12
WASHING SPECIAL ITEMS
If you have doubts about washing a particular item, check with
the manufacturer to see if it is dishwasher safe.
DISHWASHER CARE
Cleaning Your Dishwasher
Cleaning the exterior
In most cases, regular use of a soft, damp cloth or sponge and a
mild detergent is all that is necessary to keep the outside of your
dishwasher looking nice and clean.
Cleaning the interior
Hard water minerals can cause a white film to build up on the
inside surfaces, especially just beneath the door area.
Do not
clean the dishwasher interior until it has cooled. Wear
rubber gloves.
Do not
use any type of cleanser other than
dishwasher detergent because it may cause foaming or sudsing.
To clean interior
Make a paste with powdered dishwasher detergent on a damp
sponge and clean.
OR
Use liquid automatic dishwasher detergent and clean with a
damp sponge.
OR
See the vinegar rinse procedure in “Spotting and filming on
dishes” in “Troubleshooting.”
NOTE:
Run a Normal cycle with detergent after cleaning the
interior.
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
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.
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.
Material
Dishwasher Safe?/Comments
