Filter
Top Products
Special tips on dishwasher use
Remember, use your dishwasher only for the job it was designed to do.
Some items are not dishwasher safe or may require special care.
Read these special tips for the following items:
h.UUiUUm: Aluminum loses its bright, shiny appearance and darkens in color due to
minerals in the water and the alkalinity of the dishwasher detergent, Colored aluminum
may
fade.
TIPS: If washed in the dishwasher avoid placing directly in front of detergent dispenser
where it could be sprinkled with undissolved detergent, causing spotting, pitting, and
discoloration. Follow utensil manufacturers’ cleaning instructions.
China:
Hand-painted, metal-trimmed, and antique china may fade due to high water
temperatures and alkaline detergent solution in the dishwasher.
TIPS: Delicate, antique items should not be washed in the dishwasher. Load carefully.
Do not allow pieces to touch each other. Test one piece by washing it daily in the
dishwasher for several weeks. Then compare it with the rest of the set to see if colors have
changed.
CrjStal
and decorative
@aSSeS: Crystal can break from sudden exposureto high
water temperature. Metal trim and colorful decoration on glass will fade in time when
washed in the dishwasher.
TIPS: Delicate, antique items should not be washed in the dishwasher. Load carefully
in top rack only. Be sure to load a few larger items in the bottom rack to reduce amount of
force of water spray reaching glassware from lower spray arm. Use the shortest cycle.
Flatware:
Salty and acidic foods may tarnish silver and stainless flatware if allowed to
remain on the utensils. A film may form on sterling silver and silver plate items washed in a
dishwasher. This film is caused by reaction of silver with chlorine in the detergent. Gold
flatware is not dishwasher safe.
TIPS: Rinse flatware as soon as possible, especially if it is not to be washed right away.
Dishwasher detergent may remove antique finishes. Wash by hand. Tarnish and film
build-up can be removed with silver polish.
Cast irOn UteUSilS: The seasoned finish will be removed in the dishwasher. Rusting
will result.
TIPS: Wash by hand. To re-season, coat with unsalted fat and heat in a slow oven for an
hour or two.
PlaStiCS: Many plastics will have “Dishwasher Safe” written on them. Some plastics are
heat sensitive and may melt or warp.
TIPS: If in doubt, try one piece. Place in upper rack only. AIR DRY option provides
additional protection.
Non-stick finish
Utensils: Most can be washed in the dishwasher.
TIPS: Follow manufacturers’ suggestions.
Wood:
Many wooden items will crack and warp or lose their finish.
TIPS: Do not wash cuffing boards, wooden salad bowls or knives with wooden han-
dles in the dishwasher.
Pewter or pewter-like
materials: May streak, discolor, and pit.
TIPS: To keep pewter at its very best, hand wash with mild detergent.
Dishwasher care & cleaning:
Exterior - Regular use of a soft damp cloth or sponge
and a mild detergent is all that is necessary, in
mOSt
cases,
to keep the outside of your dishwasher nice looking and
clean, Interior - Hard water minerals may cause a
white film to build-up on the inside surfaces,
especially just beneath the door area.
Wear rubber gloves when cleaning
the dishwasher interior. Do not use
any type of cleanser other than
dishwasher detergent because
it may cause foaming or
sudsing.