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Are your ceramics dishwasher safe? Most of the mass-produced products designed for food (plates, mugs, etc.) will clearly display on the tag or the item itself whether it’s dishwasher safe. Always check to see if your ceramics are dishwasher safe to ensure longevity.
If you, or someone you know, made the ceramics, there are some things to consider before putting it in the dishwasher. Remember, ceramics are dishwasher safe only if specified.
Before putting your ceramics in the dishwasher, confirm if they are labeled dishwasher safe. Remember, ceramics are dishwasher safe only if specified, so it’s essential to verify this information.
When in doubt, consult the manufacturer or retailer about whether your ceramics are dishwasher safe. Understanding whether your ceramic mugs or dishes are dishwasher safe can save time and prevent damage.
While some ceramics are marked as dishwasher safe, others may not be, so always check to determine if your specific items are indeed dishwasher safe.
If your ceramics are dishwasher safe, they can often handle the conditions inside a dishwasher. Always confirm that your ceramics are dishwasher safe to avoid potential damage.
When evaluating your items, remember that not all ceramics are dishwasher safe, so understanding the specifics of your dishes ensures their longevity and safety.
Additionally, keep in mind that while some ceramic products are dishwasher safe, others require hand washing to maintain their quality.
Ceramic dishes, ceramic mugs, or other types of handmade pottery might not be able to withstand dishwasher use. One reason for this has to do with the high temperatures and harsh chemicals used in most dishwashing cycles.
Depending on how the ceramics were fired, the glaze could weaken and break your pottery.
Confirm that your ceramics are dishwasher safe before washing them to ensure their longevity and quality.
Some ceramics are durable, but it’s important to understand what you’re working with before putting them in the microwave, oven, or dishwasher. Some ceramics, for example, require extra care depending on the firing method used. Always check if your ceramics are dishwasher safe to avoid damage.
Understanding whether or not your ceramics are dishwasher safe is crucial before you attempt to clean them in the dishwasher.
Keep reading for three essential tips that will help you determine if your handmade ceramic items and other ceramic products are dishwasher safe.
It’s crucial to understand that not all ceramics are dishwasher safe, so knowing the specifics of your items can save you from potential mishaps.
For example, verifying if ceramics are dishwasher safe will help you avoid costly mishaps that could arise from improper cleaning methods.
Always ensure that your ceramic pieces are labeled as dishwasher safe before placing them in a dishwasher to avoid any potential issues.
Checking if your ceramic item is dishwasher safe is essential, especially if it’s a unique piece.
Knowing whether your ceramics are dishwasher safe will help ensure that they remain intact and beautiful for years to come.
If you ever have questions about the safety of your ceramics in the dishwasher, always check the manufacturer’s guidelines on whether they are dishwasher safe.
For optimal care, placing your ceramic ware that is marked as dishwasher safe on the top rack can help protect it during cleaning.
Remember, when in doubt about whether your ceramics are dishwasher safe, hand washing is always the safest option.
How Do Ceramics Get Damaged in a Dishwasher?
There are many ways a dishwasher can damage ceramics, glass, and other delicate materials.
High Water Pressure
Dishwashers use powerful jets of hot water to clean dishes. The force can cause lightweight or delicate ceramics to shift and bump into other items. This can cause them to chip or crack.
Extreme Heat & Rapid Temperature Changes
Dishwasher detergents contain abrasive chemicals designed to break down grease and food particles. Unfortunately, they can wear away decorative glazes and cause fading.
Prolonged Moisture Exposure
Some ceramics are porous, meaning they can absorb water. When that water seeps into any microscopic cracks or unglazed areas, it can weaken the structure.
If a ceramic piece is not meant for dishwasher use, it might develop hairline cracks or weaken over time.
When to Hand Wash Your Ceramics
Items with metallic glaze, unglazed clays, or antique pieces should always be hand washed.
If your ceramic ware is marked dishwasher safe, place it on the top rack to reduce exposure to intense heat and water pressure, if possible.
Of course, when in doubt, the easiest thing to do is simply wash by hand.
How to Determine if Ceramics Are Dishwasher Safe
Low-fire clays, like earthenware ceramics, can be a bit more sensitive to temperature changes and might soak up water if they’re not fully sealed.
On the other hand, stoneware pottery and porcelain pottery are fired at much higher temperatures, which makes them less porous and usually dishwasher safe.
The way a piece is glazed also plays a big role—a well-fired glaze creates a protective barrier, while unglazed clays can absorb water, especially cold water, which can lead to cracks over time.
So, if you’re unsure whether a piece can handle the dishwasher, checking the glaze and firing type is a good idea!
3 Ways to Tell If Your Ceramics Are Dishwasher Safe
Without a label identifying your ceramics as “dishwasher” safe, there are a few other hints that can help.
1. Identify the Type of Clay and Firing Process
The type of clay and its firing process determine whether a ceramic piece can handle dishwashing cycles.
Once you know the type of clay the ceramics were made of, you can take an educated guess as to whether it’s dishwasher safe. Again, most mass produced ceramics will indicate whether they are dishwasher safe.
For the sake of this post, let’s assume you’ve either purchased pottery from a thrift store, were gifted some pottery, inherited ceramics, or made it yourself.
The following are the main types of clay used by hobbyists. I’ve included how you can identify the type of clay based on certain visual and textural characterisits. I’ve also noted how each type of clay is fired, which should further help yo decide whether to hand-wash the ceramic or use the dishwasher.
Earthenware
Earthenware clay has a reddish-brown (terracotta) color. When unglazed, the texture is soft and porous. It might even feel grainy to the touch.
Low-fired ceramics, like Earthenware, are more porous, meaning the can absorb water if not fully glazed. Even when they are glazed, it’s usually softer and less fused to the piece. The hot water and rapid cooling cycles of dishwashers can cause thermal shock, leading to cracks.
The exceptions would include fully glazed (including the bottom) ceramics that are labelled “dishwasher safe” by the manufacturer. Fiestaware is an example of this type of product.
Best practices for low-fired ceramics are to hand-wash.
Stoneware
Stoneware have more muted tones including gray, tan, or brown. The texture is hard and dense, and will feel heavier than earthenware.
This type of clay is often used for functional pottery like bowls and mugs. The items may have a semi-gloss appearance with a glaze. Because it’s fired at higher temperatures, the ceramic products are usually more durable.
If you have the item in hand, lightly tap it. A hollow sound suggests it could be stoneware or porcelain.
Air-dry Clay
Air dried clay has a matte, sometimes chalky or rough appearance. It’s very lightweight and porous, and may have cracks or flaking. This is definitely not safe for the dishwasher.
This type of clay isn’t safe for the dishwasher or microwave because it doesn’t go through any firing process. Even if there is a glaze on it, it would only be water resistant at best.
Polymer
Polymer clay has a smooth, often colorful, appearance. It may even have a plastic-like sheen. Ceramics made with polymer are typically durable and won’t absorb water.
Porcelain
Porcelain have a very smooth finish and is typically white or slightly transculent in thin areas. When fired, the texture if hard, fine, and smooth. If it looks very refined and delicate with a glossy glaze, it’s likely porcelain.
Because porcelain is fired at very high temperatures, the resulting piece is dense, strong, and non-porous. While they are considered (for the most part) dishwasher safe, it’s important to keep them separate in the dishwasher and away from other dishes that they might bang against.
Don’t put any porcelain with metallic decorations in the dishwasher.
If you have the item in hand, lightly tap it. A hollow sound suggests it could be stoneware or porcelain.
Oil-based
Oil-based clay is used for modeling and is usually not a finished product. It never really hardens and will feel slightly greasy or sticky.
2. Consider the Glaze and Coatings
In summary, always check if your ceramics are dishwasher safe to avoid any damage during cleaning.
Glazed ceramics with a smooth, glassy finish are often more dishwasher safe. Unglazed clays are more susceptible to harsh chemicals, water pressure, and fall of temperatures in a dishwasher cycle.
Metallic glaze or mother of pearl finishes can degrade over time due to high temperatures and abrasive detergents. Some glazes may contain heavy metals, which could leach into food when exposed to intense heat or harsh chemicals.
3. Do the Rub Test
An easy way to check if a ceramic item is safe for the dishwasher is by rubbing a soft sponge over the surface. If the glaze feels rough or flaky, it may not withstand dishwashing cycles. Ceramic cookware with ceramic coatings should be handled like nonstick pans—avoid strong detergents and opt for hand washing when in doubt.
Looking For a New Hobby?
There are a lot of people looking for specific things, including hobbies for couples over 50. People want to learn more about hobbies for all generations, and I’ve created a series of posts to help.
Learn more about a range of interesting hobbies by reading these posts:
How to Turn a Hobby Into a Side Hustle
15 Engaging Hobbies for People with Mobility Issues
19 Easy and Fun Hobbies for Couples Over 50
69 Best Mind Stimulating Hobbies for Men Over 60
Conclusion
Determining if a ceramic piece is dishwasher safe comes down to understanding its clay body, glaze, and durability against thermal shock.
Handmade ceramics often require special care, and hand washing is usually the best way to maintain them.
If in doubt, opt for hand washing to keep your handmade mugs, ceramic dishes, and ceramic cookware in good shape for years to come.
Always check for manufacturer recommendations or test your ceramics using the general rule outlined in this comprehensive guide.
If it’s an antique piece, a family heirloom, or has exquisite wood handles, the best way to clean it is through hand washing.