12
WASHING SPECIAL ITEMS
If you have doubts about washing a particular item, check with the manufacturer to see if it is dishwashe r safe.
Material Dishwasher Safe?/Comments
Aluminum Yes
High water temperature and detergents
can affect finish of anodized aluminum.
Disposable
Aluminum
No
Do not wash throwaway aluminum pans
in the dishwasher. These might shift
during washing and transfer black marks
to dishes and other items.
Bottles and Cans No
Wash bottles and cans by hand. Labels
attached with glue can loosen and clog
the spray arms or pump and reduce
washing performance.
Cast Iron No
Seasoning will be removed, and iron will
rust.
China/
Stoneware
Yes
Always check manufacturer’s
recommendations before washing.
Antique, hand-painted, or over-the-glaze
patterns may fade. Gold leaf can discolor
or fade.
Crystal Yes
Always check manufacturer’s
recommendations before washing. Some
types of leaded crystal can etch with
repeated washing.
Gold No
Gold-colored flatware will discolor.
Glass Yes
Milk glass yellows with repeated
dishwasher washing.
Hollow-Handle
Knives
No
Handles of some knives are attached to
the blade with adhesives which can
loosen if washed in the dishwasher.
Material Dishwasher Safe?/Comments
Pewter, Brass,
Bronze
No
High water temperatures and detergent
can discolor or pit the finish.
Disposable
Plastics
No
Cannot withstand high water
temperatures and detergents.
Plastics Yes
Always check manufacturer’s
recommendations before washing.
Plastics vary in their capacity to
withstand high temperatures and
detergents. Load plastics in top rack
only.
Stainless Steel Yes
Run a rinse cycle if not washing
immediately. Prolonged contact with
food containing salt, vinegar, milk
products, or fruit juice can damage
finish.
Sterling Silver or
Silver Plate
Yes
Run a rinse cycle if not washing
immediately. Prolonged contact with
food containing salt, acid, or sulfide
(eggs, mayonnaise, and seafood) can
damage finish.
Tin No
Can rust.
Wooden Ware No
Wash by hand. Always check
manufacturer’s instructions before
washing. Untreated wood can warp,
crack, or lose its finish.