Wondering which kitchen tools you can safely toss in the dishwasher? You’re not alone. Many home cooks damage their favorite utensils by washing them the wrong way.
This guide explains everything about dishwasher safe kitchen tools. You’ll learn which items belong in the dishwasher and which need hand washing.
What Does Dishwasher Safe Mean?
Dishwasher safe means a kitchen tool can handle the high heat, strong detergents, and water pressure inside a dishwasher without getting damaged.
These items won’t warp, crack, rust, or lose their finish during a normal wash cycle. Manufacturers test their products and mark them as dishwasher safe when they pass these standards.
Look for a dishwasher safe symbol on your kitchen tools. This symbol usually shows plates or glasses with water droplets above them.
Kitchen Tools That Are Dishwasher Safe
Most modern kitchen tools are built to handle dishwasher cleaning. Here are the items you can safely wash in your dishwasher:
Stainless Steel Items
- Spoons, forks, and knives
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Colanders and strainers
- Cookie cutters
Plastic Kitchen Tools
- BPA-free plastic spatulas
- Plastic cutting boards
- Silicone baking mats
- Plastic measuring tools
- Food storage containers (check the label)
Glass and Ceramic
- Pyrex bowls
- Glass measuring cups
- Ceramic mixing bowls
- Tempered glass containers
Silicone Products
- Silicone spatulas
- Baking molds
- Pot holders and trivets
- Silicone whisks
Place plastic and silicone items on the top rack. The bottom rack gets hotter and can melt these materials.
Kitchen Tools That Are NOT Dishwasher Safe
Some kitchen tools need hand washing to stay in good shape. The dishwasher will damage these items:
Wood and Bamboo
- Wooden spoons
- Cutting boards
- Bamboo utensils
- Wood serving bowls
Hot water and harsh detergent dry out wood. This causes cracking, warping, and splitting.
Cast Iron Cookware
- Cast iron skillets
- Dutch ovens
- Griddles
Dishwashers strip away the seasoning on cast iron. They also cause rust.
Non-Stick Pans
- Teflon-coated pans
- Ceramic cookware
- Non-stick baking sheets
High heat and strong detergent damage the non-stick coating. This makes food stick and releases harmful particles.
Sharp Knives
- Chef’s knives
- Paring knives
- Specialty blades
Dishwashers dull knife edges quickly. The harsh environment also damages handles.
Other Items to Hand Wash
- Copper cookware
- Aluminum pans
- Fine china
- Crystal glassware
- Graters and zesters
- Garlic press
- Insulated travel mugs
How to Check If Your Kitchen Tools Are Dishwasher Safe
Not sure about a specific item? Here’s how to find out:
Check the Bottom or Handle
Look for symbols or text that say “dishwasher safe.” The symbol looks like a square with plates and water droplets.
Read the Product Packaging
Keep the original box or instructions. They tell you the best way to clean each item.
Check the Manufacturer’s Website
Search for your product online. Most brands list care instructions on their websites.
Consider the Material
When in doubt, think about what the item is made from. Stainless steel, silicone, and hard plastic usually do well. Wood, cast iron, and non-stick coatings don’t.
Test on the Top Rack First
If you’re unsure, run the item through one cycle on the top rack. Check for damage before washing it again.
Tips for Loading Kitchen Tools in the Dishwasher
Load your dishwasher correctly to protect your kitchen tools and get them cleaner:
Top Rack vs. Bottom Rack
Place plastic, silicone, and delicate items on the top rack. Put sturdy stainless steel and glass items on the bottom rack.
Space Items Apart
Don’t crowd utensils together. Water needs to reach all surfaces for proper cleaning.
Secure Small Items
Use the utensil basket for small tools. This prevents them from falling through the rack and blocking the spray arm.
Face Items Downward
Point bowls, cups, and measuring spoons down. This helps water drain off instead of pooling.
Separate Stainless Steel and Silver
Keep these metals apart. They can react and cause discoloration.
Remove Food Debris First
Rinse or scrape off large food pieces. This prevents clogs and ensures better cleaning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t make these errors that damage kitchen tools:
Using Too Much Detergent
More soap doesn’t mean cleaner dishes. Excess detergent leaves residue and can harm some materials.
Washing Non-Dishwasher Safe Items
Always check before loading. One wash can ruin an expensive knife or pan.
Skipping the Rinse Cycle
Let stuck-on food soak first. This prevents scratching when items bump together during the wash.
Leaving Items in Too Long
Remove clean dishes promptly. Sitting in moisture can cause spots and odors.
Ignoring Manufacturer Instructions
Even if an item seems sturdy, follow the care label. Manufacturers know their products best.
Conclusion
Understanding dishwasher safe kitchen tools saves time and protects your investment in quality cookware.
Most stainless steel, silicone, and hard plastic items can go in the dishwasher. Wood, cast iron, sharp knives, and non-stick cookware need hand washing.
Always check for the dishwasher safe symbol before loading new items. When in doubt, hand wash to be safe.
Follow proper loading techniques and avoid common mistakes. Your kitchen tools will last longer and perform better.
Start checking your kitchen drawers today. Sort your tools into dishwasher safe and hand wash groups. You’ll make cleanup faster and keep your favorite items in great shape for years to come.