Is cast iron cookware dishwasher safe?

Not all cookware is dishwasher-safe, as manufacturers of various brands warn in their operating instructions. Despite this, many housewives prefer to learn these nuances the hard way. Fortunately, not everyone does this, and some even prefer to ask: can cast iron cookware be washed in the dishwasher? Incidentally, that's a very good question, and we're eager to answer it.

What happens to cast iron in a washing machine?

Cast iron is a rather brittle and porous material that can behave unpredictably in aggressive environments. Cast iron cookware can withstand high temperatures well, and it also tolerates cleaning with various chemicals without issue. For this reason, many housewives believe that washing cast iron in the dishwasher won't harm it, but this is simply not true.

1. Non-stick pans suffer the most. Exposure to hot water and strong chemicals degrades the non-stick coating, and over time, the pan loses its remarkable properties.
2. Other cast iron items won't be damaged by one or two washes, but if you wash them tens or hundreds of times, the micropores in the metal will begin to enlarge. Fat will become clogged in these pores and food will start to stick to the surface.

Cast iron cookware loses its appearance after washing because, in addition to grease, chemicals penetrate the pores and microcracks. These chemicals will eventually leach into your food, which can have disastrous consequences.

3. Cast iron cookware washed 100-150 times in the dishwasher becomes significantly more fragile. It can easily shatter if dropped or hit accidentally.
4. After washing your cast iron cookware, it will begin to rust rapidly. You won't want to use a completely rusty pan anytime soon.

If you've been careless enough to wash your cast iron cookware in the dishwasher a few times and it's become covered in rust, don't despair. First, stop putting cast iron items in the dishwasher. Second, try to revive the damaged cookware. Start by washing it, wiping it with a cloth soaked in vegetable oil, and then baking salt on the surface. This is a common trick used with frying pans. This may help temporarily, but corrosion will eventually take its toll.

Besides cast iron, Teflon and aluminum should not be washed in the dishwasher. Housewives especially often wash meat grinder parts in the dishwasher and then throw them in the trash because they become coated with a smearing black film that is extremely difficult to remove. If this happens to you, read this article. How to clean a meat grinder after washing it in the dishwasher, there is a lot of useful advice on how to resuscitate aluminum parts.

When can you wash cast iron without fear?

Let's return to the question of washing cast iron in the dishwasher. Is it always strictly forbidden, or are there some exceptions? Manufacturers of modern cast iron cookware, aware of the widespread use of dishwashers, have begun adding various additives to the material, making the cookware more durable. When buying your next cast iron skillet, pay attention to the labels on the packaging. Usually the manufacturer writes about the possibility of washing the product in a dishwasher in the most visible place. If there is no such label, it is better not to take any risks and wash such dishes in the traditional way – by hand.

So, why shouldn't you wash cast iron in the dishwasher? Because cast iron cookware will deteriorate and start ruining the food you cook in it—and that's not a myth. The material degrades slowly, but it does happen, which will ultimately negatively impact your wallet, as good cast iron cookware is very expensive these days. Good luck!

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