It is generally safe to put dishes away while they are still hot, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind to avoid any potential issues:
Protection from Heat: Hot dishes can cause burns or discomfort if handled without protection. Use oven mitts or kitchen towels to handle hot dishes to protect your hands from burns.
Avoid Melting or Warping: Some dishes, especially plastic or melamine ones, can be sensitive to heat. Placing extremely hot dishes on these surfaces may cause them to melt or warp. It's best to let these dishes cool down a bit before placing them on sensitive surfaces.
Air Circulation: When putting away hot dishes, try to allow some space between them to promote air circulation. Placing extremely hot dishes in a confined space immediately after washing can trap heat and moisture, which might lead to unwanted odors or even mildew.
Glassware Concerns: Extreme temperature changes can cause glassware to crack or shatter. While most glass dishes can handle some variation in temperature, it's still a good idea to avoid rapid changes in heat. For example, avoid placing a hot glass baking dish directly onto a cold or wet surface.
Drying Time: If you're concerned about the dishes affecting other items in the storage area, you can let them air dry for a few minutes before putting them away. This will reduce the amount of residual moisture that might be transferred to nearby items.
In most cases, once you've taken these precautions, putting away hot dishes is safe and won't cause any issues. Just remember to handle them with care, provide some air circulation, and be cautious with delicate or sensitive dishes.