CAN I WASH THIS?

Learn which niche kitchen items can go in the dishwasher, and  discover how Finish^® dishwasher pods and tablets help support a  deep clean.

Author: Finish^® Canada

Not every kitchen item belongs in the dishwasher. The right choice depends on the material, the finish, and how much protection the item needs over time. When you know what can go in the machine and what should stay out, it becomes easier to protect your dishes and get the deep clean performance you expect with the right dishwasher pods or dishwasher tablets.

This guide breaks down some of the most commonly searched specialty items and explains whether they belong in the dishwasher, why that decision matters, and what to do when they do not.

Can you wash air fryer baskets?

Sometimes. Many air fryer baskets are labeled dishwasher-safe, but that depends on the coating, construction, and removable parts. If the basket has a nonstick or specialty surface, follow air fryer manufacturer's care instructions.

If the manufacturer confirms it is dishwasher-safe, place it securely in the dishwasher and avoid overcrowding around it. If the finish looks delicate or the coating is starting to wear, hand washing is often the better choice for protecting performance.

Can you wash reusable silicone bags?

Often, yes. Silicone generally holds up well to moisture and routine cleaning, which is why many reusable food storage bags can go in the dishwasher. The details still matter, especially when a bag includes reinforced seams, closures, or other features that may need gentler care.

If the bag is dishwasher-safe, place it open in the dishwasher so water can reach the inside surfaces fully. For best results, run a proper cycle with Finish^® Quantum UltraMax^® to help tackle food residue and support an ultimate clean.

Can you wash insulated tumblers?

Only if the manufacturer indicates that a tumbler is dishwasher-safe. Insulated tumblers often include vacuum sealing, coated exteriors, and lid components that may not respond well to repeated dishwasher cycles.

If a tumbler is marked dishwasher-safe, separate the lid and smaller components so they clean thoroughly. If there is any doubt, hand washing is the safer option for preserving both appearance and insulation performance.

Can you wash high-end chef knives?

No. Hand washing is the better choice. Even premium knives can lose their edge faster in the dishwasher, where heat, moisture, and contact with other items can affect the blade, the handle, or both.

Wash knives by hand with warm water and mild soap, then dry them immediately. It is a simple step, but it helps protect sharpness, finish, and long-term performance.

Person cleaning a high-end kitchen knife

Other items to check

If the item you are looking for is not listed above, start with the care label. Then check the material, coating, seals, insulation, sharp edges, and any delicate finishes. If an item is coated, precision-made, or likely to be damaged by heat or water pressure, hand washing is usually the safer choice.

If the item is dishwasher-safe, place it carefully in the machine and avoid overcrowding. Good loading habits and a dependable detergent help support the deep clean results the dishwasher is designed to deliver.

Why the detergent matters

Once an item is confirmed dishwasher-safe, cleaning performance becomes the next priority. The right dishwasher pods or dishwasher tablets help break down grease and food residue, so everyday items come out cleaner with less guesswork.

That is where Finish^® Quantum UltraMax^® belongs in this routine. It helps deliver an ultimate clean and a virtually spotless shine for the dishwasher-safe kitchen items you use every day.

Finish Quantum Ultra Max product packshot

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

: Your detergent needs to complement the cleansing action of your dishwasher. Automatic dishwashing detergent is specially formulated to disperse food residue and greasy soiling, hold it in suspension, and remove it in the final rinse. It does all this while producing little or no suds.

For best results use the detergent recommended by the manufacturer of your machine.

However, Finish is the #1 Recommended brand by leading dishwasher manufacturers such as Bosch*. In very hard water areas we also recommend the use of separate Salt and Rinse aid to protect your machine and achieve the best result.

^*Finish is the most recommended detergent based on the market share of dishwasher manufacturers that recommend Finish
: When it comes to dishwasher liquid vs dishwasher tablets, both offer comparable cleaning power – but one may be better than the other in certain situations. Some households may prefer dishwasher liquid because:
Dishwasher liquid is usually cheaper than dishwasher tablets
It can often run on a quicker dishwashing cycle
It’s water-based, meaning that it is less abrasive on delicate tableware such as glasses and dishes
It offers more flexibility for specific washing requirements, as you can use as much or as little as you like
However, many people may prefer to use dishwasher tablets in their household because:
They are convenient as you can just pop them in the dishwasher
They do not waste any detergent through spillage or over-measuring
They are specially formulated to target stains and remove even the toughest
Our Finish^® Quantum Ultimate^® tablets can carry out 21 power actions during a dishwashing cycle
: Hard water can mean limescale builds up faster in your dishwasher, leading to mineral deposits being left on your dishes after a cycle. If you have hard water in your home instead of soft water, you may be looking for dishwasher detergent for hard water.

While detergents aren’t designed specifically for hard water, using a high quality detergent like the Finish^® Quantum UltraMax^® alongside a good Finish^® rinse aid reduces the chance of the negative effects of hard water blighting your dishes.

Our rinse aids help prevent water from forming droplets on your dishes, making it harder for mineral deposits to settle on them. When used regularly alongside your detergent, the special formula will ensure you have streak-free dishes after every cycle.
: Dishwasher tablets contain surfactants, which affect the liquid they are added to, making it more efficient at picking up and washing away debris. They also include enzymes (to break down starchy foods and protein), builders (to tackle hard water) and safe bleaches.

Once you’ve put your dishwasher tablet into the detergent dispenser compartment, your machine will release the contents at the optimal time allowing the tab to disintegrate into the water, release all ingredients and clean your dishes!
: Whether you need to remove the plastic from your dishwasher tablet depends on the product you have bought. As a good rule of thumb, if the tablet comes individually wrapped then yes, you should remove the plastic wrap before using. If, however, the tablet is encased in a skin of thin, transparent plastic, this should not be removed and will dissolve itself safely during the washing process.
: Our liquid dishwashing detergent comes in a refreshing citrus fragrance – Finish^® Gel Lemon Scent. Simply fill your dishwasher detergent dispenser (using more for heavily soiled dishes and/or hard water) and turn your dishwasher on at the optimal water temperature of 60°C/140° F.
: Your dishwashing detergent should be stored in a dry environment. If you are using powder, be careful to close the spout after each use to help keep the product dry (and to avoid spills!). Like all cleaning products, store your detergent out of the reach of children.
: Rinse aid is required to:

Ensure spot-free, shiny dishes

Assist the drying function

Salt is required to:

Protect your machine from limescale

Soften the water for better cleaning

With multi-benefit tablets such as Finish Quantum Ultimate and Finish All in One, rinse aid and salt functions are included. However, in very hard water areas we also recommend the use of separate Salt and Rinse aid products to protect your machine and achieve the best result.
: Detergent tablets should always be placed in the detergent dispenser compartment.

If you’re placing the tablet at the bottom of the dishwasher it’s likely that it will dissolve too quickly, releasing the detergent during the prewash and leaving no detergent for the main wash cycle. This will reduce the efficiency of your wash.

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