Dishwasher-safe Labelling On Pans (Explained)
When buying new pots and pans, you may notice labels stating whether the item is “dishwasher safe” or “hand wash only.” This labelling is important to pay attention to, as putting cookware in the dishwasher that is not built to withstand high heat and harsh detergents can lead to warping, corrosion, scratched surfaces, and more.
Understanding dishwasher-safe labels on your current cookware and any new items you purchase allows you to properly care for them and get the most out of your investment.
Common Dishwasher-Safe Labels
There are a few common labels and markings used to indicate if a pan is dishwasher safe:
Plain Text
You may see phrases like “dishwasher safe,” “safe for dishwasher,” or “can be cleaned in dishwasher” printed directly on a pan. This plain text is clearly stating the pan can go in the dishwasher.
Dishwasher Safe Icon
Another label you commonly see is a graphic image of a dishwasher with a check mark or other indicator letting you know the pan is approved for dishwasher use.
Care Instruction Labels
Some pans have a tag or imprinted instructions detailing how to care for the item. You may see the phrase “dishwasher safe” or related text spelled out, leaving no question if the pan can handle the dishwasher.
Absence of “Hand Wash Only” Labels
If there are detailed care instructions provided but no “hand wash only” text or related wording advising against the dishwasher, the pan is likely safe to clean in the dishwasher.
Factors Impacting Dishwasher Safety
There are a few key factors that determine if a pan can withstand regular dishwasher cleaning:
Materials
The materials a pan is constructed from plays a major role in dishwasher safety. Stainless steel, enameled cast iron, anodized aluminum, silicone, copper, and ceramic cookware can generally go in the dishwasher without issue. Materials that tend to be hand wash only include unsealed cast iron, wood, nonstick coating, and natural stone.
Manufacturing
How the cookware is manufactured also determines its ability to resist high heat and harsh detergents. Solid, high-quality construction allows pans to better tolerate the dishwasher’s environment compared to cheaper and thinner options.
Temperature Resistance
Pans that can withstand very high oven and stovetop temperatures will likely hold up fine to hot dishwasher cycles. The intense heat helps harden and set the materials so they do not warp.
Protective Coatings and Finishes
Protective finishes like enameling, seasoning, and anodized coatings prevent warping and deterioration of the base materials. Uncoated cookware often requires hand washing.
Tips for Dishwasher Safety
Follow these tips to clean your pots and pans safely:
Check Labels
Always double check labels for dishwasher safe text or icons before placing cookware in the dishwasher. When in doubt, default to hand washing.
Use Caution with Exceptions
While ceramic and copper cookware is generally dishwasher safe, inexpensive models may warp and corrode. Use caution and inspect regularly for damage.
Allow to Cool First
Avoid placing hot pans directly in the dishwasher. Allow them to cool to prevent cracking or warping from extreme temperature changes.
Scrape Away Debris
Be sure to scrape away as much stuck on food debris as possible first. Particles getting baked on through the cycles can be difficult to remove later.
Use Low Heat Drying
If your dishwasher has a high heat drying function, avoid using it. The intense heat can damage cookware not intended for extreme temperatures.
Wash Immediately After Use
Don’t allow food residue, grease, or grime to sit on pans for extended periods before washing. This can bake on food and make it hard to remove later.
Inspect Regularly
Inspect pans that go in the dishwasher regularly for scratches, warping, faded finishes, and other damage. This allows you to take preventive measures or replace when needed.
Hand Dry Completely
Be sure pans are 100% dry prior to storing them. Trapped moisture can lead to corrosion and growth of bacteria or mold.
Common Dishwasher-Safe Cookware
Here are some of the most common dishwasher-safe pots and pans:
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel cookware is durable, non-reactive, and resists corrosion well, making it ideal for dishwasher cleaning. Quality stainless steel pans will have an inner aluminum or copper core to allow even heating.
Enameled Cast Iron
Enameled cast iron is extremely durable and the glossy porcelain enamel coating prevents rust and removes the need for seasoning. Le Creuset and Staub are popular brands.
Anodized Aluminum
Anodized aluminum cookware is hardened through an electrochemical process, creating a protective oxidized layer on the surface. This allows it to withstand higher heat and alkaline dishwasher detergents.
Silicone
Food grade silicone is naturally heat resistant and waterproof. It remains flexible after high heat exposure, allowing silicone bakeware and handy pot and pan accessories to be safely dishwasher cleaned.
Copper
Copper is an excellent heat conductor, distributing heat quickly and evenly. When coated in stainless steel or given an enameled surface finish, copper cookware can resist corrosion and be washed in the dishwasher.
Ceramic
Ceramic cookware, including glazed clay pots and ceramic nonstick skillets are generally durable enough for dishwasher cleaning. They have high heat tolerance and protective finishes.
Glass
Borosilicate glass baking dishes and tempered glass lids can typically handle dishwasher heat and detergents. Avoid drastic temperature changes and chipping of the edges for best results.
Not Dishwasher-Safe Materials
Steer clear of the dishwasher when washing these pan materials:
Cast Iron
Unenameled/uncoated cast iron is highly prone to rust. The dishwasher strips away protective seasoning meant to prevent sticking and corrosion.
Wood
Wood absorbs water easily leading to warping, cracking, and growth of bacteria and mold. The heat dries out natural oils needed to maintain water resistance.
Nonstick Coatings
Nonstick finishes eventually break down in high heat and abrasive dishwasher detergent. Coatings can flake off and scratches lead to further deterioration.
Natural Stone
Materials like soapstone and granite are porous, making them prone to retaining moisture. The minerals can also react negatively to harsh detergents.
Aluminum Without Anodized Finish
Bare aluminum corrodes easily from regular exposure to moisture, high alkalinity detergents, and mineral deposits. An anodized layer helps protect the reactive metal.
Hand-Painted Ceramics
Antique, hand-painted, or other specialty ceramics often have finishes and pigments that can fade or deteriorate with repeated dishwasher exposure.
Preventing Damage to Cookware
Here are some tips to keep your pots and pans in good shape for years of cooking:
Allow Cookware to Cool Before Washing
Run pans under cool water for a few minutes before washing to bring down the temperature gradually after cooking. Avoid dunking hot pans into cold dishwater.
Use Non-abrasive Cleaning Tools
Clean cookware with soft sponges, nylon scrub pads, and brushes. Avoid abrasive scouring pads, steel wool, and anything that can scratch surfaces.
Wash Immediately After Use
Don’t allow food residue or oils to sit for extended periods. Washing immediately prevents baked on debris that is tough to remove later.
Dry Thoroughly Before Storing
Ensure pans are 100% dry prior to putting them away, including crevices, handles, and lids. Trapped moisture leads to corrosion and bacterial growth.
Oil After Drying
Apply a light coating of oil to cast iron and carbon steel pans after fully drying to maintain the seasoning layer that prevents rust.
Use Heat Protection
Place a folded towel under hot pans when setting them on counters. The insulation prevents heat damage to surfaces that can occur.
Inspect Frequently
Regularly check cookware for scratches, dents, warped bases, faded finishes, cracked glazes, and other damage to catch issues early.
Avoid Metal Utensils
Use wood, silicone, plastic, or other soft utensils when cooking to prevent scratching. Metal can remove protective finishes over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can all stainless steel pans go in the dishwasher?
While most stainless steel pans are dishwasher safe, lower quality models with thinner bases may warp from heat exposure. Inspect regularly for damage and distortion.
Does cast iron ever go in the dishwasher?
No, cast iron should never go in the dishwasher. The heat and harsh detergents will cause rust by stripping off the protective seasoning finish.
What about nonstick pans and bakeware?
Most nonstick finishes will deteriorate over time in the dishwasher from high heat and abrasive washing. Hand wash gently instead using soft sponges and mild detergent.
Can I put ceramic-coated pans in the dishwasher?
Yes, quality ceramic-coated pans are generally durable enough to withstand dishwasher cleaning. Avoid chipping edges by carefully loading and use low heat drying.
How do I know if enamel-coated pans are dishwasher safe?
Quality enameled cast iron Dutch ovens and skillets from brands like Le Creuset often have dishwasher safe labels indicating they can withstand the harsh environment.
Should I hand wash or machine wash silicone bakeware?
Thanks to its durable, flexible, and waterproof properties, most 100% food-grade silicone pans, molds, and liners can safely go right in the dishwasher.
What about glass bakeware and lids?
Tempered glass baking dishes and pan lids are fine for dishwasher cleaning unless otherwise indicated. Allow to fully cool first and use low heat drying to prevent shattering.
Why avoid putting hot pans directly into the dishwasher?
Dunking smoking hot pans into room temperature water can cause warping, cracking, and damage from the sudden temperature change. Allow to cool slightly first.
How can I prevent water spots on clean pans?
Water spots come from mineral residue in tap water that dries onto cookware. Use a water softener, rinse aid, or distilled vinegar in the rinse cycle to prevent spots.
I hope this guide gives you greater confidence in identifying dishwasher safe cookware and properly caring for your pots and pans. Let me know if you have any other questions!
