It may seem like putting vintage items in the dishwasher will ensure thorough cleaning, but doing so can actually cause more harm than good. “Antique and vintage pieces are lovely to have, but they were made before the advent of dishwashers and might need different care to the modern pieces you own,” says Kayleigh Davies, an antiques specialist at the global online auction platform Auctionet. Cleaning a decades-old bowl is simply not the same as cleaning a brand new dish that’s clearly marked as “dishwasher-safe”. As a general rule of thumb, if you’re not sure whether a vintage piece can safely make it through a dishwashing cycle, stay on the safe side and stick with hand-washing.
If you are considering cleaning a vintage piece because you want to sell it, Davies recommends leaving it alone. “Dealers or auction house specialists will know how something should be cared for, and poor cleaning may reduce the value,” the expert cautions. In her experience, many buyers actually love a patina or a layer of dust, because it adds to the story. As for the vintage items in your home, Davies says, “If it's a piece you love and intend to keep, do your research before you pick up a sponge.” To prevent potentially costly, permanent, and heartbreaking damage to vintage pieces, here are the seven items you should never put in the dishwasher.
Gilded and Hand-Painted Dishware
Vintage dishware is a lovely way to elevate a tablescape, however, post-dinner cleanup is a little more involved than just piling everything in the dishwasher. Davies shares that wonderful vintage dishware sets can be picked up relatively inexpensively, and part of the reason is that they typically need to be hand-washed. “Gilding and hand-painting can be worn away quite easily, so they need to be washed carefully—dishwasher tablets are more abrasive than you think,” the expert notes.
Copper Cookware and Mugs
Avoid putting vintage copper pots, pans, and mugs in the dishwasher as they’ll lose their characteristic shine and warm metallic tone. The material is not built to withstand the high heat and harsh cleaning products, which can cause it to permanently tarnish and dull. To prevent surface damage and unwanted discoloration to your favorite Moscow Mule mug or heirloom cooking pot, hand-wash all vintage copper items with mild dish soap and a non-abrasive sponge. Additionally, dry the items immediately with a soft cloth to prevent pesky water spots from forming.
Silver Pieces
Silver is another metal that experts say requires special care. “I've known people to put silver in their dishwasher, but I'd advise against it because so many things can cause issues,” Davies says. The expert notes that if food is left on silver cutlery or platters before they’re washed, it can cause pitting, which is why immediate cleaning is essential. “If it comes into contact with other types of metals, it can leave marks, so it can't be jostled around with stainless steel in the cutlery compartment,” Davies adds. What’s more, moisture can tarnish silver and citrus-infused dishwasher detergents can serious damage. Rather than running the risk of your vintage silver tarnishing or pitting, hand-wash the items and dry them promptly.
Vintage Pyrex
Vintage Pyrex pieces have been flying off thrift store shelves recently. They are highly sought after for their durability and charm, but many people end up ruining their vintage Pyrex when they put it through a dishwasher cycle. The colorful patterned dishware was not designed to withstand the high heat and harsh detergents inside the appliance, which can cause etching, fading, and permanent discoloration.
Vintage Plastics
“People aren't always sure what items are made of and if you have early plastic cookware, don't risk it in the dishwasher,” Davies says. She explains that the high temperature and detergents inside the appliance can cause plastic materials, such as Bakelite, to fade or become brittle. “And you'll lose the lovely luster from the surface,” Davies says. Moreover, in the worst case scenario, the expert says vintage plastic pieces can crack due to the heat inside the dishwasher.
Vintage Cast Iron Cookware
Vintage cast iron cookware from makers, such as Griswold and Wagner, is popular and can fetch high resale values. It also requires a very specific cleaning procedure. While most vintage cast iron pieces that aren’t chipped, cracked, or pitted can be cleaned, they should never be put in the dishwasher. What’s unique about cast iron cookware is the seasoned surface that develops over time. When you put it in the dishwasher, the prolonged contact with water, high heat, and harsh detergents strip the seasoned surface and expose the metal to oxygen, which can result in your treasured cast iron pan turning rusty.
Vintage Wood Bread Bowls and Utensils
People search high and low for vintage wood bread bowls and utensils like cooking spoons, which add instant character to kitchen shelves and beyond. If your vintage wood finds look a little dirty, avoid the urge to throw them in the dishwasher, because you’ll most definitely regret it. The high heat, prolonged exposure to moisture, and harsh detergents can cause cracks, warping, discoloration, and strip any protective finishes off the wood.
Maria Sabella is a lifestyle writer with a passion for home and interiors — from paint colors and holiday decor to the latest design trends. Her work has appeared in outlets including Better Homes & Gardens, The Spruce, BuzzFeed and Bustle.
