If you‘re one of the millions of devoted IKEA shoppers, you‘ve likely stocked your kitchen with the brand‘s signature stylish and affordable housewares. In fact, IKEA sells over $1.5 billion worth of kitchen products globally each year, from sleek serving bowls to colorful kids‘ cups. But despite the Swedish retailer‘s reputation for quality and convenience, many consumers find themselves puzzling over one key question: can you put IKEA kitchen products in the dishwasher?
As a veteran home goods expert and self-proclaimed "picky shopper," I‘m here to give you the full scoop on IKEA kitchenware care. I‘ve purchased, tested and researched dozens of IKEA products to bring you this comprehensive guide to dishwasher safety. Whether you‘re a busy parent looking to streamline cleanup or a design aficionado who wants to maintain that showroom shine, you‘ll find all the answers you need below.
IKEA Materials 101: What Goes in the Dishwasher
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of which IKEA items can take the heat, let‘s review the basic materials in play. IKEA uses a range of high-quality, durable materials to craft its kitchenware, each with its own unique properties and care requirements.
Ceramics & Porcelain
Plates, bowls and mugs made from ceramic or porcelain are hallmarks of a well-stocked kitchen. These materials are crafted from clay hardened by high heat, resulting in a non-porous, glossy finish. Most modern ceramic or porcelain dishes are glazed, meaning they‘re coated with a protective layer of enamel.
Dishwasher safety: Glazed ceramic and porcelain are generally dishwasher safe, as long as they‘re not hand-painted or metallic. IKEA offers many dishwasher-friendly options in classic white, like the FLITIGHET series, and playful patterns like the MÄTTA collection.
Tempered Glass
Toughened by chemical or thermal treatment, tempered glass is up to four times stronger than untreated glass. It‘s also resistant to thermal shock, meaning it can handle sudden changes in temperature without cracking or shattering. IKEA uses tempered glass for everything from oven dishes to stemware.
Dishwasher safety: Most tempered glass items are 100% dishwasher safe and can be placed on either rack. However, I always advise clients to leave ample space between glasses to prevent chips and cracks. IKEA‘s practical MIXTUR oven dish and elegant STORSINT red wine glasses are perfect picks.
Plastic (BPA-free)
Plastic kitchenware has come a long way since the days of flimsy, easily stained food storage. Today‘s BPA-free plastics are lightweight, durable and come in a rainbow of shades. Common types include polypropylene (marked with recycling code 5) and SAN, or styrene acrylonitrile.
Dishwasher safety: The majority of IKEA‘s plastic kitchen products are top-rack dishwasher safe, like the bestselling KALAS cups and bowls. Just be sure to skip the heated dry cycle as it can warp plastic over time. I love the sturdy IKEA 365+ food containers with snap-tight lids.
Stainless Steel
The gold standard for pots, pans and cutlery, stainless steel is prized for its sleek look and rust resistance. It‘s available in different grades, with 18/10 (18% chromium, 10% nickel) representing the highest quality. Many IKEA stainless steel products bear this premium 18/10 stamp.
Dishwasher safety: Stainless steel is extremely dishwasher safe, but always check the care instructions first. I‘m a big fan of the all-in-one IKEA 365+ cookware series and the modern BEHAGFULL flatware set. Avoid washing sharp knives in the dishwasher as it can dull and corrode blades.
Bamboo & Wood
Eco-friendly materials like bamboo and acacia wood are becoming increasingly popular in kitchenware. IKEA has expanded its selection of products made from these renewable resources, ranging from cutting boards to salad servers.
Dishwasher safety: Bad news for the dishwasher devotees: wood and bamboo items should never go in the dishwasher. The extreme heat and moisture can cause cracking, warping and damage to the finish. Stick to hand washing for items like the rustic APTITLIG butcher block.
Decoding the Dishwasher Safe Symbol
Now that you‘re well-versed in IKEA‘s signature materials, let‘s talk about how to quickly identify dishwasher safe items while you‘re browsing the store or unpacking at home. The easiest method is to look for the universal dishwasher safe symbol, which features a stylized plate or glass with water drops:
This handy icon is usually printed on the underside or bottom of an item. If you don‘t see it, check the product‘s packaging or care label for specific washing instructions. You can also consult the materials and care section of an item‘s online listing, either on the IKEA website or through the IKEA Place app.
| Product Category | Dishwasher Safe Examples | Hand Wash Only Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Plates & Bowls | FLITIGHET, MÄTTA, 365+ | STRIMMIG (hand-painted) |
| Glassware | STORSINT, GODIS, POKAL | TIDVATTEN (gold trim) |
| Cookware | 365+ Stainless, OUMBÄRLIG | SOCKERKAKA (silicone) |
| Food Storage | 365+ Plastic, IKEA 365+ Glass | IKEA 365+ Bamboo lid |
| Kids‘ Items | KALAS, SMASKA, MATA | HEROISK (metallic trim) |
For items that come in a set, like flatware or nesting bowls, you may need to refer to the packaging or supplier website for the definitive dishwasher status. When in doubt, play it safe and hand wash!
Tips for Dishwasher Loading & Maintenance
Even the most dishwasher-proof kitchenware can fall victim to improper loading techniques. Follow these tips from the pros to keep your IKEA items in pristine condition:
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Secure small and lightweight items on the top rack or in a designated basket. The IKEA PLASTERA dishwasher basket is ideal for lids, tupperware and baby items.
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Place glasses between tines, not over them, to minimize vibration and prevent cracks. Consider laying delicate champagne flutes and wine glasses on their sides for extra stability.
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Avoid nesting or stacking items, especially plastic or ceramic dishes. Not only does this prevent thorough cleaning, but it can also lead to scratches and chips over time.
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Load sharp knives point-down in the cutlery basket for safety. Keep stainless steel and silver-plated flatware in separate compartments to avoid a chemical reaction.
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Skip the pre-rinse and scrape off large food particles instead. Pre-rinsing can actually make your detergent less effective by removing the grime it‘s designed to cling to.
"Overloading the dishwasher is one of the most common mistakes people make," says Ash Williams, a dishwasher repair specialist at Acme Appliance. "Not only does it limit water and detergent circulation, but it also puts your kitchenware at risk for damage. Be sure to leave enough space between items and place them securely on the racks."
Creative IKEA Kitchen Care & Organization Ideas
In addition to following the manufacturer‘s care instructions, there are plenty of ways to maintain and organize your IKEA kitchenware for maximum efficiency. Here are a few of my favorite hacks:
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Collect dishwasher-safe items in a cute RISATORP wire basket near the sink for easy loading.
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Repurpose the IKEA RATIONELL variera knife tray to sort and protect your flatware in drawers.
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Stash pot lids upright with the help of a VARIERA lid organizer, making them a cinch to pull out pre-wash.
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Use the IKEA 365+ ice cube tray to freeze leftover sauces, herbs and stock in perfect portions.
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Mix a pea-sized amount of dishwashing liquid into a cup of baking soda for an effective soft scrub for stubborn stains.
Remember, a little extra TLC goes a long way when it comes to extending the life of your IKEA kitchenware. By taking the time to sort, load and wash items properly, you‘ll enjoy that showroom look for years to come – no trip to the IKEA warehouse required!
Key Takeaways
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Most IKEA kitchenware is dishwasher safe, including glazed ceramic, tempered glass, stainless steel, and BPA-free plastic items.
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Wood and bamboo pieces should always be washed by hand, along with items that have special trims or coatings.
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Look for the dishwasher safe symbol on products or packaging to quickly determine the recommended washing method.
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Use proper loading techniques like securing items on racks, leaving space between pieces, and protecting delicate glassware.
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Maintain your dishwasher‘s performance with regular cleaning, rinsing and thoughtful loading practices.
The Bottom Line
Whether you‘re a busy parent, an eco-conscious consumer or a design enthusiast, IKEA has a kitchenware solution for you. By understanding the brand‘s signature materials and care requirements, you can keep your dishes, glasses and cookware looking like new – even after countless cycles through the dishwasher.
Use this guide as a starting point for your IKEA shopping and care strategy, but don‘t be afraid to experiment and find what works for your unique household. With a little know-how and some creative organization, you‘ll master the art of the dishwasher load and spend less time worrying about cleanup and more time enjoying your stylish, functional IKEA kitchen.
As a wise Swede (or possibly Ingvar Kamprad) once said, "Happiness is a freshly unloaded dishwasher." So go forth and load with confidence, my fellow IKEA fans. Your sparkling kitchenware awaits!
