What Not to Put in Your Dishwasher

Dishwashers are a handy appliance that can save time and energy when it comes to washing up. However, there are several items you shouldn’t put in the dishwasher, and our guide will explain why. Read on to find out more about dishwasher safe items and best practices to prolong the life of your kitchenware.  

What does dishwasher safe mean?  

Dishwasher safe means the item can be washed in the dishwasher. As these appliances use high heat and water jets to clean dishes, delicate or porous materials aren’t usually compatible with dishwashers. Instead, you should wash these items by hand.

While there isn’t an industry-wide standard of what is classed as dishwasher safe when it comes to different materials, manufacturers will determine this for their own products. Therefore, the best approach is to look for the symbol for dishwasher safe items when purchasing kitchenware, whether utensils, pans, serveware or glassware.

How to check items for the dishwasher safe logo

Most items will be marked with the dishwasher safe symbol on the underside. If you don’t see the symbol or the words ‘dishwasher safe’, it’s up to you whether you risk putting the item in the dishwasher. We’d recommend hand-washing items that don’t have the dishwasher safe logo, or they could get damaged.

Types of kitchen utensils damaged in water  

Several kitchen items can be damaged in water, from utensils to cookware and glassware. Discover more about each below to find out whether they are dishwasher safe.

  • Can you put non-stick pans in the dishwasher?

    You should never put non-stick pans in the dishwasher. The high heat and water pressure can cause non-stick coatings to chip or erode over time, making them less effective. Instead, wash these items by hand in warm, soapy water using a soft cloth or sponge to prevent the non-stick coating from scratches.

  • Can you put copper or aluminium in the dishwasher?

    Copper and aluminium pans and utensils should not go in the dishwasher, as they will become discoloured. Wash them by hand using a soft sponge or cloth and warm, soapy water.

  • Can cast iron go in the dishwasher?

    Don’t put cast iron in the dishwasher, as the heat, water pressure and strong detergent can remove the build-up of cooking oils (sometimes called ‘seasoning’) from the surface, which gives cast iron pans their non-stick properties. It may also lead to rust, making your pan unsafe for use. Use a soft cloth or sponge and warm, soapy water to clean your cast iron kitchenware by hand.

  • Can you put wooden spoons in the dishwasher?

    Wood is a highly porous material that will absorb water and can become warped by the high heat in a dishwasher. Therefore, wooden utensils should never go in the dishwasher or be soaked in water for long periods.

    If wooden utensils start to crack due to moisture absorption, bacteria and mould could grow inside, making them unsafe for cooking. You can keep wooden utensils looking their best by applying mineral oil to nourish the wood every few months.

  • Can crystal glasses go in the dishwasher?

    Most drinking glasses can go in the dishwasher. However, crystal glass tends to be more delicate, as does hand-blown and painted glassware. These items should be washed by hand to prevent breakages unless you have the AEG 7000 series dishwasher, which features GlassCare technology. The lower water temperature of 45°C combined with the SoftGrip design ensures that delicate glassware is protected from damage throughout the washing cycle.

  • Can you put kitchen knives in the dishwasher?

    Putting knives in the dishwasher can make them blunt over time. They could also damage dishwasher racks, scratch other items or lead to injuries when unloading the dishwasher if they become dislodged during a cycle. Knives with wooden handles should be treated the same way as other wooden utensils, as wood is highly porous and susceptible to water damage.

What can you put in the dishwasher?

Now you know what not to put in the dishwasher, here’s a list of things that are usually dishwasher safe:

  • Most china and ceramics, such as plates, bowls and mugs. Some glazed ceramics may not be dishwasher safe.
  • Hard plastic utensils.
  • Stainless steel kitchenware, including pans, utensils and cutlery.
  • Sturdy drinking glasses, including wine glasses.
  • Glass and ceramic oven dishes.
  • Silicone utensils.

However, you should always check the manufacturer’s instructions and look for the dishwasher safe logo on the item.

Can you sterilise items in the dishwasher?

Use the ExtraHygiene option on your AEG dishwasher to sterilise dishwasher safe items. This programme keeps the temperature between 65°C and 70°C for the last ten minutes of the cycle, during the final rinsing phase. It eliminates bacteria and ensures an extra thorough clean, giving you peace of mind.

To learn more about sterilising items in your AEG appliances, explore our guide to microwave sterilisation.

For more helpful kitchen maintenance tips from AEG, check out these related guides: