---
title: "Not dishwasher safe — hand wash only — what it means"
description: "Wash this by hand. What the symbol looks like, what happens if you ignore it, and where its meaning differs by country."
url: https://atoneplace.net/symbol/cookware-not-dishwasher-safe/
site: "At One Place"
---

# Not dishwasher safe — hand wash only

**Not dishwasher safe — hand wash only: Wash this by hand.**

## What it looks like

*[Symbol drawn on the page: Not dishwasher safe — hand wash only]*

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](https://atoneplace.net/symbol/cookware-dishwasher-safe/)
- [Microwave safe](https://atoneplace.net/symbol/cookware-microwave-safe/)
- [Do not microwave](https://atoneplace.net/symbol/cookware-do-not-microwave/)
- [Dishwasher safe](https://atoneplace.net/symbol/cookware-dishwasher-safe/)
- [Oven safe](https://atoneplace.net/symbol/cookware-oven-safe/)
- [Not oven safe](https://atoneplace.net/symbol/cookware-do-not-oven/)
- [Freezer safe](https://atoneplace.net/symbol/cookware-freezer-safe/)
- [Induction compatible](https://atoneplace.net/symbol/cookware-induction/)
- [BPA free](https://atoneplace.net/symbol/cookware-bpa-free/)
- [Do not use metal utensils](https://atoneplace.net/symbol/cookware-no-metal-utensils/)

## Sources

- Typical range compiled from manufacturer specifications — At One Place (/about/)