How to Stop Damaging Dinnerware in the Dishwasher

You have just polished off an amazing dinner, and now you’re staring at that pile of dishes thinking, “dishwasher, here we go!”

But what if we told you that your favorite dinnerware might be slowly getting damaged by improper dishwasher loading?

As much as possible, you don’t want to discover chipped plates, cloudy glassware, or cracked serving bowls later.

In this guide, we’re sharing expert-backed tips to help you clean your dishes the right way. Whether it’s your everyday porcelain or elegant pieces from Catalonia Plates, here’s how to use your dishwasher like a pro.

Know Different Tableware Materials

Before loading a single plate, you need to understand what you’re working with. Not all dinnerware is created equal, and each material has specific needs and vulnerabilities.

1. Porcelain

Porcelain is a go-to for modern tableware and for good reasons. It’s elegant enough for fancy occasions but tough enough for everyday life.

Modern porcelain is generally your dishwasher’s best friend. If you’ve got a standard dinner set that’s fully glazed, you can probably toss it in there without a second thought.

But not all porcelain pieces are dishwasher safe. Avoid dishwashing porcelain with:

• Hand-painted details or decals
• Gold, silver, or platinum rim accents
• Unglazed areas or matte finishes
• Antique or vintage pieces

When in doubt, flip it over and check for care instructions. Some manufacturers even specify which rack to use or what temperature setting is best.

2. Stoneware

Stoneware is sturdy and built for daily use, but it doesn’t always respond well to very high heat or rough handling.

Yes, stoneware is generally dishwasher safe. But since it’s more porous, it’s a little sensitive to high heat and sudden temperature changes. Those super-hot cycles and aggressive detergents can actually start wearing down that beautiful glaze over time.

The best practice with stoneware pieces is to load with space between items and use a gentle cycle when you can.

3. Bone China                                                                                                              

While elegant and lightweight, bone china is more delicate. The calcium phosphate can react poorly to harsh detergents and extreme heat. You can put it in the dishwasher if it’s marked as dishwasher safe.

Choose a light or eco cycle and never mix it in with heavy or metallic items. Anything metallic could cause scratches or damage during the wash.

When using a dishwasher, here are some best practices to remember:

• Use a gentle or delicate cycle
• Choose low-temp settings
• Always load on the top rack
• Leave space between each item to avoid clinking

With the right settings and a bit of care, you can keep your bone china looking refined and flawless, meal after meal.

4. Glassware and Crystal

Basic drinking glasses? No problem. But fine crystal? Skip the dishwasher altogether.

Glassware for everyday use, like tempered or borosilicate glass, can totally handle whatever your dishwasher throws at them.

On the other hand, crystal and fine glass are another story. The combination of heat, detergent, and vibration can lead to the following:

• Etching
• Cracking or breakage
• Cloudiness
• Hairline cracks

Want your glassware to stay sparkling and intact? A little extra attention goes a long way. When in doubt, it’s always safest to hand-wash.

5. Wooden or Bamboo Pieces

Yes, it’s tempting to toss everything in your dishwasher and call it a day. But some materials aren’t best paired with dishwashers.

Wood and water are not friends. The dishwasher’s heat and moisture can warp or crack wooden utensils, chargers, or natural bamboo trays.

The combination of high heat, harsh detergents, and prolonged moisture exposure causes:

• Cracking and splitting
• Loss of natural oils
• Warping and permanent damage
• Bacterial growth in cracks

But here’s the good news: taking care of these pieces is actually pretty simple. Just wash them with warm soapy water, dry them off with a towel instead of letting them sit around wet, and maybe once a month or so, rub a little food-grade mineral oil into them.

Honestly, just think of your wooden stuff more like furniture than dishes, and you’ll be set.

6. Melamine and Plastic

Melamine and plastic dishes make outdoor dining way less stressful. They are lightweight, reliable, and practically indestructible.

While most of them say “dishwasher safe” right on the bottom, that doesn’t mean they can handle just any cycle.

The golden rule? Top rack only and turn off that heated dry cycle. High heat can cause:

• Warping and melting
• Chemical leaching
• Permanent cloudiness
• Loss of color vibrancy

Safe practices for melamine and plastic items:

• Always load them on the top rack
• Let them air dry
• Don’t use abrasive scrubbers or harsh detergents
• Check the manufacturer’s label for temperature limits and dishwasher guidelines

Top Dishwasher Mistakes That Damage Dinnerware

Even if your dishes are technically "dishwasher-safe," how you load them makes all the difference. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

Overcrowding

This is the biggest culprit. When dishes are packed in too tightly, several things go wrong at once:

• Water and detergent can’t reach every surface
• Items are more likely to knock into each other as the spray arms rotate
• Pressure points form where plates, bowls, or glasses touch, especially during the heated drying cycles

The fix: Just don’t cram everything together like you’re playing Tetris. Give your dinnerware some space to breathe.

Facing Bowls and Plates the Wrong Direction

Believe it or not, the direction your dishes face matters a lot. The spray arms in your dishwasher are typically located in the center and bottom of the machine, so everything should be angled inward to get the full force of the water.

Dishes should face inward toward the spray arms, not outward toward the walls. Bowls angled incorrectly will collect water instead of draining, while plates facing the wrong way won’t get properly cleaned.

Ignoring Dishwasher Arms and Clearance

Those spinning spray arms at the top and bottom of your dishwasher? They need clearance to rotate freely.

When the spray arms are blocked, you get uneven cleaning, spots on your glassware, and possibly even long-term damage to the mechanism.

Here’s a super simple trick that will save you so much frustration. Before you hit start, just give those spray arms a quick spin with your hand. If they’re hitting something or getting stuck, adjust them right away.

Stacking Plates or Bowls

Trying to squeeze in one last bowl or plate? That’s totally fine. But stacking dishes is one of the fastest ways to cause damage. This might save space, but it’s a recipe for disaster.

Friction between surfaces during the wash cycle can lead to scratches, dull spots, or even chips. Plus, stacked items trap water, and you may end up with soggy dishes.

Always place plates and bowls individually in their designated slots. It should never be nested or stacked. For deep or wide bowls, alternate their direction slightly so they don’t overlap.

Using Too Much Detergent

More doesn’t always mean better. In this case, more soap doesn’t mean cleaner dishes.

Excess detergent doesn’t always rinse away, especially in energy-efficient dishwashers that use less water. Over time, that detergent buildup can dull the surface of your porcelain dishes and bowls.

Combining Metals and Ceramics

Tossing all your cutlery and dishes in together might seem harmless at first. But mixing materials like stainless steel and ceramic can quietly wear down your dinnerware over time. This can result in gray scuff marks, micro-scratches, and chipping.

Here are some ways to prevent that from happening:

Don’t place stainless steel cutlery or utensils in direct contact with delicate ceramic or porcelain dishes.

Use designated compartments for plates, cutlery, or bowls.

If you’re washing fine porcelain, consider doing a separate load without metal utensils.

Remove residue marks gently using non-abrasive cleaners.

The Right Way to Load Your Dishwasher By Item Type

Plates

• Place vertically in the bottom rack
• Face inward toward the center
• Leave enough space between each plate to prevent chipping

Bowls

• Load on the top rack
• Angle downward so water can drain
• Avoid nesting bowls together to avoid trapped water

Cups and Mugs

• Place on the top rack
• Angle slightly for better drainage
• Never stack one cup on top of another

Glassware

• Use designated slots or prongs on the top rack
• Avoid glass-to-glass contact
• Use a gentle cycle or dedicated glassware setting

Cutlery

• Load knives blade-down for safety
• Mix up forks and spoons to avoid "nesting"
• Alternate handles up and down for best coverage

Serving Platters

• Place along the sides of the bottom rack
• If too large, wash separately to avoid blocking water jets

Count on Catalonia Plates for Dishwasher-Safe Tableware

Here at Catalonia Plates, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between elegance and ease. Our high-fired porcelain and carefully crafted stoneware collections are designed to be both visually stunning and incredibly durable.

We are proud to say that most of our haute cuisine tableware is dishwasher safe. Explore our collection of porcelain pieces today!