Crystal in the Dishwasher?

[Jaycey'smom]

We just got a crystal punch bowl with the glasses and "spoon". Also a few other "glass" items (not sure if they are crystal but they are old) from DH's GM that passed away last year. Can I put them in the Dishwasher....or should I hand wash them? I am sure they are old but they are THICK. We got a set of glass shot glasses from her also I think they will be ok in the dishwasher but not sure what do you think? I do not want to break or ruin any of it as it is beautiful and DH's fav GM. (Mine too ) I have never had crystal so do not know if these things can go in the dish washer. TIA

 

[Earstou]

I've been told to NEVER put old glassware in the dishwasher. I was told that due to age it is fragile, and could crack in the dishwasher. I've always handwashed my old dishes. Don't know if there is any truth to this, but I've never wanted to take the chance.

 

[ncbyrne]

I put all of my glassware - old, new, crystal and cut glass - in the dishwasher. However, I do not let it go thru a heat cycle, I make sure they air dry. I've never had a problem.

 

[ShiPooOwner]

Personally, I would handwash them.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I would use top rack only and would make sure that they air dry and not the heated dry.

 

[msmayor]

I never put crystal in the dishwasher.

Did you ever take a look at your glassware and notice any tiny marks or 'cloudiness' on the glass? That can be caused by particles in the detergent slamming in to the glass during the wash cycle, or any other minute particles that were left on other dishes in the dishwasher. Once those marks are there, they're never going away.

 

[Lib E]

Yep. It's the dishwasher soap that is the problem. I do a quick wash and rinse with dish soap and then run it through the dishwasher with no soap. I have a thing about sanitizing them. Soap alone isn't good enough.

 

[disneysteve]

I agree with those who say to handwash. The detergent can damage the crystal. Also, the vibration can damage them. Crystal and fine glassware should always be handwashed.

 

[arminnie]

I would use top rack only and would make sure that they air dry and not the heated dry.

When I had new flooring put down last year I had to empty 3 large china cabinets. As my dad loves to fry I found a thin layer of grease on everything.

I put everything in the dishwasher - gentle cycle, no heated drying, being careful that nothing would move around and hit each other. I must have run at least 10 cycles.

I have some very old stuff. My dad is 87 and some of it is from people older than he is. The only thing that I did not put in the dishwasher was some very, very old glasses with flowers stenciled on them.