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Can You Put Pots and Pans In The Dishwasher?

Can You Put Pots and Pans In The Dishwasher?

Dishwashers are popular among homeowners because cleaning up after mealtime becomes a simple task. All you need to do is load the dishwasher, add the detergent and start the cycle.

However, there are certain items that should never be placed inside your dishwasher. For example, you should always proceed with caution when it is time to clean your pots and pans.

Can You Put Pots and Pans In The Dishwasher?

It is no secret that you opened this guide because you wanted to know if you can place your pots and pans in the dishwasher. By now, you most likely know the answer to this question!

Cookware labeled as “dishwasher safe” may be placed in the dishwasher; however, short wash cycles should be used to avoid damage to their finish. Hand washing pots and pans are the best way to protect them and ensure they last for many years.

In general, it is not a good idea to place pots and pans in the dishwasher, and this includes most aluminum, cast iron, copper, and non-stick cookware. You should also avoid placing bakeware of the same material into the dishwasher.

You may be able to place stainless steel in the dishwasher, but the excessive humidity may cause damage over time. If your cookware is dishwasher safe, it may be okay to run these pieces through a quick cycle.

It is best to alternate between the dishwasher and hand-washing your stainless-steel cookware, and this cookware should be placed away from other pieces that could damage the material.

Of course, the safest solution is to avoid putting your stainless-steel cookware in the dishwasher altogether.

Overall, you should always research the manufacturer to determine if your pots and pans are dishwasher-safe products.

Reasons To Avoid Putting Pots and Pans In The Dishwasher

You already know it is not a good idea to place your pots and pans in the dishwasher, but you may be wondering what happens if you do place them in the dishwasher for even a few cycles.

#1 Lack of Temperature Control

You do not have the temperature control with a dishwasher that you would when manually washing your dishes.

The material of certain pots and pans may have a negative reaction to the hot temperature and excessive humidity of the water.

#2 Causes Damage To Your Cookware

If your pots and pans have a negative reaction to the dishwasher, you may find damage to these pieces over time.

Here are a few examples of how the dishwasher can damage certain materials.

Aluminum: Placing aluminum cookware in the dishwasher leads to scratches and a dull finish.

Cast Iron: Hot water is constantly running in a dishwasher, which causes the material to rust. It also removes the protective coating from the cast iron material.

Copper: If you place copper cookware in the dishwasher, you may ruin the shine and color of this material.

Non-Stick Material: You should never place non-stick cookware in the dishwasher unless the manufacturer states it is safe. Otherwise, the dishwasher could wear down the non-stick material.

Stainless Steel: It is best to avoid placing stainless-steel cookware in the dishwasher as much as possible. Over time, placing these pieces in the dishwasher could result in scratches and metal corrosion.

handwashing cookware

The Benefits of Hand-Washing Your Pots and Pans

While it may not be your favorite task, here are several benefits of hand-washing your pots and pans instead of placing them in the dishwasher.

1. Keeps Your Cookware Safe

Of course, protecting your pots and pans is the top benefit of hand-washing your cookware. It is the best way to avoid scratches, rusting, fading, and corrosion of the material.

Remember, it is better to be safe than sorry when maintaining your beautiful cookware.

2. Control The Water Temperature

It is easier to control your water temperature when you hand-wash your pots and pans. All you need to do is adjust the faucet to find a temperature that is comfortable for you and safe for your cookware.

You cannot control the water temperature in your dishwasher.

3. Control The Water Usage

You can also control your water usage when you hand-wash your dishes. If you feel you are using too much water, all you need to do is turn it off while you scrub your cookware.

This is a great way to reduce water pressure and save water in general.

Alternatives To Placing Pots and Pans In The Dishwasher

Instead of risking the material by placing your pots and pans in the dishwasher, you can protect the material by hand-washing your cookware!

This way, you can adjust the water pressure and temperature as needed.

If you prefer to use the dishwasher, it is best to stick with dishwasher-safe pots and pans. However, you should only run these pieces in the dishwasher for a short time.

It may seem like you need to take extra steps to clean your pots and pans, but the extra steps are worth keeping your cookware beautiful, durable, and usable for years to come.

Reasons To Check Before Putting Pots and Pans In The Dishwasher

You may be wondering why you need to check before placing your pots and pans in the dishwasher. After all, it is supposed to make your life a little easier because you can save time on washing dishes.

Unfortunately, it is not safe to place all types of cookware in the dishwasher. This is why it is important to check before placing your pots and pans in the dishwasher for even one or two cycles.

The following reasons may give you an idea as to why it is best to double-check before placing your pots and pans in the dishwasher.

1. You Have Purchased Your First Dishwasher

If this is your first dishwasher, you may be confused about what can and cannot be washed in it.

Unless your appliance includes a manual of what to put and not put in your dishwasher, it is best to do a little research to ensure it is safe for certain pieces of cookware.

2. Family and Friends Have Advised Against It

It is possible your family and friends have advised against putting your pots and pans in the dishwasher. If you are unsure of their advice, you may decide to double-check to see if their information is correct!

Incidentally, this is a case where you should listen to your family and friends. You want to avoid putting these items into your dishwasher.

3. You Have Experienced Issues With Your Cookware

There is a good chance you have owned a dishwasher for a while, but you may find issues with your pots and pans after running them through the dishwasher several times.

If the material has become faded, rusted, or damaged, stop placing your pots and pans in the dishwasher.

It Is Best To Avoid Putting Pots and Pans In The Dishwasher

You know by now that you should not put your pots and pans in the dishwasher. Placing your pots and pans in the dishwasher could result in damage to the material and finish.

To recap this guide, it is better to hand-wash your pots and pans because you can adjust the water as needed. It is the safest way to ensure your pots and pans do not become damaged over time.

If your pots and pans are dishwasher safe, it is important to only run them on a short cycle in the dishwasher. You also want to alternate between using the dishwasher and manually washing your stainless-steel cookware.

Of course, hand-washing your pots and pans is the best way to protect them and ensure they last for many years.

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Lindsay Reed

Hi, I'm the founder of ProjectPerfectHome.com! I created this website to be a resource for everyone who wants to make the best home possible.