Is it possible to wash ceramics in the dishwasher?

Everyone knows that ceramics come in different varieties. Some are considered completely easy to clean, while others require careful handling. In any case, before washing ceramic dishes in the dishwasher, you need to determine whether they can withstand such a process or whether it's better to play it safe, especially since ceramics can be expensive and rare. Let's take a closer look.

Ceramic dishwasher utensils

When purchasing ceramic cookware, pay attention to the manufacturer's information on the packaging. Manufacturers often explicitly state whether or not ceramic cookware can be machine washed, but if such information is missing, consider the specific features of the material the cookware is made from.

1. Unglazed earthenware does not tolerate dishwasher cleaning well. Clay pots, teapots, and bowls absorb dishwasher detergents very well, making them unsafe to use for cooking after just one wash. Clay is a porous, highly absorbent material. Unglazed clay items are best avoided in the dishwasher.
2. Terracotta tableware is also not dishwasher-safe for the reasons mentioned above. However, if terracotta cups and saucers are glazed, they will pass the dishwasher test.

It's best not to wash glazed dishes with Khokhloma paintings, Gzhel, or earthenware in the dishwasher, or at least wash them at a low temperature, otherwise the design will fade and deteriorate over time.

3. Some recommend washing porcelain in a washing machine at low temperatures, but we wouldn't advise this. The vibrations generated by the machine during operation negatively affect the structure of the material. After just 5-7 washes, the porcelain will become covered with microcracks, and after 10 washes it will lose its presentable appearance.
4. It's also best to avoid putting majolica and fireclay in the dishwasher. Fireclay items, like clay, absorb chemicals just as well as a sponge, and majolica can lose its beautiful glaze after just 2-3 washes. Unsightly pitting will appear on your cups and saucers, forcing you to throw them away or even throw them in the trash.

It turns out that for ceramics to withstand the harsh conditions of a dishwasher, they must be protected. The glaze must completely cover the porous material, preventing it from coming into contact with the chemically aggressive environment. Fragile items are best washed by hand, especially porcelain. Expensive, fine porcelain dishes can be seriously damaged by even a single machine wash, let alone repeated washing.

We wash products by hand

Unglazed clay is quite sensitive. It can absorb not only chemicals but also grease, which can be very difficult to remove. While you can soak greasy clayware in a basin filled with detergent, the detergent will soak into the material and cause problems. It's best to soak greasy clay dishes in boiling water for 5-10 minutes before washing them thoroughly. First, rinse the dishes with hot water to prevent them from cracking from the sudden temperature change, and then soak them in boiling water.

Porcelain prefers gentle hand washing without the use of any chemicals. Avoid using very hot water, as it can cause microcracks in delicate porcelain. When washing ceramic items, be very careful and take your time, to avoid slipping or breaking the precious item.

More durable modern clay cookware, such as duck roasters, saucepans, goose pans, cezves, and even a ceramic ketsi frying pan, can be washed using the usual method and a small amount of detergent. However, chemicals should be used sparingly, and it's best not to use them at all unless there's a compelling reason. The more natural the ingredients that ceramic dishes come into contact with, the healthier the person eating from them will be.

So, we've established that many ceramic items won't benefit at all, and will likely even suffer, if washed in the dishwasher. Always check that the manufacturer allows machine washing before loading ceramic items into the dishwasher baskets. If you're unsure, it's best not to take any risks. If you want to learn more, Can you wash cast iron cookware in the dishwasher?, read the article of the same name posted on our website. Good luck!

Readers' comments