23
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
Possible
High water temperature and detergents can affect
finish of anodized aluminum. Unfinished aluminum
will be discolored.
Disposable
Aluminum
No
Do not wash disposable 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 adhesive that 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.
