What items are dishwasher safe?
10/2/20234 min read
Plastic Items
Check for a dishwasher-safe symbol.
Inspect for any signs of melting or warping.
Avoid putting plastics in the top rack.
Aluminum Items
Aluminum items, like pots and pans, are generally dishwasher safe. However, you should check for a dish- symbol on the bottom of your aluminum cookware before putting it in your machine. If you don't see this symbol or if there are signs of corrosion on the pot or pan (such as pitting), then you should not put it in your dishwasher.
The best place for aluminum cookware is at the bottom rack of your dishwasher where there is less water pressure so that they don't get damaged by being hit with too much force from above them.
Ceramic Items
When washing ceramic items, it's important to check the manufacturer's instructions first. Some manufacturers recommend hand washing their wares, while you can toss them in the dishwasher.
If you're unsure whether your ceramic item is safe for use in a dishwasher, look for a dishwasher-safe symbol on its packaging or label (it may be located on the bottom of the piece). If there isn't one there and you're still unsure about whether or not it should go into your machine, inspect your piece carefully before placing it inside: Look for signs of cracking or fading--these are signs that something might be wrong with your product! Also avoid putting any fragile pieces on top racks as they could break easily when jostled around by other items during cleaning cycles.
Glass Items
Glass items are a little more tricky to keep clean. You'll want to check for a dishwasher-safe symbol on the bottom of your glass item, and make sure there aren't any signs of cracking or chipping.
If you have any doubts about whether or not an item is safe for the dishwasher, it's best to err on the side of caution: don't put it in there! It's also important not to put anything in your top rack that isn't explicitly labeled as being safe for use up there--this includes stemware and wine glasses (which should go on racks below).
Stainless Steel Items
Stainless steel items are generally dishwasher safe, but you should always check for a dishwasher-safe symbol on the item. Inspect it for any signs of rusting or discoloration, as well as any stickers that say "not for use in a microwave."
Avoid putting stainless steel items in the top rack of your dishwasher because they can get scratched by other items rubbing against them.
Wooden Items
Wooden items, including wooden spoons and cutting boards, can be damaged in the dishwasher.
Check for a dishwasher-safe symbol. If it doesn't have one, don't put it in your dishwasher.
Inspect for any signs of warping or discoloration before using the wooden item in question. If there are any such indications, don't use them in the future either!
Avoid putting wooden items in the dishwasher if possible--they'll likely warp over time and become unusable (or even dangerous).
Cast Iron Items
The first step to ensuring that your cast iron items are safe for the dishwasher is to check the packaging. If you see a dishwasher-safe symbol, then you're likely in good shape. However, if there is no such symbol on your item's packaging or elsewhere on its surface (such as stamped into the metal), it's best to avoid putting it in the dishwasher altogether.
If an item does have a dishwasher-safe label but has been used previously without being cleaned properly after each use--or if you notice rusting or discoloration--it may be best not to risk using it again until you can thoroughly clean off any remaining food particles from previous uses.
Non-Stick Items
Non-stick items, such as bakeware and cookware, can be damaged by the high heat of the dishwasher. To avoid this issue, check for a dishwasher-safe symbol on your non-stick pans. If there isn't one and you're still unsure whether or not it's safe to put in the dishwasher, inspect the surface of your pan closely for any signs of wear or damage (such as scratches). If there are no obvious signs that would indicate damage from being washed in a dishwasher, try hand washing instead--you'll save yourself from having to buy new cookware later down the road!
If you have an older model of nonstick cookware that doesn't have any markings on it indicating its safety level in regards to being putting these items through this process altogether until further research has been done into their durability under high heat conditions.
Silverware
Silverware is one of the most common items to be washed in a dishwasher, but it's important to check for signs of damage before you load up your silverware basket.
If you don't see any discoloration or tarnishing on your spoons, forks and knives, then they should be safe to wash in the machine--but only if they have been stamped with an official dishwasher-safe symbol. If there are no markings on them at all (and especially if they were inherited from Grandma), inspect them carefully before putting them through the wash cycle: look for dents or scratches that might cause damage during washing; check that there aren't any loose parts like rivets or handles; and make sure none of the pieces are bent beyond use.
You can also avoid some issues by placing knives facing down instead of standing upright so that water doesn't pool around their blades when cleaning other items in your load. And don't forget about sharp edges! Always place sharp utensils such as steak knives into protective bags before loading them into your dishwasher because otherwise those edges could puncture other dishes during washing cycles--or worse yet...your hand!
Conclusion
You now know that most dishwasher safe items are safe to put in the dishwasher. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If you have any doubts about whether or not an item is dishwasher safe, check out its packaging or a professional before putting it in your machine.
If you're wondering what items aren't safe for washing in your dishwasher, we've got you covered!