Many dishware items have dishwasher safe symbols, but what do the symbols actually mean? This article will explain the different symbols and what they each mean for your dishwashing convenience.
What Are Dishwasher Safe Symbols?
Dishwasher safe symbols are found on the bottom of dishware and cookware. These symbols indicate that the dishware is safe to use in a dishwasher. The most common dishwasher safe symbol is a triangle with a dot in the middle.
This symbol indicates that the dishware can be washed in a dishwasher without damaging it. Other common symbols include a circle with a line through it, which means that the dishware is not safe for use in a dishwasher, and a square with a line through it, which means that the dishware is only safe for use in a hand-washing cycle.
Here’s a quick guide to decoding those dishwasher safe symbols. The most common symbol is a simple rectangle with a diagonal line running through it.
This means that the item is safe for the top rack of your dishwasher. If you see a rectangle with a horizontal line running through it, that means the item is safe for the bottom rack of your dishwasher
Read Also: Dishwasher Making Loud Noise
Items Tend To Be Dishwasher Safe?
A lot of people think that if an item is dishwasher safe, then it’s good to go in the washer. But that’s not always the case. Just because an item can withstand being in a dishwasher, doesn’t mean it will come out unscathed.
Here are some things you should never put in the dishwasher, no matter how tempting it may be:
1. Wooden cutting boards – The harsh chemicals and high temperatures will cause the wood to warp and crack.
2. Cast iron pans – These will rust if you wash them in the dishwasher. Instead, wash them by hand with warm water and a little bit of soap. Then, dry them immediately and rubbed with a light layer of oil.
3. Non-stick pans – These can get warped and damaged if you put them in the dishwasher.
4. Ceramic mugs – White ceramic mugs are highly absorbent, which means that they will stain easily if you wash them with a dark load.
5. Plastic cutting board – Plastic can warp if it is exposed to high heat.
6. Non-stick pots and pans – These are coated with a thin layer of Teflon that can come off when exposed to high heat, which then leads to the formation of harmful chemicals when heated.
7. Stainless steel and copper pots – These are two metals that do not mix well with a dishwasher, which can lead to corrosion on the surface of the pot or pan.
8. Cranberries – These are often sold in bags that are lined with a plastic coating, so they will stick to the bag if you put them in the dishwasher.
9. Stoneware bowls and dishes – These can crack upon exposure to high heat from a dishwasher.
10. Plastic containers – These can warp and melt when exposed to high temperatures.
Few other items tend to be dishwasher safe:
- Ceramic plates, bowls, and jugs
- Pyrex
- Silicone
- Metal utensils
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Kitchen shears
Read Also: Are Bongs Dishwasher Safe
What Do Dishwasher Safe Symbols Mean?
When you see a dishwasher safe symbol on your dishes, it means that the manufacturer has tested the product and approved it for use in a dishwasher. This is important to know because not all dishes are created equal. Some are made of materials that can’t withstand the high temperatures and harsh detergents found in dishwashers.
So, what do those symbols actually mean? The most common one is a simple circle with a line through it. This indicates that the item is safe for use in a dishwasher. Sometimes you’ll also see triangles or other shapes within the circle. These simply denote different levels of heat tolerance.
Generally speaking, if your dish is marked as dishwasher safe, it’s probably going to be just fine. But it’s always a good idea to check with the manufacturer if you have any doubts.
Read Also: When Dishwasher Invented
What Does Dishwasher Safe Mean?
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about whether an item is dishwasher safe before loading it into your machine. But have you ever wondered what that label actually means?
Contrary to popular belief, dishwasher safe does not mean that an item can withstand any temperature or harsh treatment. In fact, dishwasher safe items have typically been treated or processed at some point during their production to enable them to withstand higher temperatures and harsh detergents.
So next time you’re wondering whether an item is safe to put in the dishwasher, just check the label. And if you’re still not sure, err on the side of caution and wash it by hand.
Dishwasher Safe Ceramics
Ceramics can vary greatly in strength and durability. Some are dishwasher safe, while others are not. It is important to check the dishwasher safe symbol before assuming that a ceramic piece is safe to put in the dishwasher.
Dishwasher safe ceramics are usually made from a harder clay that has been fired at a higher temperature. This makes them more resistant to chipping and breaking. Non-dishwasher safe ceramics are usually made from a softer clay that has been fired at a lower temperature. This makes them more likely to chip or break if they are put in the dishwasher.
Dishwasher Safe Glass
If you own any dishware made of glass, there’s a good chance it’s been tempered. Tempering is a process of strengthening glass by heating and cooling it rapidly. This makes the glass more resistant to breaking and shattering. Most dishwasher safe glass has undergone this process, making it even more durable.
Dishwasher Safe Plastics
There are several ways to make plastic dishwasher safe, but the type of plastic an object is made from does contribute to whether it s dishwasher safe. Some plastics are more resistant to heat and chemicals than others, so they can withstand the high temperatures and harsh detergents used in dishwashers.
Other plastics may melt or warp in the dishwasher, so it s important to check the care labels on items before washing them. In general, plastics made from polypropylene or polyethylene are more likely to be dishwasher safe than those made from other materials.
What Do Dishwasher Safe Symbols look Like?
A dishwasher safe symbol is not something you’ll see on every item. Instead, there’s a variety of abstract circles that can be used to indicate that an item is dishwasher safe. Here’s a quick guide to how these symbols look and what they mean.
The most common dishwasher safe symbol is a simple circle with a line through it. This symbol indicates that the item is safe to wash in the top rack of a dishwasher.
Another common symbol is two lines intersecting in the middle of a circle. This indicates that the item is safe to wash in the bottom rack of a dishwasher.
Finally, there’s a symbol that looks like two triangles stacked on top of each other. This means that the item can be washed in either the top or bottom rack of a dishwasher.
Dishwasher Safe Symbols
Food Safe Symbols:
If you’re looking for a piece of flatware or dish that is safe to use for both serving and consuming food, look for the symbol pictured above. This symbol indicates that the item is food safe and can be used without worry. Not every piece of flatware or dish will have this symbol on it, so be sure to check before using it.
Microwave safe Symbols:
You might think that if a dish or container is microwave safe, that means it’s also safe to put in the dishwasher. But that’s not always the case. The same goes for putting plastic containers in the freezer.
If you see a symbol of squiggly lines on the bottom of a container, that means it’s microwave safe. But if there’s no symbol, it’s best not to assume and check with the manufacturer before microwaving.
FAQs:
What is a dishwasher safe symbol?
The dishwasher safe symbol is a mark indicating that a particular item is safe to clean in a dishwasher. This symbol is usually found on the bottom of dishware, cookware, and other kitchen items. The dishwasher safe symbol looks like a square with a line through the middle, and it usually has the words “dishwasher safe” printed nearby.
What is the dishwasher safe symbol for plastic?
The dishwasher safe symbol for plastic is a square with a diagonal line through it. This means that the plastic is safe to wash in the dishwasher.
Does a glass and fork symbol mean dishwasher safe?
Yes, a glass and fork symbol on a dish typically indicates that it is safe to wash in the dishwasher.
What does the glass and fork symbol mean?
The glass and fork symbol is a universal symbol for restaurants. It is used to indicate that a particular establishment is a restaurant and not some other type of business.
Is all glass dishwasher safe?
No, not all glass is dishwasher safe. Some glassware is more delicate and can’t withstand the high temperatures and harsh detergents found in dishwashers. When in doubt, check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Why are some things only top rack dishwasher safe?
Top rack dishwasher safe means that the item can withstand the top-most rack of a dishwasher, which is typically the hottest and most intense part of the cycle. This is usually due to the materials used in the item, such as plastic or glass.
Conclusion:
Always check for dishwasher safe symbols before placing any items in the dishwasher. These symbols can be found on the bottom of most dishware and cookware. If the item is not marked with a dishwasher safe symbol, it is best to wash it by hand. By following these simple tips, you can keep your dishes and cookware looking new for years to come.
