Decoding the Dishwasher Safe Symbol

When shopping for new dishware or cleaning up after a meal, you’ve likely noticed various symbols printed on plates, bowls, mugs and glassware. Among the most important of these mysterious icons is the symbol indicating an item is “dishwasher safe.” But with dozens of care symbols used, how can you tell which one designates an item that can handle a cycle in the dishwasher?

The Symbol for Dishwasher Safe: Your Guide to Decoding Dishware Care Labels

This article will explore the internationally recognised symbol for “dishwasher safe,” explaining its appearance, meaning, and usage. We’ll also explore the fascinating history and development of dishwasher-safe testing and labelling. By the end, you’ll be equipped to quickly identify dishwasher-friendly items and keep your dishware in top shape.

The Appearance of the Dishwasher Safe Symbol

While many care symbols are used on dishware, the dishwasher-safe emblem is distinct and easy to spot once you know what to look for. The symbol is a stylised image of a dishwasher rack or tray with plates, usually surrounded by water drops or lines representing spraying water.

The specific appearance can vary slightly by manufacturer, but it always depicts some rendition of dishes in a dishwasher-like setting. It is often printed in black or the same as other care symbols on the item. The icon is small, usually under a centimetre in size, and unobtrusive – you may need to look closely to find it on some items.

Meaning and Usage of the Dishwasher Safe Symbol

When you see the dishwasher safe symbol on an item, it means the manufacturer has tested it and deemed it safe to clean in a dishwasher. It will withstand the high temperatures, prolonged water exposure, and detergents used in a typical dishwasher cycle without incurring damage like chips, cracks, or fading.

However, the presence of the symbol doesn’t necessarily mean an item MUST be cleaned in a dishwasher. Most dishwasher-safe pieces can also be safely hand-washed, so the emblem primarily communicates that using the dishwasher is an option.

There are some exceptions, though, such as insulated travel mugs that should only be washed by hand.

It’s important not to assume unmarked items are dishwasher safe. The absence of the symbol doesn’t automatically mean a piece can’t go in the dishwasher, but it’s best to err on the side of caution or try to verify if you’re unsure. Items not labelled as dishwasher safe could become damaged or fade in the dishwasher.

The symbol applies to both the main dishwasher compartment and the top rack. If an item is only safe for the gentler top rack, it will be marked with a modified symbol showing a single rack or with the words “top rack only.”

Other Related Care Symbols

In addition to the dishwasher safe symbol, you may notice other icons near it that communicate additional care instructions:

• A hand in water designates an item should be hand washed only
• Plates with an X through them mean an item is not dishwasher-safe
• A snowflake notes that an item can be put in the freezer
• Wavy lines indicate an item can be used in the microwave

Attention to all available care symbols will help you keep your dishware in the best possible condition.

The History of Dishwasher Safe Testing & Labeling

Since the invention of the first reliable home dishwashers in the 1920s, manufacturers have needed a way to designate which dishes are compatible with the appliances. However, it took several decades for a universal dishwasher-safe labelling system to be developed.

Starting in the 1950s, some European dishware producers began voluntarily certifying certain products as “dishwasher proof,” but their testing criteria varied. In the 1970s, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) in the US released one of the first standardized testing protocols, which evaluated how dishware held up after 100+ washing cycles.

However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that the modern dishwasher-safe icon came into widespread use. Developed by the British Standards Institution (BSI), it was rapidly adopted across Europe and the US as a quick, language-neutral way to indicate dishwasher compatibility. Over the following decade, most major international standards organizations issued guidelines codifying the symbol.

While testing criteria can still vary between manufacturers, the dishwasher-safe symbol assures that an item should hold up to machine washing. Typically, the item will have undergone 100+ cycles of testing in water of at least 65°C / 149°F, with various dishwasher detergents, to verify its durability. Some may even test specific use cases like repeated washing with hard water or handling of acidic foods.

Tips for Keeping Your Dishware in Top Shape

With your newfound knowledge of the dishwasher-safe symbol, you can take steps to keep your dishware looking great. Here are a few tips:

• Whenever possible, check for the dishwasher safe icon before buying or washing dishes to avoid unintended damage
• Pay attention to “top rack only” designations on more fragile items.
• Skip the dishwasher and hand wash items like insulated mugs, hand-painted ceramics, wooden or cast iron pieces, and gold-plated dishes.
• Inspect your dishware after cleaning, especially older pieces, to catch any chips or cracks early.
• Leave space between items in the dishwasher so they’re not touching, which can lead to damage.
• Use a quality detergent that is compatible with your dishware material
• Air dry dishes when possible to reduce the time they’re exposed to heat in the dry cycle

By taking these precautions and being a savvy dishwasher-safe label reader, your dishes can last for many years. No longer will the mysterious symbol for dishwasher safety be a source of confusion – instead, you’ll be able to harness it to keep your dishware sparkling.

Conclusion

The dishwasher-safe symbol, with its distinct image of a dishwasher rack and spraying water, is a crucial guide to keeping your dishware in good condition. By understanding what it looks like and means, you can make informed choices about what to put in the dishwasher.

While the symbol has only been widely used for a few decades, it has resulted in nearly a century of work by manufacturers and standards organizations to develop effective dishwasher safety testing. Today, seeing the icon provides peace of mind that an item can handle hundreds of cycles in hot, soapy water.

With this knowledge of the dishwasher-safe marker and some innovative dishwashing practices, you’ll never need to wonder whether a dish can handle the dishwasher again. You can refer to the handy hidden code, the universal dishwasher-safe symbol.