Are the Products Dishwasher-Proof?

Modified on Fri, 1 Aug at 10:11 AM

When it comes to dishwasher resistance, both the product material and the printing method play a role. Some materials can withstand dishwasher cycles, but not all prints applied to them will remain intact. Here's a general breakdown:

Commonly Dishwasher-Resistant Materials (Depending on Product & Print)

Material	Dishwasher Safe?	Notes
Tritan™	✅ Yes	Highly durable; excellent for repeated cycles
Polypropylene (PP)	✅ Yes	Often used for reusable cups and event items
Stainless Steel	✅ Yes	Especially for single-wall items; not all double-wall insulated
Aluminum	⚠️ Sometimes	Often safe, but coating and print may fade
Ceramic	✅ Yes	Mugs are usually safe — print method matters
Glass	✅ Yes	Print can be delicate; etching or sublimation works best
Bamboo/Wood	❌ No	Not dishwasher-safe; warping or cracking likely

Print Techniques – Dishwasher Durability Overview

Print Technique	Dishwasher Safe?	Notes
Laser Engraving	✅ Yes	Permanent — ideal for metals
Sublimation	✅ Yes (on white items)	Great on mugs
Digital Print	⚠️ Limited	May fade after repeated washes unless specially treated
Screen Printing	⚠️ Limited	Depends on ink, curing, and surface
Pad Printing	❌ Generally no	Economical but not durable in dishwasher
Etching	✅ Yes	Durable and fade-proof on glass and metal
Embossing/Debossing	✅ Yes	No fading — but only possible on certain materials
Embroidery	✅ Yes (textiles)	On textiles only — not relevant to hard goods

Important Additional Info & Disclaimers

Industrial Dishwashers (e.g. at events) reach higher temperatures and stronger pressure than home dishwashers. Even dishwasher-proof items may wear faster.
Product vs. Print: Some items are advertised as "dishwasher-safe," but this may refer only to the product, not the print. Always double-check if both are resistant.
Positioning: Wrap-around or edge-placed prints are more exposed and may fade quicker.
Color Fading: Bright or light colors fade faster than dark or engraved prints.
Warranty: Dishwasher safety may void any reprint warranty, check with your account manager.

When in Doubt…

Always ask your account manager if:

You plan to use the items repeatedly in dishwashers
Dishwasher resistance is crucial for your project
You are unsure about the print durability on a specific material

We’ll double-check with the supplier or recommend alternatives!