At a Glance
What is the Symbol for Dishwasher Safe?
The Risk of Placing a Non-Dishwasher Safe Dish in the Dishwasher
Top Dishwashers That Care for Your Dishes
Know the Dishwasher Safe Symbol Before You Start Cleaning
Why Trust East Coast Appliance?
Dishwashers can clean a broad range of kitchen items, including cookware, utensils, plates, and glasses, streamlining your cleaning process.
Nonetheless, it's important to recognize that not all kitchenware is suited for dishwasher cleaning. Introducing inappropriate items to the dishwasher may lead to damage from the appliance's heat and water exposure. Use this guide to identify if your item can be safely washed in the dishwasher.
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Shop DishwashersWhat is the Symbol for Dishwasher Safe?
When you buy different pots, pans, plates, and cookware, you will notice that some items have different symbols placed on them – usually on the bottom, back, or side.
These tableware symbols tell users whether the item can be placed in the dishwasher, microwave, or freezer. The goal of these symbols is to tell people how to care for their cookware, so it doesn’t get damaged. They are universally used across most items.
The dishwasher safe symbol is a square with two circular plates inside and lines running across it. The dishwasher symbol is meant to resemble the plates inside the appliance, indicating that the item is safe to clean in the dishwasher.
You also might notice a similar symbol that only has lines running halfway across. This indicates that the item can be cleaned in the dishwasher but should only be placed on the top rack.
The Risk of Placing a Non-Dishwasher Safe Dish in the Dishwasher
If you can’t find a symbol for dishwasher safe and still run it anyway, you risk damaging or destroying it. Dishwashers use extremely high temperatures and a mixture of water and steam to clean your cookware.
Some plastics cannot withstand this heat and will melt. Not only will you lose the plastic container, but you might have melted plastic bits strewn throughout your appliance.
Ignoring the not dishwasher safe symbol, which looks like a dishwasher with an X over it, can damage your cookware in other ways.
Detergent can be harsh on your plates because it is meant to scrub grime and stains away. You could lose the paint or designs on your favorite items due to this harsh cleaning method. People often ask, “Can china go in the dishwasher?” While it technically can, your favorite items will look worn and faded over time.
What Can Go in a Dishwasher?
Not every item will have a dishwasher safe symbol, which means you will need to have a basic idea of what can and cannot get cleaned in this manner. Here are a few types of items that are usually considered dishwasher-safe:
- Ceramic
- Drinking glasses
- Harder plastic items
- Silicone utensils
When you consider what can go in a dishwasher, evaluate any part of an item that could melt or get worn during the cycle. For example, a pint glass that you bought from your favorite brewery is safe to run in the dishwasher, but the painted logo on the front might fade from the detergent over time.
Similarly, your antique ceramic casserole dishes could lose their unique designs. It might be safer to hand wash the items that are most important to you.
What Can’t Go in a Dishwasher?
If an item doesn’t have a dishwasher safe symbol, you will have to guess whether running it through this appliance is the best idea. Certain materials are not dishwasher safe and should be left out of every cycle. Here’s a quick dishwasher user guide to review what cannot be cleaned with this appliance:
- Can wooden spoons go in the dishwasher? Some can, but they might start to crack over time from the extreme heat.
- Can cast iron go in the dishwasher? Never. Follow this three-step process to hand-clean your cast iron cookware.
- Can nonstick pans go in the dishwasher? Yes, but the harsh cleaners and high temperatures might reduce the effectiveness of the non-stick coating over time. You will need to replace your pans more frequently.
- Can china go in the dishwasher? Some fine china can be cleaned in the dishwasher. However, if the items are considered high-value, it is safer to wash them by hand.
- Can sharp knives go in the dishwasher? Yes, but be careful when loading and removing them.
One of the challenges of deciding what can and can’t go in the dishwasher is that not every item will immediately break during the first cycle. You can run items in the dishwasher for years and only notice how worn they are until they become unusable. Handwashing is often preferred for special items that people want to last for decades.
→ Learn More: How to Use a Dishwasher More Efficiently
Top Dishwashers That Care for Your Dishes
Knowing what symbol means dishwasher safe is only the first way to protect your dishes. You can also invest in a high-quality dishwasher that will protect your dishes with each wash. Here are a few options with delicate cycles that can safely clean any item with a dishwasher safe symbol:
GE 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
Shop GE 24" Built In Dishwasher
This is a great GE dishwasher if you want a reliable product that has a good reputation. It comes with bottle jets that are perfect for cleaning baby bottles and the water bottles you bring to the gym.
★ Featured GE GDT630PYRFS Review:
“We love this dishwasher! Dishes come out clean and without spots. It looks nice and is very quiet. We love the extra shelf for things like lids and flat utensils.”
Bosch 800 Series 24" Black Stainless Steel Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
Shop Bosch 800 Series 24" Top Control Built In Dishwasher
Check out this dishwasher by Bosch if you want a more elevated dishwasher in your kitchen. It can hold up to 16 place settings and has six different programs with various levels of cleaning intensity. This allows you to customize how you clean your cookware to make it last longer.
★ Featured Bosch SHPM78Z54N Review:
“This was my first Bosch, and I'll never get another brand… If it weren't for the red light at the bottom, I wouldn't know it was on. It's extremely quiet and flawlessly cleans my dirtiest dishes.”
LG 24" PrintProof Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
Shop LG 24" Built In Dishwasher
LG is known for adding advanced technological elements to its appliances and this LG dishwasher is no exception. It is known for its QuadWash™ system that uses four spray arms instead of two. This gets your dishes clean the first time, so there’s no double washing.
★ Featured LG LDF5545SS Review:
"Best dishwasher I have ever owned. Very roomy. Fits even large items.”
Samsung 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Top Control Built-In Dishwasher
Shop Samsung 24" Top Control Built In Dishwasher
Samsung is another technology company that has made waves in the kitchen appliance world. One of the coolest features of this Samsung dishwasher is the AutoRelease™ door that opens and releases steam at the end of the cycle. This allows your dishes to thoroughly dry and cool down without harsh heaters.
★ Featured GE GDT630PYRFS Review:
“I've had this dishwasher for one month now and can't get over how well it works. The dishes are coming out the cleaner, and the machine is so quiet while it's running.”
Whirlpool 24" Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
Shop Whirlpool 24" Built In Dishwasher
This dishwasher by Whirlpool is another basic option that has a few bonus features you can enjoy. It has a soil sensor that determines how dirty your dishes are and adjusts the power levels accordingly. This gets the grime off on the first try.
★ Featured Whirlpool WDT750SAKZ Review:
“I am so happy with this Dishwasher, it is super quiet and cleans very well. I would not have expected this high quality at this price point.”
Thermador Star Sapphire 24" Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
Shop Thermador 24" Built In Dishwasher
Rounding out the list of top dishwasher options is this model by Thermador DWHD770CFP. It is a high-end dishwasher that looks as good as it cleans. The Thermador dishwasher uses StarDry™ with Zeolite to dry your dishes without extreme heat or harsh chemicals, which will make them last longer.
→ Learn More: 3 Best Dishwasher Brands vs 2 Dishwasher Brands to Avoid
Know the Dishwasher Safe Symbol Before You Start Cleaning
Once you know what is the symbol for dishwasher safe, you can look for it on your pots and pans. You can also look for more niche markings, like the dishwasher safe symbol for glass, which tells you where the glassware should be placed. This can help you protect your cookware for years.
To shop for dishwashers in your area, visit East Coast Appliance. We have a wide selection of top-quality appliances you will love. Stop by today and see why East Coast Appliance is the best place to shop for dishwashers in the West Virginia area.
Why Trust East Coast Appliance?
Locally owned and operated since 1988, East Coast Appliance is the largest independent appliance dealer in Virginia. We sell it ALL — from new name-brand appliances to scratch-and-dent appliances to our very own refurbished appliances. Aside from our huge selection of every major brand and everyday low prices, what sets us apart from our competitors is that we service what we sell and that we are locally owned and operated with factory-trained associates. And if you’re local, great news: East Coast Appliance is committed to providing the absolute lowest prices on the same available brand and model — simply bring in the ad of the local retail competitor while the lower price is in effect and you'll receive your price match.
Shop Dishwashers at East Coast
There is a reason we are dubbed “The Discount King” — for unbeatable deals, shop dishwashers online at East Coast Appliance. Our friendly associates are always happy to help you understand the dishwasher safe symbol and more, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our showrooms to see why we are the best appliance store in Virginia. Visit us today!
→ Learn More: Standard Dishwasher Dimensions - Size Guide