Why is the dishwasher not recommended for my All-Clad MC2 line of pot and pans?
I just looked on the All-Clad website (faq 7 and faq 13). It says that because the MC2 has a brushed aluminum alloy exterior, it mush be hand washed. Why is the dishwasher bad for it? It's just soap and water (and sometimes rinse aid) right? Is it the rinse aid that does something to the pot/pan? Is it because the jets of the dishwasher too strong for the pot?
Best Answer
I can answer you with first hand experience and a picture. Your lovely dark gray finish will become light gray, streaked, and hideous. I'll never buy this style of pot again, it is just too useful to be able to dishwash them sometimes.
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Can you put All-Clad pots and pans in the dishwasher?
Is All-Clad cookware dishwasher safe? To keep your All-Clad looking brand new, we recommend handwashing your cookware with a mild soap/detergant and sponge instead of the dishwasher. High heat and harsh detergents used in dishwashers can corrode and dry out the surface.Why should pots and pans not go in the dishwasher?
When a dishwasher is running, the conditions inside are hot and wet, which isn't ideal for cast iron. These conditions will cause cast iron pots and pans to rust and will wash way the seasoning (the protective, non-stick coating).Can you clean All-Clad in the dishwasher?
Is All-Clad dishwasher safe? The 'Stainless Steel' collection is completely dishwasher-safe. It is recommended that before you use your Stainless Steel All-Clad you wash it in the dishwasher first to remove any manufacturing residues and this will help to keep it shiny.How do I know if my pots and pans are dishwasher safe?
Look for a Dishwasher Safe Symbol Most pots and pans have an engraving on the handle, while most dishes are labeled on the bottom side. Stainless steel is dishwasher safe; aluminum is not. If you have trouble locating a label and aren't sure what the material is made of, hire a metallurgist.Watch This Review Before You Buy All-Clad
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Answer 2
Dishwashing fluid isn't a simple soap; it's much more aggressive. A good portion of it is sodium hydroxide (lye) and sodium carbonate (washing soda) which will dissolve the protective anodized layer on aluminum surfaces (aluminum oxide), which is what holds the color.
Anodizing is a process that grows a layer of aluminum oxide on aluminum surfaces that can be dyed to form an attractive finish. The dissolution of the anodization is why Mike's pots look so bad now.
Sodium hydroxide and other bases can attack aluminum (metal), but it's not as apparent, especially when the concentration is fairly low. Remove a very thin layer of silver-colored aluminum and there's more silver-colored aluminum under it. Remove some of the anodization layer, and the dye can come out.
Answer 3
The usual reason given is that Aluminum will react with the alkalis in dishwasher detergent and discolour.
Answer 4
Like all aluminium they will discolour in the dishwasher, but will still be safe to use. One site I saw stated that the discolouration can be avoided by removing before the rinse cycle, which suggests to me it's the softeners rather than the detergent that does the damage.
It's worth noting that very acidic foods or prolonged cooking can also stain aluminium. Ours has a dark stain where the water came up to while steaming a Christmas pudding and I've seen some ruined by jam making.
NB in the past some people thought aluminium released into food during cooking was hazardous but this has since been disproven.
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