What can be washed in the dishwasher (and what can not). What can and cannot be washed in the dishwasher: features of washing dishes from different materials Dishes that can be washed in the dishwasher

20.06.2020 Heating

Do you think that buying a dishwasher will completely relieve you of the hassle of washing dishes? First you need to know what can not be washed in the dishwasher. Not all kitchen utensils can be sent to PMM - this threatens to damage the dishes themselves or machine parts. We will figure out what dishes can and cannot be put in the dishwasher.

Considering that today it is made not from two or three standard materials, but from a whole variety, it is not always easy to understand what should be cleaned manually. On the shelves you can find glass, porcelain, faience, crystal, cast iron, ceramic, wood, cupronickel, plastic, silver, stainless and other items.

Aluminum - away from PMM!

This is the first and main unwanted guest on the shelves of the dishwasher. The metal easily comes into contact with substances, even with water under certain conditions. In contact with chemical components dissolved in hot water, baking sheets, bowls, mugs and other aluminum products become covered with a dark gray coating. If you inadvertently sent aluminum utensils to the PMM, be careful: the plaque is easily soiled, it can leave marks on your hands and other utensils.

Hundreds of people messed up by mistake:

  • parts from meat grinders, juicers;
  • garlic crushers;
  • spoons and forks;
  • geyser coffee makers;
  • buckets;

  • baking sheets;
  • pots and pans, etc.

There is several ways to remove plaque that appeared after washing - read about them in a separate article.

Important! If you care about your health, replace aluminum cookware with more harmless options.

Some aluminum utensils will darken on the first wash, but this can happen on the second or third wash as well. Therefore, if your friends tell you: “Yes, I have already washed aluminum in the dishwasher three times, everything is fine!” - do not take my word for it.

What happens in the PMM bunker

Why is one plate easy to clean in automatic mode, and the second cannot be sent to the machine? In the washing chamber, manufacturers have created special conditions that affect the materials. Let's designate these factors:

  • high temperature (water or air during drying);
  • strong chemicals in detergents;
  • prolonged stay in water, etc.

Considering that even porcelain can react differently to exposure to high temperature water, it will not be easy to remember which factors other materials react to. So just put both aluminum and the materials listed below on your stop list.

Wooden and plastic utensils

Everything that is made of wood, many invariably strive to wash it in a typewriter. Of course, then panic and questions “What to do?” follow. It's simple: a tree with prolonged contact with water tends to swell. Wood is completely saturated with moisture, its dimensions grow, and the product changes its original appearance. After drying, it shrinks, and the bond between the fibers at this moment is irrevocably destroyed.

What do we get as a result? Complete or partial, but significant deformation of the object, cracks and unsightly appearance. It is enough for a wooden rolling pin to lie down in water for half an hour to swell - and this is in a cold one, in a hot one the process goes even faster. In the PMM, the washing cycle can be extended up to 4 hours, plus chemistry - the device cannot stand this.

Usually housewives put such dishes made of wood into the machine:

  • wooden boards;
  • pestles;
  • shoulder blades;
  • bowls or plates;
  • coasters for hot and much more.

Plastic utensils are less demanding than wooden utensils, but successful washing can only be done if a number of conditions are met. If the plastic is not a heat-resistant type, there will definitely be a “Do Not Wash!” sign on the dishes, otherwise you will find a sign that allows washing in the dishwasher.

100% forbidden to wash in PMM:

  • disposable tableware;
  • plates without permission icons;
  • toys that emit a strong chemical smell;

  • plastic utensils with glued parts or decor;
  • plastic containers, bottles without marks allowing automatic washing.

What is better to wash by hand

Aluminium, plastic and wood are not the only materials that are not put on dishwasher shelves. Do not wash in the dishwasher:

  1. Porcelain cups and saucers. All chinaware is best washed by hand, but fine china is especially sensitive to automatic washing and turbo drying.
  2. Cast iron cookware. For one sink with cast-iron grates, pots, cauldrons and other utensils, nothing will happen. But over time (for 2-3 washings) you will notice a change for the worse. Corrosion takes cast iron - the appearance will be completely damaged, and the unique qualities will be lost.
  3. Crystal. Rinse your favorite crystal dinner set under the tap so as not to encounter “glass corrosion” (microcracks and scratches) and so that glasses and salad bowls do not burst from temperature fluctuations. If you still want to take the risk, then there are some tips, how to secure crystal in PMM as much as possible.
  4. Vacuum containers. Containers, mugs, pots and thermoses pump out air, creating a vacuum inside. With intensive washing, the useful property may be violated, and your favorite thermo mug or lunch box will not keep the temperature of the food.

    Important! If there is a mark on the thermos or thermo mug that allows washing in PMM, wash it. If the icon is not found - better by hand.

  5. Sharp knives. There is an unspoken rule: in order not to dull the knife, it is washed quickly and under lukewarm water. If you leave your knife in hot water for a few minutes, sharpening will become worse, and constant washing of knives at high temperatures will force you to sharpen your knives several times a week.

    Important! Do not put other sharp objects in the PMM (knives from a blender, graters, barbecue forks) - they will quickly become “dull”.

  6. Copper utensils, silver and cupronickel. Like aluminum, these metals do not tolerate contact with powders and hot water. Copper darkens and loses its attractiveness.

  • silicone molds will withstand the temperature, but washing can affect their properties (according to reviews, pastries will not stick well);

  • enameled dishes (enamel will crack);

  • clay pots (cracked);

  • thin ceramic dishes;
  • electric grill plates (teflon);
  • refrigerator shelves (metal, painted - the coating comes off easily);
  • aquarium (may stick or crack);

  • extractor elements - filter and parts made of aluminum.

Answers on questions

Having collected all the readers' questions related to the topic, we answered in detail the most interesting and relevant ones.

Question: Can Tefal pans be washed in the dishwasher?

Answer: The non-stick properties of Teflon pans can be broken after 2-3 washes in the PMM. Studying the forums of housewives, we came to the conclusion that some calmly wash such dishes in the typewriter for years, while the latter complain that they have already “killed” several pans, despite the permission sign. It's about the quality of the pan and the aggressiveness of detergents.

Question: Can the electric kettle be washed?

Answer: Yes, manually. In order not to damage the appliance, rinse the kettle with warm water under the tap.

Question: Is it possible to wash the jug "Barrier" or "Aquaphor" in the washing machine?

Answer: You can. Choose a temperature cycle for washing the jug up to 40 degrees.

Question: I want to wash the steamer with other than my hands. Will it spoil?

Answer: Depends on the material of the steamer. An aluminum container will deteriorate, and a plastic steamer has no contraindications.

Question: I was going to sterilize the jars in the dishwasher. Never tried. What mode to set?

Answer: In the absence of the “sterilization of cans” function (in some Bosch models), choose a temperature regime of at least 60 degrees.

We hope that our advice will be useful to you. Happy washing experiments.

Automatic dishwashers are magical helpers in the kitchen, but they can damage items and some are quite expensive to repair or buy new ones. It is better to play it safe once again and wash the dishes by hand.

If you have washed all this in the dishwasher before, then be prepared to admit and correct your mistakes!

Wooden spoons, bowls and cutting boards

The harshness of dishwasher detergents can remove the natural oils present in wood products and cause them to dry out. When these oils are completely washed away, the wood will begin to split.

Wooden objects should be washed quickly by hand using mild detergents, this should be done in warm water. Don't let them soak up moisture as this can lead to cracks. If you feel the need to sanitize wooden utensils, use a mild solution of chlorine bleach and warm water (1/4 cup bleach and 1/2 cup water).

Kitchen knives

These items may damage the dishwasher. First, the blades can damage the coating on the racks and baskets, and as a result, rust can form. Secondly, sharp edges are dangerous when unloading the dishwasher, especially when children help you.

Finally, the detergent for this technique can ruin them, and the wooden handles will crack and fall apart. It is best to wash knives by hand.

Graters and sieves

Any kitchen tool with sharp edges should not be placed in the dishwasher. Grids and sieves can damage the plastic coating on the racks, rust will begin to appear.

And if you put items with small holes in the dishwasher, then know that such things are almost impossible to wash thoroughly. Again, the graters are best done by hand.

Cast iron cookware

Cast iron pots and pans are quite practical utensils, they can serve you for many years, provided that you take care of them properly. So that cast iron does not rust, and food does not stick to the surface, it must be lubricated with oil. It penetrates the iron and leaves an almost perfect cooking surface.

When cast iron is placed in the dishwasher, the detergent and water separate the oil and ruin the utensils. Even if something is stuck to your pot or frying pan and you are sure that automatic appliances are an easy way to clean utensils, think twice. Hand washing is a better option.

Aluminum pots and utensils

If you've ever put shiny aluminum cookware in your car, you've seen what happens to it. It becomes dull and dark.

The same thing can happen to your aluminum pots and pans. Moreover, detergent can cause pitting and rust.

Copper pots and mugs

Such kitchen utensils must be washed by hand so that they are shiny and bright. Don't make it hard for yourself - don't put it in the dishwasher. Hard water and detergents will ruin everything, and only pleasant memories will remain about beautiful dishes.

Cloche

If the pressure cooker itself can go through the entire washing cycle quite well, then never throw the lid from this device there.

It contains valves that control and guarantee the quality of the pressure cooker. During the operation of the dishwasher, small particles of food can enter the valves and vents, leading to a malfunction of the entire device. Harsh chemicals can also damage rubber or silicone lid seals.

Frying pans with non-stick coating

While many of these accessories are labeled as dishwasher safe, chemicals and excessively high drying temperatures can damage the non-stick coating. If you do choose to wash the pans in your machine, skip the drying cycle.

Scratches on dishes are the first sign that it's time to change them. When a surface is damaged, it can release dangerous toxins into food.

Acrylic or melamine tableware

These lightweight and unbreakable kitchen utensils are very popular due to their bright colors and patterns. Unfortunately, high water temperatures, drying and dishwasher detergents can spoil all this beauty. After several such washes, especially for cheaper sets, cracks appear on them, color and design deteriorate.

If you love your dishes and want them to serve you for a long time, try washing them by hand.

Insulated cups, glasses and thermal containers

Plastic and metal insulated cups, glasses and containers are great for storing hot and cold foods. Most of them are made of two-layer material with an air space that provides insulation.

Although some containers indicate that they can be washed in dishwashers, many of them are still not designed for this. It is best to wash these dishes by hand. If you decide to put it in the machine, select the gentle setting and skip the drying cycle.

Hand-painted glassware

Techniques for commercial printing on glassware have improved, but glassware is easily damaged in the dishwasher. Detergent and strong water pressure can remove paint in just one or two washes. And what's the use of a glass measuring cup with no lines?

Hand-painted dishes, even if they are made of super-strong glass, should never be placed in the dishwasher.

Thin plastic containers

If you don't feel sorry for your plastic container in which you pour your lunch every time, wash it in the dishwasher. High temperatures will ruin it instantly. And you will have to buy a new lunch box.

Containers and jars with paper labels

Every good housewife keeps beautiful jars for preservation. There are no complaints about the banks, you can safely wash them in the dishwasher, but first remove all labels. If you don't, the paper and glue can come off and clog the drain system. You will ruin the machine.

Gold cutlery and Chinese porcelain

While sterling silver cutlery can safely be washed in the dishwasher, all gold utensils will immediately deteriorate and become dull, lose their original color.

Porcelain is perfectly safe to wash in the dishwasher, but only if it does not have metallic finishes or patterns.

Antique Chinese sets, crystal and refurbished items

Any vintage glass or porcelain service is best washed by hand. This is especially important if the dishes have been recently restored. Forget about the dishwasher, this utensil is not for her.

Silver knives

Sterling silver stands up to the entire wash cycle just as well as stainless steel cookware. But there is one exception: many sterling silver knives have a hollow handle, and the heat of a dishwasher can break down the glue that holds the blade to the handle and ruin the knife. This will happen whether the blade is made of stainless steel or sterling silver. All knives must be washed by hand only.

milk glass

Milk glassware, especially vintage items, may turn yellow after several washes in the dishwasher due to high temperatures and harsh detergents. Remember once and for all: milk glass must be washed by hand!

The presence of a dishwasher in the house is not an indicator of luxury, but only confirms the desire of people to keep up with the times and technology. Such a device performs an important task, depriving the owners of the need to wash dishes by hand. But before buying a system, you need to figure out what cannot be washed in the dishwasher and how to care for it.


What can be washed

Modern dishwashers are designed not only for cleaning dishes from food residues, but also for washing cutlery and all kinds of kitchen accessories. Spoons and plates, glasses and cups, knives and cutting boards, pots and other utensils are placed in the device. In addition to dishes, in PMM they wash a variety of devices that are in the arsenal of housewives. And they all need regular cleaning.


To determine which dishes can be washed in a dishwasher, you need to understand how the system works and imagine the entire washing process after switching on. Kitchen items are washed with aggressive chemicals and hot water. Individual materials cannot withstand such an impact and are subject to deformation.

If prohibited utensils are placed in the device, this will not only damage it, but also increase the risk of damaging the PMM itself.

Any dishes placed inside the dishwasher are affected by the following factors:

  • Aggressive detergents.
  • Water heated to +50…75°C.
  • Prolonged stay in a humid environment (some dishwasher modes provide a four-hour wash).
  • Drying with hot air.

Some materials calmly react to high temperatures, but are afraid of detergents. Others are contraindicated in a humid environment, because it leads to their swelling.

Before you start cleaning, you need to make sure that the selected dishes can be washed in the dishwasher. If this is not the case, it is better to prefer the manual method.

Leading dishware manufacturers place special icons on their products that indicate whether it can be washed in a dishwasher or not. However, such markings are not present on all kitchen accessories.


Most kitchen utensils are made of ceramic materials, cupronickel and plastic. Such options are subject to cleaning without any restrictions. It is also allowed to place stainless steel, glass, enameled metals and heat-resistant silicone in the dishwasher. You need to be careful with plastic fixtures, because plastic is not an independent material, but a whole group of different alloys with distinctive properties.

And if some normally tolerate being in the PMM, others are deformed under the influence of high temperatures or aggressive detergents.

What dishes can not be washed

In addition to the listed types of kitchen utensils, there are products that are strictly forbidden to be washed in a dishwasher. These include spoons, tea service, silicone molds and other devices with stickers. Once in a humid environment, any badge or paper label will get wet and “slip off”.

Aluminum and silver products

Many kitchen manufacturers allow silver or aluminum pans, spoons and cups to be washed in the dishwasher. But different chemical compositions can harm such materials, as a result of which the surface of the dishes becomes covered with dark spots and raids. To prevent this, it is recommended to use proven means. These include washing "Bosch".


If aluminum is placed in a humid environment, this triggers the release of ions. Therefore, if you place several products made of this material in the car and leave them there for 2-3 hours, this will lead to the appearance of a corresponding metallic coating. In this case, aluminum will not only end up on the inner walls of the unit, but will also begin to clog the sprinkler nozzles. Such phenomena are fraught with breakdown of the PMM.

However, aluminum cookware with Tefal non-stick coating easily tolerates exposure to water.

Can you wash cast iron grates in the dishwasher?

Interested in whether it is possible to place cast iron grates in the dishwasher, it is necessary to clarify the specifics of the device itself. Most manufacturers do not advise washing cast iron cookware in PMM, but nothing is said about the grates. Although there are a lot of "pitfalls" here.

Some housewives claim that nothing happened after being in the car with the grate, while others complain about the appearance of plaque and contamination of the internal space of the system.

In addition to grates, other kitchen tools and appliances are cleaned in PMM.

On the forums you can find reviews where a person writes that he washed the meat grinder in the dishwasher, and it began to rust. Therefore, the unequivocal answer to the question of whether it is possible is no. It all depends on the material of manufacture of the structure that you wash.

Any wood is afraid of water, so it is better to clean the blades, boards for cutting meat and products, rolling pins and other wooden structures with your own hands. After entering the dishwasher, they will begin to swell from an excess of moisture, and then shrink due to exposure to high temperatures. As a result, the utensils will crack, deform and become unsuitable for further use.


Modern boards are created from glued parts, not from a single piece of wood. Such objects often fall apart into several elements, once in the water. After contact with water, the adhesive composition can enter the body with food.

Knives and strainers

Knives made of stainless steel can become dull after being in the dishwasher. The machine material itself is not in danger, but the kitchen appliance will need to be re-sharpened. This also applies to strainers, graters and other structures with sharp edges - you can only wash them with your hands.

Thermos and crystal products

Many manufacturers of kitchen utensils do not allow crystal products and thermoses to be washed in the dishwasher. The latter are designed in such a way that their flask is covered with heat-insulating material. Under the influence of water, it not only loses its initial properties, but also begins to deform. And the presence of chemicals in the dishwasher threatens to ingress harmful substances into the body. And even if you fully dry the container, after washing the insulation will not hold heat as well as before. Therefore, experienced housewives wash thermoses exclusively with their hands.

As for crystal, some designs can be washed in PMM. It all depends on the features and characteristics of the material. Most varieties cannot withstand exposure to temperatures above 50°C. Such heating can cause the formation of microcracks.

It is allowed to place crystal dishes in the dishwasher only if there is a corresponding mark from the manufacturer on its surface.

They greatly simplify the life of household members, in order to start using the miracle technique, you need to read the instructions. It will indicate which dishes from which material is not recommended for washing in. Such restrictions are explained by the long stay of dishes in hot water, exposure to detergents. A negative effect on the condition of dishes and drying at high temperatures.

Metal crockery and dishwasher

Do not put aluminum plates, cups and other items into the dishwasher. This is because such material is easily oxidized, so over time it will begin to deteriorate. It is not so much the high temperature of water and air that negatively affects the state of aluminum dishes, but the oxidizing agents, alkalis contained in dishwashing detergents.

In order not to spoil the dishes during washing in the dishwasher, choose sets with the appropriate marking.

Cast iron cookware should not be washed in the dishwasher unless such items have a non-stick or enamel coating. Excess moisture will cause rust to form on the surface of the cookware.

What else can not be washed in the dishwasher

Do not wash in the dishwasher, faience or porcelain sets with patterns. From such sets, the drawing, gilding is quickly washed off or becomes lighter.

In automatic mode, it is also impossible to wash dishes and cutting boards made of wood. This material quickly dries out and becomes unsuitable for further use. Moreover, you can not wash in the dishwasher and dishes decorated with wooden inserts. The same rule applies to glued wooden boards. The only exceptions are those cutting boards that have been coated with an additional water-repellent layer during manufacture.

Do not wash dishes soiled with paint, candle wax or ashes in the dishwasher.

Disposable dishes cannot be washed in the dishwasher and plastic dishes must be loaded into the sink with care. It may deteriorate under the influence of high temperature, deform or change color after washing. Only heat-resistant plastic dishes can be washed in the machine.

The use of modern household appliances allows housewives to spend a minimum of time on washing, cooking and washing dishes. Devices require a certain amount of electricity, but now manufacturers make its use completely small. Using a dishwasher can save a lot on water consumption. If it takes sixty liters for six sets of cutlery to wash dishes by hand, then four times less water will be needed to wash cutlery in a car. You can also save money on detergents.

Why it makes sense to give up chemistry:

  1. Not any, but special chemical detergents are suitable for the dishwasher.
  2. Devices should be washed already pre-cleaned from large contaminants.
  3. Each tool contains chemistry, which does not have a very favorable effect on the human body.
  4. To wash dishes well, you have to additionally use special rinse aids.
  5. Natural folk remedies will cost quite inexpensively and will not cause any harm to health.

A few rules on how to use the machine economically and environmentally

  1. The unit should be loaded as much as possible so that the water flow is the most optimal.
  2. Remains of food can be removed with a tissue before placing cutlery in the dishwasher.
  3. Dishes should be cleaned immediately after use to make cleaning easier.
  4. It is advisable to use energy-saving programs that allow you to clean your appliances in the best possible way.
  5. It is better to use not chemical, but natural folk remedies for the dishwasher.

home remedies

Consider ways to clean appliances without chemicals. All of them are quite affordable at home.

Dry mustard

It is an absolutely natural natural substance and makes cleaning dishes effective even without chemicals. Before immersing dirty cutlery in the dishwasher compartment, you should first lightly moisten very greasy contaminated surfaces and cover with a layer of mustard powder, as shown in the photo. According to reviews, dry mustard is almost the most effective washing agent.

drinking soda

It is a very good tool for removing fat, burnt and heavy soiling on dishes without chemicals. Instead of a tablet or other detergent, soda is poured into the dishwasher. First, soda must be mixed with powder borax in a ratio of 1 to 1. Consumer reviews are only for using this recipe.

Laundry soap

Without detergent in the dishwasher, the appliances can also be easily washed by preparing a special liquid from laundry soap. To do this, you need a little laundry soap, grated into shavings, about 25 g. You should add half a liter of hot water, four tablespoons of glycerin and one tablespoon of alcohol or vodka. The resulting liquid effectively cleans dishes without harm to health.

In addition, there are folk remedies made from ash, salt or crushed charcoal. With their use in the dishwasher, glassware - glasses, glasses, glass forms - acquires an excellent shine.

According to the reviews of consumers who dared to use folk remedies for washing heavily soiled cutlery, environmentally friendly and safe formulations eliminate the most persistent grease and dirt no less effectively than chemistry.

  1. It is not recommended to use washing powder to wash even the smoothest dishes. The powder will still linger in the microscopic pores of the plates, and it will not be possible to wash it off.
  2. Plates or cups do not need to be stacked so that water can flow to all surfaces of the appliance.
  3. Without chemicals, the process of washing cutlery is much cheaper. Folk recipes are perfect if you don’t have the right dishwasher tablet at hand.
  4. If the appliances are very dirty, and it was not possible to wash them in time, you can load a part of the set number of sets into the baskets and turn on pre-soaking. Then add a natural product and turn on the sink.

Folk recipes and home-made products are no worse than chemical detergents, and in addition are completely harmless to humans. Their use does not harm either the appliances themselves or the dishwasher. Such compositions are easily washed off and do not leave marks.