Can You Put Chopsticks In The Dishwasher? [Yes Or No – Find Out NOW]

Originally Created on: March 16, 2023 @ 9:18 am

If you love Asian food, there is a good chance that you own a pair of chopsticks.

Like other pieces of utensils, you probably want your chopsticks to serve you for the longest time. So, can you put chopsticks in the dishwasher?

When it comes to cleaning chopsticks, most people usually wonder whether it’s okay to put them in the dishwasher. Understandably, most of us are too busy or too tired to wash our utensils by hand.

A dishwasher simplifies this process and saves you a lot of time and effort. In today’s guide, we will be answering – can you put chopsticks in the dishwasher and everything else you may need to know about cleaning this multi-purpose tool. 

Also Read: Why Does My Dishwasher Leave A Sandy Residue? [+ 4 SHOCKING Reasons]

Can You Put Chopsticks in the Dishwasher? 

Whether you should put chopsticks in a dishwasher heavily depends on the material. Bamboo and wooden chopsticks shouldn’t be put in dishwashers because the rigorous cleaning of these appliances and the detergents can destroy their finish and reduce their lifespan.

However, there are other chopstick materials that are dishwasher safe such as stainless steel and metal. 

Most chopsticks are made out of wood or bamboo because these two materials are poor conductors of heat and the food’s temperature won’t be transferred to your hands. This is why there is a general perception that chopsticks shouldn’t be cleaned in the dishwasher. 

When you put bamboo and wooden chopsticks in a dishwasher, their finish will deteriorate prematurely and they won’t last very long. Therefore, if you want your wooden chopsticks to last longer, wash them by hand.

Unlike plates or spoons, the straight design of a chopstick makes it easier to clean by hand. And it won’t even take you more than thirty seconds to wash one. 

However, you also need to know that there are chopsticks that can be cleaned in a dishwasher. For instance, there are some special wooden chopsticks that are dishwasher-safe.

These chopsticks feature an advanced coating that makes them resistant to moisture and temperature. They usually have a dishwasher-approved sticker on the label.

They are, however, a bit costlier. Also, as mentioned earlier, plastic, melamine, stainless steel, and metal chopsticks are dishwasher safe. 

Can You Wash and Reuse Wooden Chopsticks? 

One of the main advantages of using wooden chopsticks is that they are reusable. If you have a pair of wooden chopsticks, you only need to clean them with warm soapy water and a soft sponge after every meal.

Run the sponge along the straight stick. Do so several times and place them on a drying mat. Wooden chopsticks are safe to use again provided you clean and store them properly. 

Washing wooden chopsticks is a relatively easy process and it will only take less than a minute. It’s also important to note that you can’t reuse wooden chopsticks forever. At some point, they will wear out and have to be replaced. 

Also, when it comes to washing wooden chopsticks, please avoid putting them in the dishwasher. This machine exposes wooden chopsticks to severe cleansing which can damage the outer finish and reduce their lifespan. 

if you intend to reuse wooden chopsticks, oil them using olive or vegetable oil at least once every month. This will help the wooden chopsticks retain their finish for much longer. 

How to Clean Wooden Chopsticks? 

The best method of cleaning wooden chopsticks is by hand washing them with soap, warm water, and a soft sponge. Dip the sponge in a warm soapy water solution and brush it along the stick ensuring you scrub all the sides.

Repeat this step until any food particles or grease are removed. The warm water can help loosen dried food particles. 

Proceed to rinse the wooden chopsticks with lukewarm water and let them dry. You can either place them on a drying mat or rub the water with paper towels. For wooden chopsticks that are extremely dirty, you can scrub them with a hard-bristled brush. 

When cleaning wooden chopsticks, you have to be mindful of water or moisture. Avoid soaking wooden chopsticks in water as it may cause the wood to expand and lose its structure.

Chopsticks are made from different types of wood which react differently with moisture exposure. Some can easily become defective when they are exposed to a lot of water or moisture. 

Are Bamboo Chopsticks Dishwasher Safe? 

Bamboo chopsticks fall in the same category as their wooden counterpart. They are both not dishwasher safe. Even though bamboo is an excellent material for a chopstick due to its low heat conductivity, it can easily be damaged when placed in a dishwasher. 

Dishwashers, as mentioned earlier, have a pretty intense cleaning cycle that can eat up the finish of bamboo chopsticks. That’s not all.

When used in a dishwasher for long periods, bamboo chopsticks will absorb water and swell. When that happens, the bamboo chopsticks start to warp and become ineffective. 

Therefore, if you own a pair of bamboo chopsticks, never put them in a dishwasher. Instead, hand wash them using warm soapy water and a sponge. This method is equally as effective and it will ensure your bamboo chopsticks last longer. 

How Many Times Can You Use Wooden Chopsticks? 

Wooden chopsticks can be reused for a duration of around three to six months. However, this is only possible if you clean and store them under the right conditions.

However, wooden chopsticks aren’t the most durable. Therefore, they can break in less than a month or two weeks if you use them excessively.

It’s impossible to know the exact number of times you can use wooden chopsticks. 

If your weekly diet comprises of a lot of noodles, stir fry, and meals that need to be eaten with chopsticks, then there is a high chance that they won’t last long.

Also, how many times you can use wooden chopsticks depends on your eating habits. Newbies will find themselves breaking a lot of wooden chopsticks as compared to pros. 

Can You Wash Stainless Steel Chopsticks? 

There are two main features of stainless steel chopsticks that make them stand out and that is they are durable and easy to clean.

Stainless steel chopsticks can be hand cleaned or placed in a dishwasher. Unlike wood, stainless steel is more resistant to water damage. 

To clean stainless steel chopsticks, soak them in warm soapy water for about five minutes. This helps with sterilization.

Grab a cleaning sponge and scrub it for about thirty seconds. Rinse them with cold water and let them dry before storage. One of the perks of stainless-steel chopsticks is that they don’t need lots of maintenance.

So, there is no need to oil them as is the case with wooden chopsticks. 

Conclusion 

As tempting as it may be, never put wooden chopsticks in a dishwasher.

The severe cleansing that occurs in a dishwasher is a bit too harsh on wooden chopsticks and it can significantly reduce their lifespan.

However, if you prefer to wash your chopsticks in a dishwasher, go for those that are made out of stainless steel, metal, melamine, or plastic.