How to wash china safely in your Samsung dishwasher

Last Update date : Feb 20. 2026
Open dishwasher with steam rising around dishes and the Samsung logo visible on the rack.

Hosting holiday gatherings often means bringing out your fine china and setting a beautiful dinner table for your guests. It also means cleaning up after a big meal, which can feel daunting when your dishes are so delicate. This guide explains which types of china are safe to place in your Samsung dishwasher and how to wash pieces that may be too fragile for a standard cycle.

Note: The provided information applies to Samsung dishwashers sold in Canada.

Your beautiful china set may need a thorough cleaning after a meal, but it is important to know whether it can safely go in the dishwasher. The answer depends on a few key factors.

Start by checking the bottom of each piece. Many manufacturers include a dishwasher safe label. If there is no label, look at the original packaging if you still have it, or visit the manufacturer’s website for care instructions.

Bottom of a fine bone china plate showing a dishwasher and microwave safe label.

Age is also important. Older or antique china is not designed to withstand dishwasher heat or water pressure. If your set is more than 15 to 20 years old, it should be hand washed with no exceptions. Newer china, especially pieces made within the last 10 to 15 years, is typically more durable and often suitable for the dishwasher.

You should also examine the design details. Fine china with metal trim or metallic patterns such as gold or silver, as well as any hand painted decorations, should never be placed in the dishwasher. High temperatures and strong spray arms can fade or damage these finishes, so these pieces must be washed by hand.

Review these points as a quick checklist to determine which method is best for your set. The next sections will guide you through washing china in the dishwasher or by hand.

Once you have confirmed that your china is safe to wash in the dishwasher, follow the steps below for clean and undamaged results. Keep in mind that even dishwasher safe china should not be washed this way too frequently, as repeated cycles may cause gradual wear.

1 Load the dishwasher with your china. Space each piece as far apart as possible and make sure no pieces are touching. Scratches can occur if items come into contact during the wash.
China dishware placed neatly inside a Samsung dishwasher.
2 Use only a gentle liquid detergent with no bleach or lemon ingredients, as these can damage the china.
3 Add the correct amount of detergent to the dispenser. For Delicate cycles, use about one quarter less than you would for a standard cycle. If you are unsure, refer to your user manual for specific recommendations.
4 When you are ready to begin, press the Delicate button on the dishwasher’s control panel, and then press START.
Delicate cycle selected on a Samsung dishwasher.

Note: Do not add any settings that increase water temperature, such as Hi Temp, or extra wash features. Excessive heat can damage the china.

5 When the cycle finishes, avoid removing the dishes immediately. Let the china cool to room temperature first, as hot pieces can be more fragile.
6 After the dishes have fully cooled, take out the china and gently wipe each piece with a microfiber dish cloth. This helps prevent water spots, especially on glassware.
7 Store the china in a cool, safe place, away from heavier dishware that could cause damage. Avoid stacking too many pieces on top of one another, as this can weaken them over time.

Note: When storing wine glasses, place them upright with the stem down. Storing them upside down can put pressure on and potentially damage the rims.

If you have determined that your antique, metal trimmed, or hand painted china should not go in the dishwasher, the safest option is to wash it by hand. The process is similar to regular dishwashing, but it requires a bit more care and attention.

1 For the best results, clean the china soon after using it. This makes food easier to remove and helps prevent long term damage.
2 Remove any jewelry that could scratch the china. Then place a dish cloth or a rubber dish mat at the bottom of the sink. This provides a soft layer that helps protect the china from chips and scratches.
Rubber dish mat placed in the bottom of a sink.
3 Gently place the dishes in the sink and rinse them with warm water. Do not use hot water, as it can make the china brittle and more likely to crack. Keep the water temperature steady since sudden changes can also weaken the material.
4 Use a gentle liquid detergent with no lemon or bleach ingredients, as these can damage delicate finishes.
5 Regular china can be washed with a soft dish cloth, but crystal pieces are best washed using only your hands to avoid small scratches.
Person gently washing china by hand under running water.

Note: Do not use steel wool or any abrasive cleaning tools.

6 Lightly clean each piece until food and stains are removed. Wash every item individually to avoid accidental chips or collisions.
7 For stubborn spots, add a small amount of vinegar. It is a natural cleaner that helps remove residue without damaging the china.
8 As you finish washing each piece, avoid leaving items in the sink or stacking them. Place each piece separately on the counter or in a dish rack so they can dry safely.
9 Once dry, store the china in a cool location, away from heavier dishware that could cause damage. Avoid stacking too many pieces together, as this can weaken them over time.

Note: When storing wine glasses, place them upright with the stem down. Storing them upside down may put pressure on the rims and cause damage.

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