Why can't you wash aluminum cookware in the dishwasher?
The dream has come true - the dishwasher is finally installed, and you can start washing. Many people have a desire to wash all the dishes that are in the house, and some, without thinking, do so. However, there is no need to rush, because putting some things in the dishwasher is strictly prohibited. First of all, this applies to all products made of aluminum. Why exactly aluminum cookware is “afraid” of the dishwasher, let’s figure it out.
Reasons why you should not put aluminum in PMM
Aluminum is a fairly active metal that reacts with many substances and even with water, under certain conditions. Such conditions are created inside the dishwasher. On the surface of this metal there is a dense oxide film that is easily dissolved by alkalis. Many dishwasher detergents contain alkalis; thanks to them, dishes are washed without physical impact.
So, under the influence of alkali in hot water, the oxide film is removed from the surface of aluminum cookware. As a result of this, aluminum is able to react with water, which leads to the destruction of this metal and the appearance of a dark coating on its surface. If you expose dishes to this effect for a long time, they will not only become dark, but will also begin to deteriorate. Some people note that after washing the dishes at 35 degrees, nothing happened at all, but we warn you once again, after several such washes, the dishes will still darken. And perhaps forever.
Important! Scientists have proven that aluminum cookware cannot be used.Metal enters the human body in large quantities, negatively affecting the functioning of all organs without exception.
Hand dishwashing detergents are less harsh, so we don't notice any changes with aluminum cookware. However, with prolonged use, the darkening effect still appears. So, let's conclude that aluminum cookware should not be put in the dishwasher because:
- it loses its appearance, acquiring a dark coating;
- it is not safe for health.
What to do with darkened dishes?
It’s clear why it’s forbidden to wash aluminum in the dishwasher. But not many people remember chemistry lessons, not everyone reads the instructions for dishwashers, and not all instructions contain a note that aluminum dishes cannot be washed, and some even accidentally put such products in the tank. On thematic forums, users write about how they were spoiled:
- pots;
- frying pans;
- garlic presses;
- spoons;
- parts from a meat grinder.
Therefore, the question arises: is it possible to restore aluminum cookware to its former shine and attractiveness? It's not that simple and will depend on how much the color has changed. The protective layer of metal is not destroyed immediately; the hotter the water and the more alkali in the detergent, the faster the dishes will darken and become covered with a gray coating. Of course, the damaged dishes should be thrown away, but sometimes this is not possible, especially if they are parts from a new meat grinder. How then can you remove plaque?
Only manual cleaning with special means will help. But boiling with soda and powder will only aggravate the situation, so under no circumstances do this. Nitric, sulfuric and other acids can help in the fight against plaque, but we will not describe this method, since it is not safe and can lead to irreversible consequences. Acetic and citric acid are unlikely to have the necessary effect, because they are weak. Here's what to try:
cleaning and polishing with GOI paste for final polishing. It is necessary to apply the paste to a piece of felt cloth and rub the darkened product;- polishing using a special paste made in France by Dialux;
- treat darkened products with HORS rust converter for cars (use as a last resort), and then rub with one of the above mentioned products.
Remember! You should wash aluminum cookware only with your hands and, if possible, with special products, of which there are many on sale, or with ordinary kitchen soap.
What other dishes should not be washed in the dishwasher?
Not only aluminum cookware can be damaged in the dishwasher. And if in some cases such dishes can and should be replaced, then you won’t part with another one so easily. Therefore, pay attention to what other products should not be washed in the dishwasher:
- dishes made of wood or with wooden parts - such dishes will swell and crack if left in water for a long time;
- silver and cupronickel tableware - just like aluminum tableware, it can darken and lose its attractive appearance, which is not so easy to return;
- frying pans with Teflon coating, if there is no permission sign - during the washing process, unprotected Teflon becomes dull, which leads to burning of food;
- knives – under the influence of hot water, knives become very dull;
- bone and expensive porcelain can darken and lose shine.
The most important thing when washing dishes is to observe the temperature regime and rules for arranging dishes. You can even ruin ordinary dishes if you wash them in too hot water with concentrated detergent.
So, aluminum cookware is prohibition number 1 for the dishwasher. If you don’t want to ruin the parts of your new meat grinder or your favorite aluminum frying pan, then don’t experiment based on the advice of other users, they say, until you try it yourself, you won’t know. In this case, everything is quite clear even without experiments; learn from the mistakes of others.
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Thank you very much for the article. All the questions that interested me were answered in an accessible form!
Thank you, I join Yulia.
I read it late, the spare part from the meat grinder and the aluminum spoon have already darkened.
It’s strange, on the contrary, all my aluminum spoons and forks have become white.
It’s just that other aluminum salts turned out, but they are also not very useful.
So now you can’t use this dish (if it’s turned white)?
How do knives become dull from hot water? What are the physics of the process?
It’s a shame that I had to read the article after washing the parts of the meat grinder in PMM :)