Stainless steel, due to its durable properties, is a popular material to use in kitchenware from utensils to kitchen appliances. The material is rust-resistant, stain-resistant, and easy to maintain, but is it also safe for dishwashing?
Is Stainless Steel Dishwasher Safe?
The short answer is yes, stainless steel material is generally safe to clean in the dishwasher. However, different stainless steel objects have different cleaning requirements, and some stainless steel items may end up damaging your dishwasher.
As a general rule, avoid placing anything in the dishwasher unless it is labeled dishwasher safe. Some kitchen wares may be made from the same materials, but not all of them can be placed in the dishwasher to clean. Stainless steel knives, blades, and kitchen thermometers may damage other items in the dishwasher, or damage the dishwasher components.
Stainless steel utensils, on the other hand, can be cleaned on the top rack of the dishwasher without any problems, and is recommended for cleaning in dishwashers to remove the gunk from between fork prongs and dinner knife serrations.
What Stainless Steel Wares Can You Put in the Dishwasher?
Utensils: Spoons, Forks, Dinner Knives
Stainless steel silverware is entirely dishwasher safe. Spoons, forks, and even dinner or butter knives can be cleaned on the top rack of the dishwasher. Most dishwashers have small baskets for utensils so you can keep them in one place without the risk of shaking them around. Stainless steel utensils can handle dishwasher detergent well without problems or streaks.
Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Most stainless steel water bottles are safe for the dishwasher, particularly ones that are not double-wall insulated. There are plenty of stainless steel products that are conveniently washed in the dishwasher, and a water bottle is sturdy enough to withstand the high pressures of the machine. Be sure to separate the lid from the body, however.
Stainless steel bottles will most likely have a dishwasher safe label if you can place them in the machine. They should be durable enough to withstand dishwasher detergents as well, and washing narrow bottles in the machine is much more convenient than washing them by hand.
Stainless Steel Cookware - Labeled Dishwasher Safe
Pots and pans that are dishwasher safe would be labeled dishwasher safe. Materials like cast iron tend to rust in the dishwasher, while non-stick pans may lose their protective coating. Stainless steel cookware is generally sturdy, but to be on the safe side, only machine wash those that are labeled dishwasher safe.
Cheese Graters, Spatulas, and Other Cookware
A chef's knife and other blades may not be safe to clean in the dishwasher, but cheese graters, spatulas, tongs, and other stainless steel cooking utensils can be washed in the machine without any worries. Place them on the same rack as your dinner utensils and silverware, and conveniently clean them with your dishwasher!
Stainless Steel Bakeware
Like pots and pans, stainless steel bakeware is on a seesaw on whether they should be washed in the dishwasher or hand washed. Always check the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning your bakeware - machine wash your bakeware if it is labeled safe to use in the dishwasher, and hand wash if it is not.
What Stainless Steel Wares Should Not be Cleaned in the Dishwasher?
Knives, Cutlery, and Blades
Steak knives, paring knives, butcher knives, cleavers and more - most of these blades are made with titanium, stainless steel, or reinforced aluminum. While these materials are generally safe for cleaning in the dishwasher, we recommend you to hand wash your sharp blades to prevent damaging your machine and other materials in the dishwasher.
Knives can also become hazardous materials when in the dishwasher, especially if you're not careful in placing them in or removing them from the machine. Dishwasher detergents may also cause blades to dull, causing you to sharpen your knives more frequently. Instead, wash knives by hand with a stainless steel cleaner for a shiny appearance to your blades.
Stainless Steel Pots and Pans
You'll find a lot of debate online about whether pots and pans are dishwasher safe when they're made with stainless steel. Stainless steel pots and pans are typically dishwasher safe, but the make and model of each cookware will determine the risks in washing these in the dishwasher.
If your stainless steel pots and pans have non-stick coating, it is best to keep them out of your dishwasher as the machine could potentially scratch off the non-stick layer. Stainless steel pans with thin bottoms may warp in the dishwasher, especially with the high, pressurized water.
On the other hand, pressure cooker lids are often labeled dishwasher safe, as are thick pots and pans without any special non-stick coating. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions on cleaning your cookware - you wouldn't dream of damaging them by tossing them in the dishwasher! Always check if your cookware is dishwasher safe before purchasing them.
Let Luce Clean Your Home
Cleaning up after dinner is just one of the many chores you need to do around the home to maintain its clean condition. At Luce, we understand not everyone has the time or energy to keep up with the cleaning tasks that need to be done daily, which is why our house cleaning services are second to none in keeping your home pristine!
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