Can You Put Copper in the Dishwasher? (No — Here's Why)

Copper cookware, mugs, and decorative pieces add warmth and elegance to any kitchen — but they require special care. The dishwasher is one of the worst things you can expose copper to. Here's why, and how to keep your copper looking its best.

Why Copper Should Never Go in the Dishwasher

1. Dishwasher Detergent Reacts with Copper

Dishwasher detergent is highly alkaline and contains chemicals that react with copper, causing it to oxidize rapidly. The result is permanent discoloration — dark spots, tarnishing, and a dull, blotchy finish that's very difficult to reverse.

2. The Heat Accelerates Damage

The high temperatures inside a dishwasher (120–160°F / 49–71°C) accelerate the chemical reaction between detergent and copper, making the discoloration worse and faster than it would be from detergent alone.

3. Lacquered Copper Loses Its Finish

Many decorative copper items are lacquered to maintain their shine. The dishwasher strips this lacquer, leaving the copper exposed and prone to rapid tarnishing.

4. Tin-Lined Copper Cookware Is Especially Vulnerable

Traditional copper cookware is often lined with tin on the inside. Dishwasher heat and detergent can damage the tin lining, reducing its effectiveness and potentially requiring re-tinning — an expensive professional process.

What Copper Items to Keep Out of the Dishwasher

• Copper pots and pans
• Copper Moscow Mule mugs
• Copper mixing bowls
• Copper measuring cups and spoons
• Copper decorative items
• Copper-bottomed stainless steel pans (the copper bottom will discolor)

How to Properly Clean Copper

1. Wash by hand with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap
2. Use a soft cloth or sponge — never abrasive scrubbers that will scratch the surface
3. Rinse thoroughly with warm water
4. Dry immediately with a soft towel — water spots can form quickly on copper

How to Polish and Restore Copper

Copper naturally tarnishes over time — this is normal and can be reversed with regular polishing.

Natural DIY Methods:

• Salt and lemon: Rub the copper with half a lemon dipped in salt. The acid and abrasion remove tarnish effectively.
• Vinegar and salt: Mix equal parts white vinegar and salt into a paste, apply, let sit for a few minutes, then rinse and dry.
• Ketchup: The mild acidity in ketchup works surprisingly well — apply, let sit 10 minutes, then rinse.

What About Copper-Colored Stainless Steel?

Some modern cookware and mugs have a copper-colored coating over stainless steel — these are NOT the same as real copper. Check the manufacturer's guidelines. Many copper-colored stainless items are dishwasher safe, but the coating can fade over time with repeated machine washing.

Keep Your Dishwasher Clean for What It Can Handle

For all the items that ARE dishwasher safe, keep your machine performing at its best with a monthly cleaning cycle. The Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets (amzn.to/42P5MKQ) remove limescale, mineral deposits, and odor-causing bacteria from the pump, tub, and hoses. Use Finish Powerball Dishwasher Pods (amzn.to/3RE929j) for reliable everyday cleaning.

The Bottom Line

Copper and dishwashers are incompatible. The detergent and heat will permanently discolor and damage copper items — often after just one cycle. Always hand wash copper, dry immediately, and polish regularly to maintain its beautiful finish. With proper care, copper cookware and mugs can last a lifetime.