Introduction
Dishwashers are lifesavers in the modern kitchen, but they aren't magic machines that can clean every item without risk. To keep your dishes—and your home's dishwasher in Miramar, FL—in top shape, it’s essential to know what’s dishwasher safe and what isn’t. Let’s dive into a guide to help you make the best choices for your kitchenware.
Understanding dishwasher-safe symbols
Dishwasher-safe symbols aren’t as standardized as clothing care labels, but they often feature icons of plates or glasses under water droplets or showers. If you see a symbol with a line through it, the item isn’t dishwasher safe. Keep in mind that even labeled items can degrade over time, especially when subjected to regular high heat and detergents.
Common Kitchen Items: What’s Safe and What’s Not?
Everyday Tableware
Most standard plates, bowls, and stainless steel cutlery are dishwasher safe. However, delicate glassware and sharp knives should be washed by hand to avoid scratches, breakage, or dulling of blades.
Glassware
Dishwashers can cause hazing or etching on glass over time, particularly with cheap detergents or hard water. Fragile items like wine glasses and lead crystal should always be handwashed.
Pro Tip: Remove red wine stains from glasses with denture cleaner for a sparkling finish!
Knives
Good knives, especially carbon steel or ceramic, should never go in the dishwasher. The heat, detergent, and jostling can corrode the steel and dull the edges. Keep them sharp by washing them by hand.
Cookware
- Dishwasher-Safe: stainless steel pots, ceramic baking dishes, and some silicone bakeware.
- Not dishwasher-safe: non-stick pans, cast iron, copper, and aluminum cookware. These can warp, rust, or lose their non-stick coatings.
Pro Tip: Handwash enamel-coated cast iron to maintain its finish and non-stick properties.
Household Items That Can Go in the Dishwasher
Surprisingly, your dishwasher can clean more than dishes! Here are some household items you can safely toss in:
- Kitchen sponges: Sanitize and refresh them.
- Plastic baby bottles and toys: top rack only. Use a mesh bag for small pieces like LEGO blocks.
- Hairbrushes and combs: only if they don’t have wooden parts.
Pet bowls and silicone food covers are ideal for thorough cleaning.
Items to Keep Out of the Dishwasher
- Wooden items: Cutting boards, utensils, or handles can warp or crack.
- Metal items like silver, pewter, or copper: These materials can discolor or tarnish.
- Hand-painted ceramics or fine china: The designs can fade or chip under the intense heat and detergent.
Avoid putting anything contaminated with wax, ash, or flammable materials in your dishwasher, as these substances can damage the appliance or spread contaminants.
Appliance Parts and Miscellaneous Items
Check the manufacturer’s instructions for items like oven baskets, thermomix components, and oven racks. While some are dishwasher-safe, others may warp or lose effectiveness when exposed to high heat.
Final Thoughts
Using your dishwasher wisely can prolong the life of your kitchenware and household items. If you’re ever in doubt, handwashing is usually the safer option. For more tips on maintaining your dishwasher or solving plumbing-related issues, count on Dovis Plumbing to help!
Need more advice? Contact us at 954-504-6628 for all your plumbing and appliance maintenance needs.
