A dishwasher is a useful household appliance designed to clean dishes, cookware, and utensils. It uses hot water, detergent, and water pressure to remove food residue, grease, and bacteria from items. The appliance generates rinsing and drying cycles. You can generally put stainless steel items in your dishwasher, but there are some important directions you must follow to ensure they remain in good condition.
Always check the care label or instructions
Check the manufacturer’s guidance for specific items. Some stainless steel items have coatings or finishes that may not be dishwasher-safe. Avoid overcrowding and ensure that your stainless steel items don’t touch other metals, such as aluminium or silver, to prevent reactions that can cause discolouration.
Should I use a detergent?
Use a dishwasher detergent that is free from harsh chemicals like bleach, which can corrode stainless steel. To minimise water spots, use a rinse aid or remove items after the cycle ends and dry them with a soft cloth. Dishwasher tablets can also dissolve grime, detergent residue, and odours inside your washing machine.
Beware of the high heat
Prolonged exposure to high heat can affect the finish of some of your stainless steel items, so try to avoid the high-heat drying cycle if you are unsure.
Try to avoid putting these items in the dishwasher
Stainless steel knives can become dull in the dishwasher due to contact with other items or high-pressure water jets. Avoid putting items with non-dishwasher safe coatings into the dryer. These include stainless steel cookware or utensils with wooden handles, non-stick coatings, or rubber grips as they may not be dishwasher-safe. If you require a new semi integrated dishwasher, suppliers such as Wellingtons Home Electrical have a wide range on offer.
Dishwashers are environmentally friendly
They eliminate the need for manual scrubbing, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the dishwasher is busy in the background. Modern dishwashers often use less water than hand washing, especially for large loads, making them environmentally friendly.
By following these guidelines, stainless steel items can be safely cleaned in the dishwasher.