO: Hand wash copper items and copper-bottomed pots and pans to avoid dull and tarnish copper.
• DO: Hand wash antique glassware, china, or flatware.
• DO: Always read the instructions with dishwashing detergents and dishwashers.

Finally, avoid putting the following items in your dishwasher: wood-handled or bonded-handle utensils or flatware (whoops), cast iron, wood bowls, tin, pewter, and antique or deicate crystal or china.

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