Copper cookware is beautiful, fast, and built to last for generations, but it does not like the dishwasher. The good news is that caring for it by hand takes only a minute or two.
Why the dishwasher is hard on copper
- Strong detergents. Dishwasher detergents are much harsher than dish soap. On bare copper they speed up tarnish and can leave dark, blotchy spots.
- Heat and long exposure to water. A full cycle keeps copper hot and wet for a long time, which is exactly what makes it discolor unevenly.
- Soft linings. Tin is a soft metal. Harsh detergent and banging against other dishes can wear it down faster.
- Handles. Brass and bronze handles can tarnish too.
Which kind of copper pan do you have?
| Type | Dishwasher? |
|---|---|
| Copper with a tin lining | No. Hand wash only. |
| Copper with a stainless steel lining | Hand washing recommended. The lining is tough, but the copper outside will still discolor. |
| Copper-core (stainless outside, copper layer inside) | Sometimes allowed. Check the label, especially if there is a visible copper band. |
| Copper-colored nonstick pans | Follow the maker. Many are not real copper, just a copper-colored coating, and hand washing helps the coating last. |
How to hand wash copper cookware
- Let the pan cool a little. Plunging a very hot pan into cold water is hard on any cookware.
- Wash with warm water, a little dish soap, and a soft sponge or cloth.
- For stuck-on food, soak in hot, soapy water instead of scrubbing hard.
- Skip steel wool, harsh scouring powders, and bleach. Mauviel specifically warns that bleach can cause irreparable damage.
- Rinse and dry right away with a soft towel. Water left to sit causes spots.
How to bring back the shine
The outside of unlacquered copper naturally darkens over time. Some people love that warm, aged look; others prefer a bright shine. Both are fine. To polish:
- Copper cleaner: a store-bought copper polish is the easiest choice. Mauviel recommends its own Copperbrill cleaner.
- Homemade paste: lemon juice or white vinegar mixed with salt. Rub gently with a soft cloth, rinse well, and dry.
Polish only the outside. Do not polish the cooking surface of a tin lining, and do not use polish on lacquered copper, which has a protective clear coat.
Caring for the lining
Tin linings
Tin gives a naturally slick cooking surface but needs gentle treatment. Use wooden or silicone utensils, cook at low to medium heat, and never heat the pan empty. Mauviel advises that tin-lined copper should not go above 440°F, because tin begins to melt at about 445°F. When copper starts showing through the lining, a professional can retin the pan.
Stainless steel linings
Stainless linings are much more durable and need no retinning. They still benefit from hand washing, because the copper outside is what discolors.
Unlined copper
Unlined copper is traditionally used for specific tasks such as whipping egg whites or making jam. Food safety guidance warns against cooking or storing acidic foods, such as tomatoes, citrus, and vinegar, in unlined copper, because the acid can draw copper into the food.
The bottom line
Keep copper out of the dishwasher, wash it by hand, and dry it right away. That small habit keeps your pans looking good and cooking well for decades. For a deeper look, read our complete copper care guide and Copper Cookware 101.
Frequently asked questions
Can you put copper pans in the dishwasher?
Solid copper pans, tin-lined copper, and pans with a copper exterior should be washed by hand. Dishwasher detergent, heat, and long exposure to water can dull and darken the copper and wear down a tin lining. Some copper-core pans with a stainless steel exterior may be labeled dishwasher safe, so always check the maker's instructions.
Will the dishwasher ruin a copper pan?
Usually not permanently. Tarnish and dark spots on the outside can normally be polished away with a copper cleaner. A worn or damaged tin lining is a bigger problem and may need professional retinning.
What is the best way to clean a copper pan?
Wash it by hand in warm, soapy water with a soft sponge, soak any stuck-on food in hot soapy water, then dry it right away. Avoid steel wool and bleach.
Can I use lemon and salt on copper?
Yes, a lemon-and-salt or vinegar-and-salt paste can brighten the outside of unlacquered copper. Rub gently, rinse well, and dry. Do not use it on the cooking surface of a tin lining or on lacquered copper.