Stained Pans: Getting The Best Dishwasher Results

Getting rid of tough stains on stainless steel pans can be a challenge, but with the right techniques and products, it's possible to restore their shine. While some people opt for hand-washing, others prefer the convenience of a dishwasher. So, how can you get the best results for stained pans in a dishwasher?

Check if your pans are dishwasher-safe

To check if your pans are dishwasher-safe, look for an engraving on the handle or a label on the bottom of the pan. Most pans will have a stamp, symbol, or label indicating that they are dishwasher-safe. This usually takes the form of a square box containing plates or glasses, sometimes with water drops or lines. If you are unsure, you can also check the original packaging or the manufacturer's website for this information.

Additionally, some materials are generally not safe for the dishwasher and should be hand-washed. These include cast iron, non-stick pans, aluminum, and wooden cookware. The high temperatures and harsh detergents in dishwashers can damage these materials, causing rust, dull finishes, or warping.

If your pans are made of stainless steel, they are likely dishwasher-safe. Glassware, porcelain, and china dishware are also generally safe for the dishwasher. However, it is always best to check for specific instructions from the manufacturer to ensure the safety of your cookware.

When in doubt, it is better to hand wash your pans to avoid any potential damage. Proper care and maintenance of your cookware will help prolong its lifespan.

Avoid pre-scrubbing

It is not necessary to pre-scrub your pans before putting them in the dishwasher. In fact, doing so may be counterproductive. Modern dishwashers are designed to tackle stains and stuck-on food without the need for pre-rinsing or pre-washing. By skipping this step, you can save time, water, and money.

Most modern dishwashers have a prewash cycle that circulates water to loosen any food stuck on your dishes. The cloudiness of the water is then measured by a sensor, which determines how effective the cleaning cycle needs to be. If the sensor detects that the dishes are mostly clean, it may give them a lighter wash, resulting in food still being stuck to the dishes at the end of the cycle.

Instead of pre-scrubbing, simply scrape off any large pieces of food into the trash before loading your pans into the dishwasher. This allows the detergent to cling to the surfaces more easily and lets the dishwasher do its job.

It is important to note that this advice applies to modern dishwashers manufactured on or after May 30, 2013, which are designed to meet the Department of Energy's standards for water efficiency. If you have an older dishwasher, pre-rinsing may still be necessary.

In addition to saving time and effort, skipping the pre-scrubbing step can also reduce water usage. According to a survey by Procter & Gamble, Americans spend an average of 11 minutes a day washing dishes under a running tap, wasting up to 24 gallons of water. In contrast, Energy Star-certified dishwashers use less than 4 gallons of water per cycle.

By letting the dishwasher handle the heavy lifting, you can also ensure that your pans are thoroughly cleaned. Detergents like Cascade Platinum Plus are formulated to rehydrate dried food and effectively remove stains and grime during the dishwasher cycle.

So, the next time you're facing a pile of dirty pans, resist the urge to pre-scrub. Simply scrape off any large food remnants and let your dishwasher do what it's designed to do—get your pans sparkling clean!

Load the dishwasher correctly

Loading the dishwasher correctly is essential to ensure everything is cleaned properly. Here are some tips to load the dishwasher correctly:

Bottom Rack

The bottom rack is for bigger items like dinner plates, large bowls, and dishwasher-safe pots and pans. Place plates and bowls between the tines with the dirty side facing inwards towards the washer jets. Pots and pans should be placed towards the sides or back corners of the rack, facing downward over the tines. Flat pans or baking sheets should be placed at a downward angle with the dirty side facing inwards.

Top Rack

The top rack is for lighter items such as small bowls, small plates, and any dishwasher-safe plastic items. Place small bowls and plates vertically between the tines, angled towards the spray arm. Plastic items should be placed facing downward between the tines to prevent warping. Cups, mugs, and glasses should also be placed on the top rack, upside down, and between the tines to prevent water spots and cracking.

Silverware

Utensils should be placed in the basket provided, usually located on the bottom rack. Forks and spoons should be placed with the handles down, while butter knife handles can face up. Sharp knives should not be placed in the dishwasher as it could damage the handles and cause warping. Mix spoons, forks, and knives to prevent them from nesting.

General Tips

• Avoid overcrowding the dishwasher as it can lead to leaks and prevent thorough cleaning.
• Do not pre-rinse dishes as it may hinder the cleaning power of the dishwasher. Detergent will attach to stuck-on food and clean the dishes.
• Do not block the sprayer arms, which are located in the middle of the dishwasher towards the bottom, as it will affect the washing performance.
• Only load dishwasher-safe items. Hand-washing is recommended for crystal, delicate glassware, wooden or silver dishware, sharp knives, and valuable carving tools.
• Always separate your stainless steel and silver (or silver-plated) flatware to prevent a reaction that could pit the silver.

Use the right detergent

Using the right detergent is essential for achieving the best results when cleaning stained pans in your dishwasher. Here are some tips to help you select the most suitable detergent for the task:

Understand the Different Types of Detergents

Dishwasher detergents typically come in various forms, including:

• Pods or packs: These are single-dose detergents usually made of powder detergent encased in a water-soluble film. Some pods contain additional liquid cleaning agents in separate chambers that are released when the film dissolves, enhancing their effectiveness. Pods are convenient and easy to use but tend to be more expensive.
• Powders: Powder detergents offer the advantage of allowing you to adjust the amount of detergent used, making them a good choice for older dishwashers or less powerful machines. They are generally the most economical option but can be messier to dispense and store.
• Tablets: Tablets are similar to pods but without the water-soluble film. They are designed to dissolve slowly, providing extended cleaning action. Tablets can be individually wrapped or have a water-soluble wrapping.
• Liquids or gels: Liquid or gel detergents are easy to dispense and often contain enzymes, oxi bleach, or other ingredients for effective cleaning. However, they may not be as powerful as pods or packs and can be more likely to separate over time.

Consider the Ingredients

When selecting a detergent, look for one that contains a range of effective ingredients, such as:

• Enzymes: Enzymes are essential for breaking down and removing stuck-on food and stains. Look for detergents with specific enzymes to combat common food proteins like egg.
• Degreasers: Degreasers are crucial for cutting through grease and oil, leaving your pans clean and shiny.
• Bleach: Bleach can help to lighten stains and enhance the overall cleaning power of the detergent. However, some people prefer to avoid it due to sensitivities or personal preference.
• Rinse aids: Rinse aids help to reduce spotting and filming on dishes and glassware, ensuring a streak-free finish.

Choose a Trusted Brand

Reputable brands like Cascade, Finish, and Seventh Generation consistently perform well in independent tests and are known for their effective formulas. For example, Cascade's Platinum Plus ActionPacs are designed to power through tough, stuck-on messes, while their Free & Clear ActionPacs are a good choice if you prefer a fragrance-free and dye-free option. Finish's Powder Advanced is another excellent option, delivering impressive cleaning power at a more economical price point.

Consider Your Dishwasher and Water Type

The type of dishwasher you have and the hardness of your water can also impact your detergent choice:

• Dishwasher type: If you have an older dishwasher or one that struggles with tough messes, you may need a more powerful detergent with extra cleaning agents. On the other hand, if your dishwasher is already very effective, a milder detergent may suffice.
• Water hardness: Hard water can affect the performance of your detergent. Look for detergents that include water softeners if you live in an area with hard water, as these will help prevent spots and filming.

Experiment and Find Your Favourite

Finding the right detergent for your needs may require some experimentation. Try a few different options to see which one works best with your dishwasher and water supply. Remember, the goal is to find a detergent that effectively removes stains and stuck-on food from your pans while also being gentle on your dishes and safe for your dishwasher.

Set the dishwasher to the correct setting

Setting your dishwasher to the correct cycle is crucial for ensuring your pans emerge sparkling clean. If your dishwasher has a dedicated pots and pans setting, use that. If not, select the longest cycle available to give baked-on food that extra oomph.

It's also important to load your pans correctly. Refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions. Generally, placing cookware mess-side down on the bottom rack works best. This allows the spray jets to do their job effectively. Some manuals specify that pots and pans should be placed on their sides on the bottom rack.

If you're unsure whether your stainless steel pans are dishwasher-safe, check the bottom of the cookware for a stamp that indicates this. If you're unable to locate a label, check the original packaging or the manufacturer's website.

Frequently asked questions