How to clean
Terracotta
Glazed terracotta is usually safe to use in the dishwasher, but unglazed items should be washed by hand to prevent absorption of soap. Glazed terracotta can be dish washed at lower temperatures and let them air for a few hours before putting them away.
Porcelain
Most porcelain and ceramic is dishwasher safe. But if your dinnerware has metallic rims or handmade decorations it’s best to hand wash to prevent damage to the details.
Stainless steel
In general items made of stainless steel are safe to use in the dishwasher. When it comes to your flatware it’s a good idea to dry them immediately to avoid stains and watermarks. Pots and pans is a different story and often manufactures claims that they aren’t dishwasher safe because it will dull down the appearance of the items over time. Look carefully for the manufacture care guide before cleaning your favorite pots in the dishwasher. Kitchen tools made completely out of stainless steel are safe to use in the dishwasher. But when it comes to handles of wood or plastic it’s best to hand wash these items, because they don’t react well with the water over time.
Glass
Borosilicate glass is a thin and durable type of glass that is know by it’s robustness and heat resistance. Borosilicate glass is both microwave and dishwasher safe. Crystal glass of any kind should always be hand washed.
Aluminium
Aluminium should only be hand washed. Use a small amount of soap on a cloth or a soft dish brush and dry with a tea towel. Another method is to mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar and 2 cups of warm water and clean the aluminium with the mixture and a soft cloth.
Wood
Soap, dishwasher detergent and hot water can strip the oil out of the wood or even bend it over time when used in the dishwasher. You should only clean your wooden items by hand and dry them with a towel right away.
Sharp knives
Even if labeled dishwasher-safe it’s better to wash all your sharp knives by hand. The rubbing agains other cutlery and utensils will make your knives dull over time.
Vintage
A good trick to remove stains and dirt from the inside of your new vintage vase or teapot is to put 3-5 tabelspoon of baking soda into the item, fill in lukewarm water to the top and let it sit over night. The next day all the dirt and stains is easy to clean with your dish brush.
In general it’s best to check the recommendations from the manufacturer when cleaning your items. If you prefer to use your dishwasher put the fragile items on the top rack of the dishwasher, because often the heating elements sits on the bottom of the machine. And use lower temperatures when dish washing your fragile items.
