Most glass and glazed ceramic products tolerates dishwashing, but not everything can go in the microwave. Always keep products with gold/silver rims, metal decoration or hand-painted details out of both the microwave and harsh dishwashing. If in doubt, wash by hand and follow the manufacturer's markings.
Can your new favourite cup handle the dishwasher? And is the glass safe in the microwave? The right answer depends on the material and decoration – and a single mistake can cost you both the colours and the piece itself. Here are the rules that will keep your glass and ceramics looking their best for as long as possible.
Dishwasher
Most glass and stoneware can go in the dishwasher without any problems. However, be careful with thin glass, which can be damaged by high temperatures over time (see our guide on limescale and glass corrosion), as well as hand-painted decorations, which can fade. If you want to be on the safe side with your finest pieces, wash them by hand.
Microwave
Plain glass and glazed ceramics without metal can usually go in the microwave. But never put anything with gold, silver or metal decoration in the microwave – the metal can spark and damage both the piece and the oven. Hand-painted pieces should also be kept out, unless the manufacturer explicitly states that they are microwave-safe.
Tip: Not sure if a piece can handle the microwave? Place it in the microwave next to a glass of water for 30 seconds. If the piece itself gets hot (and not just the water), it shouldn't be used in the microwave.
Watch out for gold and metal
Gold and silver rims are the most common culprits. In the microwave, they spark, and in the dishwasher, they can wear off over time. Always wash tableware with metal rims by hand, and keep it well away from the microwave.
Hand-painted and decorated
Many of the most beautiful pieces are hand-painted. The colours last longest if you wash them by hand in lukewarm water with a mild washing-up liquid. Avoid scouring pads, which wear away the decoration.
Quick overview
| Type | Dishwasher | Microwave |
|---|---|---|
| Plain glass | Yes (be gentle with thin glass) | Yes |
| Glazed stoneware | Yes | Yes (without metal) |
| Gold/silver rim | Hand wash | No |
| Hand-painted | Hand washing recommended | Preferably not |
Frequently asked questions
Can glass go in the microwave?
Plain glass without metal decoration can usually go in the microwave. Glass with gold or silver rims should never go in the microwave.
Can ceramics go in the dishwasher?
Glazed stoneware can usually go in the dishwasher. Hand-painted and metal-decorated pieces should be washed by hand.
Why can't gold rims go in the microwave?
Metal reflects the microwaves and can create sparks that damage both the piece and the oven.
How do I preserve hand-painted colours?
Wash by hand in lukewarm water with a mild washing-up liquid, and avoid scouring pads.
How do I find out what a piece can handle?
Follow the manufacturer's markings on the bottom. If in doubt, wash by hand and keep the piece out of the microwave.
Summary
Plain glass and glazed stoneware can usually go in both the dishwasher and the microwave, while anything with a gold/silver rim, metal or hand-painted details should be washed by hand and kept out of the microwave. Follow the manufacturer's care label, and choose hand washing for your finest pieces so the colours and edges last longest.
Read also
- How do you remove limescale from glass?
- What's the difference between ceramic and porcelain?
- How do you remove labels from glass?
Take a look at our drinking glasses and ceramic cups.
