How to Wash Copper Items in Dishwasher — Should You

Should You Put Copper Items in the Dishwasher?

No — copper items should never go in the dishwasher. Whether it is copper cookware, copper mugs, copper serving bowls, or copper bar tools, the dishwasher will damage them permanently. Here is why, and how to care for copper correctly.

Why the Dishwasher Damages Copper

1. Discoloration and Tarnishing

Dishwasher detergent is highly alkaline and reacts chemically with copper, causing rapid and severe tarnishing. Copper that goes into the dishwasher shiny comes out dull, dark, and discolored — often with a greenish or blackish tinge that is difficult to remove.

2. Pitting and Surface Damage

The combination of harsh detergent, hot water, and the abrasive action of the dishwasher causes pitting on the copper surface — small holes and rough patches that permanently damage the appearance and texture of the metal.

3. Lacquer and Coating Damage

Many decorative copper items have a protective lacquer coating to maintain their shine. The dishwasher strips this lacquer completely, leaving the copper unprotected and prone to rapid tarnishing.

4. Lining Damage on Copper Cookware

Traditional copper cookware is lined with tin or stainless steel on the interior. Dishwasher detergent and heat can damage tin linings, causing them to discolor, pit, and eventually fail.

How to Clean Copper Items Correctly

Everyday Cleaning

1. Wash copper items by hand with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap
2. Use a soft cloth or sponge — never abrasive scrubbers or steel wool
3. Rinse thoroughly with clean water
4. Dry immediately and completely with a soft cloth — water left on copper causes water spots and accelerates tarnishing

Removing Tarnish From Copper

Copper tarnishes naturally over time. These natural methods restore shine without damaging the metal:

• Lemon and salt: Cut a lemon in half, dip in coarse salt, and rub over the tarnished surface. Rinse and dry immediately.
• Vinegar and salt: Mix equal parts white vinegar and salt into a paste. Apply, rub gently, rinse, and dry.
• Ketchup: The mild acid in ketchup dissolves tarnish. Apply, leave for 10 minutes, rub gently, rinse, and dry.

Maintaining the Shine

• After cleaning, buff with a dry soft cloth to restore shine
• For lacquered copper, wipe with a damp cloth only — soap can dull the lacquer
• Store copper items in a dry location away from humidity to slow tarnishing

Copper Mugs (Moscow Mule Mugs)

• Hand wash only with mild soap and warm water
• Dry immediately after washing
• Do not use abrasive cleaners or scrubbers on the interior or exterior
• The interior of genuine copper mugs is lined with another metal — check that the lining is intact and undamaged before use

The Simple Rule for Copper

Copper is hand wash only — always. The dishwasher causes permanent damage to copper in a single cycle. Hand wash, dry immediately, and polish occasionally to keep copper looking its best for years.

Final Tips

• Never put copper in the dishwasher — not even once
• Hand wash with mild soap and a soft cloth
• Dry immediately to prevent water spots and tarnishing
• Use lemon and salt or vinegar and salt to remove tarnish naturally