The dishwasher is one of those kitchen appliances you really appreciate when there’s a pile of dirty dishes waiting for you. Load everything up, add detergent, press a button, and walk away.

But just because something fits in the dishwasher doesn’t mean it belongs there. Hot water, strong detergent, and forceful sprays can be rough on certain kitchen items. Over time, they can cause finishes to fade, wood to warp, coatings to wear down, and delicate pieces to crack or chip.

Sometimes, washing something by hand takes an extra minute or two but can save you from replacing it later. Before you load up your next cycle, check these everyday items that are better off staying out of the dishwasher.

Cast Iron Cookware

Cast iron and the dishwasher don’t mix. The combination of water and harsh detergent can strip away the seasoning that gives cast iron its smooth cooking surface. Once that protective layer is gone, the pan can start rusting.

And if you’ve spent years building up a good layer of seasoning, one trip through the dishwasher can set you back. Let your cast iron cool down, rinse it with warm water, and gently scrub away anything stuck to it. Dry it well and rub on a thin layer of oil before putting it away.

Fine China and Crystal

Those special dishes sitting in the cabinet probably don’t need a trip through the dishwasher. Fine china and crystal can be more fragile than everyday plates and glasses. The heat and strong spray can lead to small cracks, chipped edges, or a finish that starts looking dull.

And there’s the risk of pieces bumping into each other during the cycle. If you only bring out your china and crystal for holidays or special dinners, take the extra few minutes to wash them by hand. It beats finding a chipped glass or broken plate at the end of a cycle.

Insulated Travel Mugs

That insulated travel mug might look like a regular cup, but there’s more going on inside. Many insulated mugs and tumblers have two layers with a sealed space between them. That space helps keep your coffee hot or your drink cold. Repeated exposure to the high heat of a dishwasher can damage the seal over time.

The result? Your mug may stop keeping drinks at the temperature it used to. Check the manufacturer’s care instructions, but if you’re unsure, hand washing the cup and lid is a safer bet. This is especially true for an expensive tumbler you use every day.

Gold, Brass, or Bronze Flatware

Gold, brass, and bronze flatware can look beautiful on a table, but the dishwasher can take away some of that shine. The combination of heat, water, and detergent can cause these finishes to fade, discolor, or tarnish. After enough cycles, pieces that once looked polished can start looking tired.

For flatware with a special finish, wash it by hand with mild soap and dry it right away. It’s a small chore that can help keep the finish looking good for much longer.

Wooden Cutting Boards and Utensils

Wood and a long, hot dishwasher cycle are a bad combination. Wood soaks up water, and all that heat and moisture can cause cutting boards, spoons, spatulas, and other wooden tools to swell, crack, split, or warp.

A wooden cutting board that comes out of the dishwasher looking fine may still develop problems after repeated cycles. Hand washing doesn’t take much time. Give the item a quick scrub, rinse it, and dry it right away. A little food-safe oil every so often can also help keep the wood from drying out.

High-Quality Knives

Your everyday butter knives can go in the dishwasher without much worry. Your good chef’s knife is a different story. The heat and detergent can be rough on knife handles and blades. Repeated dishwasher cycles can dull the edge, and carbon steel knives are especially prone to rust.

There’s also the chance that a knife can knock against other dishes or the dishwasher rack during the cycle, which isn’t great for a sharp edge. A good knife only takes a few seconds to wash. Use some dish soap, rinse it, and dry it by hand before putting it away.

Air Fryer Baskets

Air fryer baskets can be tricky because some manufacturers say they’re dishwasher-safe. Still, frequent dishwasher cycles can be hard on the nonstick coating found on many baskets. Heat, detergent, and repeated washing can cause that coating to wear down sooner.

Hand washing is usually pretty easy, especially if you clean the basket soon after cooking. A soft sponge can get rid of most food residue without being too rough on the surface. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions for your particular air fryer, too.

Non-Stick Cookware

Your nonstick pan might have a dishwasher-safe label, but that doesn’t mean you need to send it through every cycle. Repeated exposure to hot water and dishwasher detergent can wear down the nonstick coating over time. Once the surface starts breaking down, food is more likely to stick, and the pan may need to be replaced sooner.

A soft sponge, warm water, and mild dish soap are usually all you need. It takes a little more effort than putting the pan in the dishwasher, but it’s much gentler on the coating.

Graters and Strainers

Graters and fine-mesh strainers are two of those kitchen tools that can be surprisingly annoying to clean in the dishwasher. Small bits of cheese, vegetables, flour, or other food can get stuck in the tiny holes and corners. The dishwasher may rinse around them without actually getting everything out.

Graters can also lose some of their sharpness after repeated dishwasher cycles. Often, the easiest solution is to rinse these tools right after using them. A quick scrub under running water can save you from digging dried food out of the holes later.

It may take less time than waiting for the dishwasher to finish and then realizing you still have to clean the grater by hand.