The dishwasher is, without a doubt, one of the most beloved appliances in our homes. It saves us time, effort, and, in many cases, even reduces water consumption. However, when it comes to our beloved pots (like those from the Mamù collection), a natural question arises: does the fact that they "can" go in the dishwasher mean they "should" always go there? In the video below, Annachiara clarifies a fundamental point: Mamù pots are designed to withstand mechanical washing, but there is a "but" regarding the beauty and longevity of the tools we use every day.
Annachiara's advice: appearance matters
As Annachiara explains in the video, although the dishwasher symbol is present on Mamù pots, prolonged use of this appliance can take a heavy toll in aesthetic terms. Dishwasher detergents are formulated to be much more aggressive than those for hand washing: they contain salts and chemical agents that, cycle after cycle, can oxidize or dull the surfaces, making your pot less shiny and looking "worn out."
But beyond the aesthetic factor highlighted by Annachiara, there are other scientific and practical reasons why hand washing remains the excellent choice. Let’s look at them together.
1) Chemical aggressiveness of detergents
Tablet or powder dishwasher detergents must remove dirt without the help of human mechanical action (the classic sponge). To do this, they use very powerful surfactants and alkaline substances. These substances, combined with high water temperatures, can attack not only the outer coating but also any non-stick layers or aluminum bottoms, accelerating wear.
2) Thermal shock and deformation
In the dishwasher, pots are subjected to cycles of intense heat followed by cooling or hot air drying phases. This continuous "thermal stress" can, in the long run, cause micro-deformations of the bottom. A pot whose bottom is no longer perfectly flat will not distribute heat evenly on the hob, compromising the quality of your recipes.
3) Mechanical abrasion and scratches
Inside the dishwasher, high-pressure water jets can cause dishes to move slightly. If a pot rubs against a fork, a knife, or another harder utensil, micro-scratches can occur. These scratches, besides being unsightly, can become spots where food sticks more easily in the future.
4) Attention to detail (Handles and gaskets)
Many high-quality pots have ergonomic handles or components that, although resistant, suffer from constant high temperatures. The extreme heat of the dishwasher can make handle plastics more brittle or dull polished metal details much faster than a gentle wash in the sink.
Conclusion: The "Cuddle" of hand washing
Hand washing a Mamù pot is not just a way to preserve its brilliance and technical performance; it is a gesture of care toward the tools that nourish our family. Our advice? Use the dishwasher for everyday plates, glasses, and cutlery. But for your favorite pots, take two extra minutes: lukewarm water, a mild neutral soap, and a non-abrasive sponge. Their brilliance will thank you for years. And you, are you on team "everything in the dishwasher" or do you prefer the care of hand washing? Watch Annachiara's video and let us know your opinion in the comments!
