Dishwasher Safety Guide: What Should Never Go in the Machine?

Modern dishwashers offer incredible convenience, but they are a harsh environment for many types of tableware. High temperatures, powerful water jets, and abrasive detergents can cause permanent damage to delicate items.

This guide helps you identify what is “Dishwasher Safe” and what must be strictly “Hand Wash Only.”

If your tableware falls into these categories, avoid the dishwasher at all costs:

• Items with Gold or Platinum Rims: High-heat and detergents will eventually wear away the precious metal gilding. This is common in brands like Wedgwood or Hermès.
• Lead Crystal: The high heat and chemicals can cause “clouding” (permanent etching) on Lead Crystal.
• Wooden Tableware: Bamboo or wooden bowls and utensils will warp, crack, and lose their natural oils in the dishwasher's drying cycle.
• Cast Iron: Dishwashers will strip away the “seasoning” (protective oil layer), leading to immediate rusting.
• Professional Chef's Knives: The rattling can dull the blade, and the heat can damage the handle.
• Antique or Hand-painted Items: Any piece made before the mid-20th century likely has glazes that cannot withstand modern dishwasher chemicals.

These items are often labeled “Dishwasher Safe,” but require specific care:

• Fine Bone China: Most modern Bone China (without metallic trim) is dishwasher safe. Use a “Delicate” cycle and ensure pieces do not touch each other to prevent chipping.
• Stainless Steel: High-quality 18/10 Stainless Steel is very durable. However, avoid mixing it with silver-plated items in the same basket, as a chemical reaction (electrolysis) can cause spotting.
• High-End Stemware: Modern lead-free crystal (like Riedel) is often dishwasher safe, but only if you have a dedicated rack to prevent the glasses from tipping.

Look for these markings on the back of your plates (the Backstamp):

1. Dishwasher Safe: Usually depicted as a plate in a rack with water droplets.
2. Hand Wash Only: Often shown as a hand in a bowl of water.
3. No Symbol: If there is no symbol, assume Hand Wash Only, especially for luxury or vintage items.

1. Space it Out: The most common cause of damage is “clinking”—items hitting each other during the wash cycle. 2. Scrape, Don't Rinse: Modern detergents actually need a bit of food protein/fat to work properly. Just scrape off the solids. 3. Use Liquid/Gel: Powder detergents can be abrasive on delicate glazes. 4. Unload the Bottom First: This prevents water from the top rack (which might be pooled in the bottom of cups) from dripping onto the clean, dry dishes below.

— See Also:

• Caring for Fine China
• Maintaining Stainless Steel Luster