Caring for your dinnerware

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The combination of high temperatures and dishwasher detergent may cause damage to some items if they are washed in the dishwasher. Remember, if in any doubt about any aspect concerning items washed in the dishwasher, follow the instructions from the manufacturer of the items, or wash the item by hand.

Never put highly absorbent materials, such as sponges and towels in your dishwasher. Do not put dishes or cutlery that have been soiled by tobacco ash, wax, lubricating grease or paint in your dishwasher.

Cutlery and silverware

All cutlery and silverware should be rinsed immediately after use to prevent tarnishing caused by some foods. Silver items should not come into contact with stainless steel, e.g. other cutlery. Mixing these items can cause staining. Remove silver cutlery from the dishwasher and hand dry immediately after the programme has finished.

Aluminium

Aluminium can be dulled by dishwasher detergent. The degree of change depends on the quality of the item.

Other metals

Iron and cast iron objects can rust and stain other items. Copper, pewter and brass tend to stain. Wash these items by hand.

Woodware

Wooden items are generally sensitive to heat and water. Regular use in the dishwasher may cause deterioration over time. If in doubt, wash by hand.

Glassware

Most everyday glassware is dishwasher safe. Crystal, very fine and antique glassware may etch that is, become opaque. You may prefer to wash these items by hand.

Plastic

Some plastic may change shape or colour with hot water. Check the manufacturer’s instructions about washing plastic items. Washable plastic items should be weighted down so they do not flip over and fill with water or fall through the basket during the wash.

Decorated items

Most modern china patterns are dishwasher safe. Antique items, those with a pattern painted over the glaze, gold rims or hand-painted china may be more sensitive to machine washing. If in doubt, wash by hand.

Glued items

Certain adhesives are softened or dissolved in machine washing. If in doubt, wash by hand.

Loading Do's and Don'ts

DOs	DON’Ts
Arrange the dishes neatly, spacing them evenly for maximum exposure to water. Remove any large food particles before placing dishes in the dishwasher. This is to prevent the filters from becoming clogged. Pre-soak any pots and pans with baked- on residue. This will eliminate the need for extra wash cycles. Always check that water can reach all areas, particularly the cup racks. Make sure all items are stable and cannot move during the wash. Any flimsy or light plastic items should be either weighted down or placed in the utensil tray. Ensure there are no dishware items that will stop the spray arm from rotating.	Don’t overcrowd the dishwasher. This will reduce performance. Don’t allow plates and cutlery to nest. Don’t let dishware block water from reaching items on the cup racks.

DOs

DON’Ts

Arrange the dishes neatly, spacing them evenly for maximum exposure to water.
Remove any large food particles before
placing dishes in the dishwasher. This is to prevent the filters from becoming clogged.
Pre-soak any pots and pans with baked- on residue. This will eliminate the need for extra wash cycles.
Always check that water can reach all areas, particularly the cup racks.
Make sure all items are stable and cannot move during the wash. Any flimsy or light
plastic items should be either weighted down or placed in the utensil tray.
Ensure there are no dishware items that will stop the spray arm from rotating.

Don’t overcrowd the dishwasher. This will reduce performance.
Don’t allow plates and cutlery to nest.
Don’t let dishware block water from reaching items on the cup racks.