Washing Special Items in a Dishwasher
Topics:
- How will the dishwasher affect crystal, china, silver, etc.?
- Which materials are dishwasher safe?
- How to clean plastic, wood, silver, glass, crystal, or cast iron in a Cove Dishwasher
- Where to place knives in the dishwasher
Answer:
Most common dishware items can be safely washed in an automatic dishwasher. Always wash one item of a set a few times and compare it to the rest of the set before washing all items in the dishwasher.
Consult the chart below as needed:
Material | Dishwasher Safe | |
Information and Recommendations | ||
Aluminum | Yes, with caution | Anodized aluminum may fade or darken. Patches and discoloration may appear, but they can be removed with steel wool. Load aluminum utensils (such as a pie tin or roasting pan) where they do not touch other dishes because this can cause gray or black marks. You can remove these spots with a nonabrasive cleaner. |
Cast Iron | No | The seasoning is lost and the iron rusts. Hand wash and dry immediately. |
China | Yes, with caution | China without decoration or with decoration protected by glaze is dishwasher safe. However, you should arrange the objects so they do not touch each other or they could be damaged. China with a pattern on top of the glaze or with gold leaf decoration may fade. If possible, check with the manufacturer. If that isn’t possible, wash one item over an extended period then compare it with the colors and patterns of the rest of the set. Wash in the Quick program on a low temperature setting. |
Copper | Yes, with caution | Do not wash copper in the same load as silver or silver plate. It could discolor the silver items. Do not let copper items come in contact with stainless steel. |
Crystal | No Yes | Antiques and very delicate china should not be washed in the dishwasher. Certain types of lead crystal may etch if machine washed. Check with the manufacturer. Wash at a low temperature setting. Be sure to load crystal dishware so that it is secure and will not fall over or knock against other dishware while being washed. |
Dirilyte | No | Gold-colored flatware can become discolored. |
Disposable plastic items | No | Cannot withstand machine washing. |
Flatware with bonded handles | No | Certain types of adhesives may loosen when machine washed. |
Glass | Yes | Exception: Milk glass may turn yellow. |
Knives | No | Sharp kitchen knives may become dull if washed in very hot water and allowed to contact other items during the wash. Wood handles may also warp, crack, or loosen. Plastic handles may discolor. Check manufacturer’s washing instructions. |
Lead crystal | No | Certain types of lead crystal may etch if machine washed. |
Non-dishware items | No | Never wash items such as electronic air cleaners, air filters of any kind, paint brushes, etc. You could damage the dishwasher. |
Non-stick coatings | Yes | If marked “Dishwasher Safe.” After washing, wipe the non-stick coating area with vegetable oil to maintain its non-stick quality. |
Pewter | No | Pewter will tarnish when machine washed. |
Plastic | Yes | If the item is labeled “Dishwasher Safe.” Do not use Extra dry. Do not wash disposable plastic items. |
Silver and Silver plate | Yes, with caution | Rinse these items if you’re not going to wash them immediately; salty or acidic foods can stain if left on. Dry dishwasher detergent can produce black marks which are difficult to remove. Do not put silver and silver plate in the same silverware basket with stainless steel. Contact between these metals can damage silver. Do not wash copper utensils in the same load. This could cause a brown film on the silver. Also, adhesives used to attach some hollow-handled knives can loosen. |
Stainless Steel | Yes, with caution | Rinse these items if you’re not going to wash them immediately; salty or acidic foods can stain if left on. Dry dishwasher detergent can produce black marks which are difficult to remove. Do not mix different types of stainless steel in the same load. |
Tin | No | Tin will rust. |
Wood | No | Unless marked “Dishwasher Safe” by the manufacturer. Wood can warp, crack or lose shape with any kind of washing. |
See also, How to Load a Dishwasher. Refer to the product use and care guide for further information.
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