Can You Put Stainless Steel in the Dishwasher? Here’s When Experts Say You Should and Shouldn’t

Stainless steel pots and pans are among the most popular kitchen cookware thanks to their versatility and durability. But how do you clean them to make sure they last? Of course you want to take care of them, but when you’re busy, sometimes you just want the easiest solution. Tossing them in the dishwasher is certainly the most convenient after-dinner cleanup routine, but is it safe for stainless steel pots and pans? Here’s what you need to know. 

In short, yes, most stainless steel pots and pans can safely be washed in the dishwasher over and over again. And most manufacturers will say it’s OK too. This durable substance should stand up to repeated washings, even in the dishwasher. Stainless steel features a rust-resistant surface that doesn’t scratch easily, and that makes the smooth, shiny surface last much longer than other types of cookware. However, it’s not always the best method for cleaning. 

There are some instances where you should think twice before tossing your stainless steel cookware in the dishwasher. I talked to Brian Davis, professional cleaner with Handy Rubbish, a UK-based furniture and garbage removal service, for guidance on when not to put stainless steel in the dishwasher.  

• If your stainless steel is thin or low quality. If you’ve purchased a lower-quality set of pots and pans, these may not last long with repeated trips in the dishwasher. “They may buckle or even lose their shine with time,” says Davis. You can spot low-quality stainless steel by the price tag, but also by its weight and thickness. Does a magnet stick to your stainless steel pans? That’s another indication of lower quality, as it means the steel is mixed with other materials, like chromium. 
• If the pan has lots of exposure to acidity. Stainless steel cookers that encounter high amounts of acidic food products (such as tomatoes) may corrode more easily on their surface if you put them in the dishwasher too often; rinsing and drying are thus advised for these items as a first step, says Davis. 
• If the cookware has a nonstick polish. If your stainless steel pans have been finished with a nonstick polish, excessive trips in the dishwasher can ironically make hardened stains more difficult to remove. 
• If you’re dishwashing other metals. Avoid putting stainless steel in the dishwasher alongside other metals where they may directly contact one another. “Direct conduction between these materials makes embedding in other metals easier and can also easily discolor your pots and pans,” Davis says. 
• If you’re thinking of dishwashing a stainless steel knife. As with most knives, it’s not advisable to put your stainless steel knives in the dishwasher, since they can become blunt thanks to the strong detergents and agitation of the washer. 

Stainless steel is considered a dishwasher-safe metal. Other metals in this class are titanium and anodized aluminum. The metals you’ll want to wash by hand (or follow specific cleaning instructions for them) are as follows, says Davis: 

• Cast iron, which will rust easily
• Copper, which will become discolored
• Non-anodized aluminum, which can develop pits and tarnish

Stainless steel can be washed by hand to ensure a gentle but thorough clean that keeps your pans in top condition and lasting as long as possible. Davis shares a step-by-step routine you can adopt on your own stainless steel cookware:

• Wash with a gentle cloth using a mild detergent and warm water.
• For stubborn stains, mix equal parts baking soda and warm water into a paste and rub it on using a soft sponge. 
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or antibacterial cleaners, as they can be abrasive to stainless steel. 
• Dry pots and pans with a cotton or microfiber dish towel to ensure no water spots remain (and preserve that beautiful, shiny finish).

No matter how you decide to clean your stainless steel cookware, there are a few tips you can utilize to keep it in the best condition possible. 

• Always dry it right away, whether you’re hand-washing or using the dishwasher. This helps prevent water spots. 
• Regularly polish with olive oil and a microfiber cloth to prevent tarnishing. 
• Use a paste of baking soda and water for tough stains. 
• Boil water in the pot or pan, or pour hot water into it and let it sit in order to soak and soften tough, cooked-on food stains or debris. This makes it much easier to gently wipe them away. 
• Never use harsh substances like bleach or steel wool on stainless steel cookware.