Dishwasher Do's And Don'ts: Pans Included Or Excluded?

Whether or not you should put pans in the dishwasher depends on the type of pan. Cast iron pans should never be put in the dishwasher as the hot and wet conditions will cause them to rust and wash away the seasoning. Non-stick pans are also not recommended for dishwashers as the coating will wear out and break down. Aluminium pans are prone to scratching and can develop a dull finish over time, so it's best to hand wash them. Copper pans should also be washed by hand to avoid losing their shine and colour. Stainless steel pans are generally safe to put in the dishwasher, but it's important to place them away from other dishes to avoid scratching.

Non-stick pans

Whether or not you can put non-stick pans in the dishwasher depends on the specific pan in question. Some non-stick pans are labelled as "dishwasher-safe", while others are not. Even if a non-stick pan is labelled as dishwasher-safe, it is still recommended to wash it by hand. This is because the high-pressure jets of hot water and the enzymes found in most dish detergents can damage the non-stick coating of the pan. The pan's coating may start to peel, stain or discolour after being washed in the dishwasher. Additionally, the harsh detergents and high temperatures can cause the pan's non-stick properties to fade faster.

However, some people choose to put their non-stick pans in the dishwasher regardless of the potential risks. If you are going to put a non-stick pan in the dishwasher, it is recommended to use a dishwasher detergent that is designed for non-stick cookware, such as Cascade Platinum detergent packs. You can also add citric acid to the wash to remove hard water mineral deposits.

If you do not want to put your non-stick pan in the dishwasher, you can hand wash it with warm, soapy water. For badly burnt pans, a mixture of water, baking soda and vinegar can be used to clean the pan. It is important to avoid using abrasive sponges or scrub brushes, as these can scratch the surface of the pan. Instead, a soft sponge or dish cloth should be used.

Overall, while it may be tempting to put your non-stick pan in the dishwasher, it is generally recommended to hand wash these items to prolong their lifespan.

Cast iron pans

Cast iron skillets are tough, but their mortal enemy is excess moisture. The jets of hot water and detergent inside a dishwasher strip away the seasoning of a cast iron pan, and the heat dry setting leaves behind a lot of moisture, which can cause rusting.

To clean cast iron pans, you should start by scraping any loose food scraps from the pan with a metal spatula and disposing of them. Then, with a dishcloth, use warm water and a mild dish soap to clean the pan. You can then rinse and dry the pan with a clean, dry towel. To finish, apply a small amount of oil to the pan and remove any excess with a paper towel. Finally, put the pan on the stovetop on low heat for 10 minutes to ensure there is no water left behind.

Aluminium pans

If you do choose to put your aluminium pans in the dishwasher, they may come out looking dull and darkened. This discolouration is due to the mineral content in the water, the chemicals in the automatic dishwashing detergent, and the high heat from the dry cycle.

To avoid discolouration, hand wash aluminium pans with hot water and a mild dishwashing liquid and a non-scratch sponge. As challenging spots or stains begin to appear, use a commercial aluminium cleaner, such as Bar Keepers Friend, to remove them.

If your aluminium pans do end up with stains or discolouration from the dishwasher, there are a few methods you can try to restore their appearance:

• Soak the pan in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water for several hours or overnight, then gently scrub the stained areas with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth.
• Make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the stained areas, and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then, use a sponge or soft brush to scrub the stains.
• Halve a lemon, sprinkle salt on the exposed flesh, and use the lemon half to scrub the stained areas of the pot.
• Fill the pot with water and add 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar per quart of water. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Then, remove the pot from the heat and allow it to cool before washing it as usual.

Stainless steel pans

When loading the dishwasher, place dirty pans either on their side or mess-side-down on the bottom rack. This allows the spray jets to work effectively. If your dishwasher has a pots and pans setting, use this. Otherwise, select the longest cycle to ensure baked-on stains are removed.

While stainless steel pans are generally dishwasher-safe, hand washing is recommended to prolong their lifespan and maintain performance. To hand wash stainless steel pans, first, scrape off any solid food scraps. Then fill the sink with hot water and add a bit of dish soap before placing the pans in and gently scrubbing them with a sponge. Finally, rinse and dry the pans.

Copper pans

Dishwasher Detergent

The harshness of dishwasher detergent can cause copper to tarnish and dull. Copper is a reactive metal that tarnishes easily when exposed to acidic ingredients or chlorine. The detergent, along with the high temperatures in a dishwasher, can cause the metal to tarnish and become darker. Therefore, it is best to avoid putting copper pans in the dishwasher to maintain their shine and colour.

Abrasion and Scratches

Copper is a soft metal that can be easily scratched. In a dishwasher, copper pans can clank against other items, causing scratches and abrasions. These scratches are permanent and cannot be removed. To avoid this, hand washing with a soft sponge or cloth is recommended.

High Heat

Alternative Cleaning Methods

So, what is the best way to clean copper pans? Here are some tips:

• Hand wash with hot water, dishwashing liquid, and a soft sponge or brush.
• Soak stubborn stains in lukewarm water with a small amount of dishwasher detergent, then wipe away food particles with a kitchen towel.
• Use household products like vinegar, salt, lemon juice, baking soda, or toothpaste to remove tarnish and restore shine.
• For adorned or detailed copper pans, create a paste with salt and vinegar and apply it with a soft toothbrush.
• Polish with a soft cloth to maintain the shine and rustic charm of the copper.

Frequently asked questions