Washing Pots And Pans: Dishwasher Safe Or Not?

Dishwashers are a convenient way to save time and effort when cleaning up after a meal. However, not all kitchenware is dishwasher-safe. Pots and pans, for instance, may be damaged by the dishwasher's high temperatures, harsh detergents, and powerful water jets. To avoid ruining your cookware, it is important to understand which materials are safe to put in the dishwasher and which are not.

Non-stick/anodized aluminium

Non-stick and anodized aluminium cookware are designed with durability, longevity, and ease of cleaning in mind. Anodizing is a process that adds a layer of oxidation to the surface of metal, usually aluminium, making it stronger, resistant to scratching, and easier to clean. While anodized aluminium cookware can be more durable and scratch-resistant than some brands of non-stick cookware, it is not meant to go in the dishwasher and should be hand-washed instead.

The intense heat generated by dishwashers, combined with the caustic dishwasher detergent, can leave a grey residue on anodized aluminium pans and damage their finish. This is because the surfaces of anodized aluminium pans are too delicate to withstand the environment of a dishwasher. As such, it is generally recommended that you do not place any aluminium pans in dishwashers, regardless of whether they are labelled as dishwasher-safe.

To properly clean anodized aluminium pans, use a mild dish detergent and warm water in the kitchen sink. Avoid using abrasive pads or hard scrapers unless they are approved by the manufacturer for delicate pans, as they can scratch the surface or remove the non-stick coating. For burned-on food or grease, remove as much of it as possible with a plastic spatula, sponge, or wooden spoon, then fill the pan with hot water and let it soak for about an hour before cleaning with warm soapy water and a sponge.

Cast iron

If a cast iron pan is put in the dishwasher, it will need to be re-seasoned. First, the rust must be removed using a vinegar/water soak, baking soda/water paste, or coarse salt to scrub the pan. Then, steel wool can be used to scrub the pan, as the seasoning will already have been ruined. The pan should then be rinsed, washed, and dried thoroughly. Finally, the pan should be seasoned as if it were brand new.

Enameled cast iron

Cleaning

Allow your enameled cast iron to cool before cleaning. Then, hand wash with warm soapy water using a sponge or scrub brush. For stuck-on food residue, you can use a sponge with an abrasive side and some dish soap. If needed, let the pan soak in warm soapy water for a few minutes before scrubbing again. Always scrub the outside of the pan as well to prevent the enamel from staining. After cleaning, make sure to dry your cookware completely before storing it.

Removing Stains

Staining is common with enameled cookware and does not affect its performance. To remove slight stains, simply follow the cleaning steps above and use a dampened cloth with an enameled cast iron cleaner or a ceramic cleaner. For tougher stains, you can use a mixture of household bleach and water or warm vinegar.

Removing Baked-on Food

To remove stubborn, baked-on food, fill your pan with two cups of water and four tablespoons of baking soda. Bring this mixture to a boil and use a pan scraper to loosen the food.

Maintenance Tips

• Always use wooden, silicone, or nylon utensils to stir or flip your food. Avoid metal utensils as they can scratch the enamel finish.
• Avoid heating an empty pan. Add water or fat before heating on the stove or in the oven.
• Preheat with a little oil, butter, or water each time you cook. Avoid using non-stick cooking sprays as they can damage the coating.
• Use low to medium heat when cooking, as enameled cast iron has excellent heat retention and rarely requires high heat.

By following these care and maintenance tips, your enameled cast iron will last for generations to come.

Aluminium

To avoid damage to aluminium pans, it is recommended to wash them by hand using mild dish detergent and warm water. Avoid using abrasive pads or hard scrapers, as these can damage the surface of the pan.

If your aluminium pans have become discoloured, you can try using natural products such as lemon juice, cream of tartar, or vinegar to remove the stains. Fill the pan with water, add the natural product of your choice, and boil the solution for 10 minutes. Then, use a steel wool pad to remove any lifted mineral layers and rinse the pan thoroughly.

As a general rule, it is best to avoid putting any aluminium pans in the dishwasher to prevent damage and discolouration.

Gold trim

• Use mild detergent in warm water. Avoid harsh or abrasive detergents, as they can damage the gold trim.
• Gently clean the dishes with a soft sponge or cloth, being careful not to scrub too vigorously.
• Rinse the dishes thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue.
• Dry the dishes with a soft, lint-free towel or allow them to air dry.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your gold-trimmed dishes remain in good condition for a long time.

Frequently asked questions