Washing dishes in the dishwasher is very simple: put the dirty dishes in, press the button and you’re done. But wait a minute! It’s not quite that simple, after all, not every piece of crockery and cutlery can withstand machine washing. If you’ve ever wondered whether a particular item is dishwasher-safe or dishwasher-safe, you should read on quickly.
Manufacturer symbols are supposed to help here – and at the same time cause confusion, as consumer advocates criticize. Not only are the symbols inconsistent, but only very few people are familiar with their meaning, which leads to extremely annoying surprises.
What does the crockery symbol mean?
The glass and fork symbol, which is often found on crockery and storage containers, is probably the most confusing. Here you can find out why it is sometimes printed, but sometimes not, and why the symbol basically says nothing about whether the dishes can go in the dishwasher.
Everything that is intended for the preparation or storage of food needs to be labeled accordingly. This makes it possible, for example, to distinguish a salad bowl from a decorative bowl. There is an exception for crockery and cutlery that is clearly intended for food contact – such as a bread knife.
The glass-fork symbol guarantees that no harmful substances are released into food when used correctly. However, it does not matter whether the label is on the product or on the packaging. The NRW Consumer Protection Agency criticizes this. It is calling for uniform and permanent labeling on tableware.
Important: The glass and fork symbol does not mean that the dishes can automatically be put in the dishwasher! Plastic kitchen utensils in particular can be damaged in the dishwasher, causing them to deform or release harmful substances.
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Dishwasher-safe or dishwasher-safe? What’s the difference?
There is no mandatory labeling as to whether dishes can be put in the dishwasher or not. The information provided by manufacturers is therefore neither standardized nor binding. The only difference is the “dishwasher-safe” label.
- Dishwasher-safe: If a manufacturer describes its crockery as “dishwasher-safe” or “dishwasher-suitable”, then it can go in the dishwasher. However, how often and at what temperature remains uncertain. So you need to be aware that these dishes may well deform or lose their color in the dishwasher. The symbol also looks different depending on the manufacturer.
- Dishwasher safe: However, there are clear standards for the “dishwasher-safe” label. And the water jet symbol is also standardized. However, as certification as “dishwasher-safe” is quite complex and expensive, it is generally only found in the catering sector or on high-priced products. The number above the water jet symbol indicates how many dishwasher cycles the dishes are guaranteed to withstand without damage.
Conclusion
Before you put dishes in the dishwasher, you should find out whether they are suitable for it. The glass and fork symbol has nothing to do with this! On the other hand, most dishwasher symbols are inconsistent. They do not guarantee that the dishes will survive several wash cycles or wash cycles at high temperatures. Here you have to rely on your eye – and replace brittle, discolored or deformed dishes if necessary.
Source: verbraucherzentrale.nrw
