Not dishwasher safe — hand wash only
Not dishwasher safe — hand wash only
Wash this by hand.
What it looks like
The dishwasher symbol crossed out, or a hand over a bowl of water.
What it means
Usually a surface or joint problem rather than a heat one: knives lose their edge and their handle adhesive, non-stick coatings degrade under alkaline detergent, copper and brass tarnish, and anything with a glued or riveted wooden component comes apart. Insulated flasks are a common casualty for a different reason — water gets into the vacuum jacket through the seam and never leaves, and the flask stops insulating permanently.
Defined by Manufacturer declaration. Where a symbol differs between standards, the difference is described above rather than resolved — both versions are in circulation on real labels.
Other cookware and containers symbols
| Symbol | Means |
|---|---|
| Microwave safe | The maker states the material is suitable for heating food in a microwave. |
| Do not microwave | Do not heat this container in a microwave. |
| Dishwasher safe | The item survives a normal dishwasher cycle. Some versions specify the top rack only. |
| Oven safe | The item can go in a conventional oven, up to the stated temperature if one is given. |
| Not oven safe | Do not put this in a conventional oven. |
| Freezer safe | The container can be used in a freezer without cracking or failing. |
| Induction compatible | The pan has a ferromagnetic base and will work on an induction hob. |
| BPA free | The item contains no bisphenol A. It is a marketing claim, not a certification. |
| Do not use metal utensils | Use wood, silicone or nylon tools with this surface. |
Common questions
- What does the not dishwasher safe — hand wash only symbol mean?
- Wash this by hand.
- What does it look like?
- The dishwasher symbol crossed out, or a hand over a bowl of water.
Related pages
- Dishwasher safe The item survives a normal dishwasher cycle. Some versions specify the top rack only.
- Microwave safe The maker states the material is suitable for heating food in a microwave.
- Do not microwave Do not heat this container in a microwave.
- Dishwasher safe The item survives a normal dishwasher cycle. Some versions specify the top rack only.
- Oven safe The item can go in a conventional oven, up to the stated temperature if one is given.
- Not oven safe Do not put this in a conventional oven.
- Freezer safe The container can be used in a freezer without cracking or failing.
- Induction compatible The pan has a ferromagnetic base and will work on an induction hob.
- BPA free The item contains no bisphenol A. It is a marketing claim, not a certification.
- Do not use metal utensils Use wood, silicone or nylon tools with this surface.
Sources
- Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place