WASHING
SPECIAL ITEMS
If you have doubts about washing a particular item, check
with the manufacturer to see if it is dishwasher safe.
MATERIAL
DISHWASHER SAFE?/COMMENTS
Yes
Aluminum
High water temperature and
detergents can affect finish of
anodized aluminum.
Disposable
No
Aluminum
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
No
Cans
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/
Yes
Stoneware
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
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
No
Knives
Handles of some knives are attached
to the blade with adhesives which
can loosen if washed in the
dishwasher.
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MATERIAL
DISHWASHER SAFE?/COMMENTS
Pewter, Brass,
No
Bronze
High water temperatures and
detergent can discolor or pit the
finish.
No
Disposable
Plastics
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
Yes
or Silver Plate
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.