8
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
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.
