After a long day, the last thing you want is to roll up your sleeves and do the dishes. Well, here's the good news and bad news. Most of your drinkware is safe for the dishwasher, but some items may still need to be washed by hand, especially if they're customized with a design.
Why are some mugs not dishwasher safe? Which materials are fair game? It's time to get that drinkware out of the kitchen sink!
It might seem like a chore to clean all those cups, but you don't want to put everything in the dishwasher.
You can tell if a piece of drinkware is dishwasher safe by doing the following:
If your cup, bottle, or mug is safe for the dishwasher, it will be printed with a distinct symbol. Look for it on the bottom, or in some cases, on the side, handle, or inside of your drinkware.
It’s important to note the “dishwasher safe” symbol may not always look exactly the same. It could be a plate on a rack, one getting drenched with drops of water, or something similar.
No matter how it looks, you always want to look for some kind of mark of "dishwasher safe." It will help you determine whether or not you can load that drinkware into the dishwasher.
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You should always handwash travel mugs or tumblers. The dishwasher could destroy the insulation.
You have a lot of different drinkware in your kitchen cabinet – water bottles, mugs, cups, the list goes on and on. Generally speaking, that dishware is made from:
Not all of these materials are dishwasher safe. This handy chart breaks down which drinkware you can put in the dishwasher and what should remain in the kitchen sink.
Stainless Steel
*Insulated travel mugs should never go in the dishwasher.
Plastic
*It depends on the type of plastic. Thin, weak plastic should not go into the dishwasher.
Ceramics
Porcelain
Glass
Aluminum
Plastic
Copper
Crystal
Wood
The following materials are usually safe for the dishwasher:
The following materials are usually not safe for the dishwasher:
The "dishwasher safe" symbol will override any of these rules if you see it on your drinkware. It's still a good idea, though, to consider the material before you put anything in the dishwasher.
You've had a lot to drink during the day, and the dishes are piling up in the kitchen sink. These are the types of drinkware that can safely go in the dishwasher:
Tumblers can go in the dishwasher as long as they're made from hard plastic or stainless steel. Be sure to place the lid on the top shelf and wash the straws separately by hand.
Ceramic mugs are safe for the dishwasher, while porcelain should be washed separately by hand. The mug's handle should be turned away from any other dishware to avoid damage.
A cup that's made from hard plastic or glass can be washed in the dishwasher. Keep in mind, plastic should always go on the top rack to reduce heat exposure.
Glass drinkware, like shot glasses and wine glasses, is almost always dishwasher safe. Try not to stack them too closely together, or you could risk chipping the glass.
Plastic and stainless steel water bottles are usually dishwasher safe, but it's often recommended to wash them by hand instead. This is because food particles can easily get trapped inside.
It's always a good idea to handwash your custom drinkware, whether it's a mug featuring your kid's picture or a water bottle printed with a company logo. If not, the design runs the risk of chipping off in the dishwasher due to the high temperatures and harsh detergents.
The good news is it doesn't take that much time and effort to wash your custom drinkware by hand! You just need about 30 minutes, a few basic household ingredients, and maybe some awesome music to play while you clean.
Watch this video to learn the step-by-step process for cleaning your drinkware!
*DISCLAIMER: The advice in this article is based on most drinkware and may not always hold true. It's always best to follow the instructions that come with your drinkware or speak directly to the manufacturer. If you are at all unsure or don't want to take a risk, handwash the cups, bottles, or mugs instead.
You don't want to destroy your drinkware because doing the dishes sounds like a terrible time. Be sure to only put in the items that can handle it, like hard plastic tumblers and ceramic mugs. Your drinkware will be squeaky clean and ready for the next round!
Alyssa is the Lead Copywriter at Quality Logo Products. As a promo expert, she's uncovered the world's first custom tote bag, interviewed the guy behind rock band ACDC's logo, and had a piece published by the Advertising Specialty Institute, a leader in the promotional products industry.
Kangovou. (2019, May 27). How to Tell If Something is Dishwasher Safe. Retrieved June 6, 2019, from https://www.kangovou.com/how-to-tell-if-something-is-dishwasher-safe/
Smith, L. (2015, September 2). 13 Things You Should Never Put in the Dishwasher. Retrieved June 6, 2019, from https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a34246/what-not-to-put-in-your-dishwasher/
Clear + Well. (2009, October 23). Is it Safe to Wash Plastic Bottles and Dishes in the Dishwasher? Retrieved June 6, 2019, from https://clearandwell.com/is-it-safe-to-wash-plastic-bottles-and-dishes-in-the-dishwasher/