Can Non Stick Cookware Go in the Dishwasher?

While some pieces of cookware take special effort and hours to maintain, others are easy to care for—but that doesn’t mean they don’t require special attention from time to time. Take cleaning Non Stick Cookware for example. It may seem easy to care for and it is, but there are some nuances to it.

You may have wondered if you can just throw it in the dishwasher to make cleanup even easier. Well, not exactly no, but let's break it down.

Are Non Stick Pans Dishwasher-Friendly?

You may see some Non Stick Cookware advertised as “Dishwasher Safe,” which is true for some brands. It all depends on the type of coating used in the construction of the pans. In our case, we take our Stainless Clad Cookware and simply coat it using a completely non-toxic PTFE coating. We do this so you get the performance of Stainless Clad coupled with the ease of Non Stick. However, adding this coating does introduce some changes in care requirements.

It’s not recommended  to clean PTFE coated pans in the dishwasher. This is because dishwasher detergents contain harsh chemicals, solvents, and abrasives that can cause the coating to break down and deteriorate, even after just one wash.

This coupled with the high-heat, high-pressure environment in dishwashers is why we recommend cleaning our Non Stick Cookware by hand with a mild dish soap and a non-abrasive sponge.

Risks of Putting Non Stick in the Dishwasher

You might be wondering what happens if you decide to go ahead and put your Non Stick in the dishwasher. You will likely start to see the coating peel away from the surface of the pan. This can start anywhere on the pan, but tends to start at the rim and expands inward. Peeling is the most common result of improper care in general, but usually results from the harsh cleaning that occurs in the dishwasher.

Additionally, you could see some surface scratches and scuffs. A dishwasher is a fairly hectic place, due in large part to the high-pressure water that causes items to shift. If your pan is leaning against something like another pan or a plate, it's likely to mar the coating. Even the water itself can leave unwanted marks on the coating, due to the sheer force it has.

Finally, you could also see some discoloration of the coating, which is generally an indication that your coating has started to break down. It usually happens from prolonged exposure temperatures exceeding 500F. However, in this case it would be  a result of the detergent’s harsh ingredients taking their toll.

How to Clean Non Stick Cookware

Despite these potential pitfalls, Non Stick Cookware is extremely easy to clean. For every day cleaning, all you will need is mild dish soap and a non-abrasive, Non Stick-safe sponge. Typically, we advise using Dawn and a blue Scotch Brite, but you can use what you like as long as the soap is mild and the sponge is Non Stick safe.

For tougher messes, you can use a paste of 2 parts baking soda to 1 part distilled vinegar. Scrub your pan with the paste and  a non-abrasive sponge while applying  light to medium pressure. This combination is great for both the interior and exterior of your pan.

If you have something really caked or burnt on, you can bring about a cup of distilled vinegar to a simmer, while agitating gently with a Wooden Spoon. This will help break down the mess and leave your cookware looking clean and unmarred. Additionally, this can help to clear up any staining you may have on the coating that occurs from normal use.

Ready to Shop?

Ultimately, Non Stick Cookware is just as easy to care for as it is to cook with. Even though it cannot go in the dishwasher, a bit of mild dish soap and a soft sponge will clear up  almost any mess, from reheating leftovers to trying out our Tostadas with Soft Scrambled Eggs.