Dishwasher - Cleaning Metal Utensils and Cookware

Metal cookware and utensils can be washed in a dishwasher. However, there are things to consider such as mixing certain metals or the tendency of a type of metal to rust when in contact with water.

 

Cleaning Metal Utensils and Cookware in a Dishwasher

Stainless steel utensils and tableware wash beautifully in a dishwasher. However, do not mix them with sterling silver because it can pit the silver.

 
  • Dry detergent (not liquid) on aluminum and silver may cause black spots which are difficult to remove. Avoid placing these utensils under the detergent cup.

Aluminum ware will clean satisfactorily in your dishwasher. Some darkening or spotting of aluminum may take place due to the mineral content of the water and the detergent.

 
  • If this happens, scour all surfaces with soap filled steel wool pads. Some colored anodized aluminum can fade in the dishwasher.
  • Dry detergent (not liquid) on aluminum and silver may cause black spots which are difficult to remove. Avoid placing these utensils under the detergent cup.

Iron skillets should not be placed in the dishwasher. In order to prevent their rusting, they are oil seasoned. The highly efficient washing action in your dishwasher will remove this seasoning.

 

Pewter ware should not be placed in a dishwasher, it will tarnish.

 

The dishwasher itself cannot tarnish tableware. It can only fill, circulate water and detergent, rinse, and drain.

 
  • If flatware is tarnishing, first check with the manufacturer of the flatware to make sure it does not have aluminum or sterling silver in its content. If it does, this is a normal reaction with minerals in water and the detergent. We recommend hand washing these pieces or you may consider trying a different brand of detergent.
  • If the above suggestions do not remedy the situation you may consider calling the detergent manufacturer for their recommendations.

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