Testing services / Mechanical dishwasher resistance test

Mechanical dishwasher resistance test

Method for testing the resistance of articles or raw materials made from ceramic, glass, glass ceramic, vitreous enamel, metal, and plastics under the combined chemical, thermal, and mechanical stresses of washing in a dishwasher for either domestic or industrial/catering purposes. The test is based on observation, where washed articles are compared to an untested reference article for changes in visual appearance (e.g., color, gloss, physical changes).

Measurlabs offers the following options for evaluating your articles or raw materials for dishwasher resistance:

Test method	Evaluation method	Suitable materials	Number of wash cycles / test protocol	Evaluation frequency	Intended use
EN 12875-1	EN 12875-2	All types of materials for domestic use	Typically 125, 250, or 500; Upon request, other number of wash cycles can be used	Confirmed case by case	The most common and well-recognized test for confirming domestic articles as dishwasher safe.
DIN 10512	EN 12875-2	All types of materials for catering or industrial use	Confirmed case by case	Confirmed case by case	For confirming articles as dishwasher safe for catering or industrial use.
EN 12875-4	EN 12875-2	Ceramics for domestic use	Immersion into detergent solution for 16 and 32 hours	-	For rapid and cost-effective screening of materials or articles for R&D and quality control purposes.
ASTM C676	ASTM C676	Glass tableware	-	-	Evaluation of resistance of glass enamel decorations to detergent exposure
ASTM D3565	ASTM D3565	Ceramic tableware	-	-	Evaluation of removal of overglaze patterns from tableware by dishwasher detergents

In cases of uncertainty on designing the test protocol, please reach out for consultative support. However, the following thresholds can be used as a reference:

Sample type	Maximum number of wash cycles (EN 12875-1)	Frequency of evaluation (EN 12875-2)
Robust ceramic, glass, and metal articles	250-500	100-125 wash cycles
Glass articles with thin wall thickness (e.g., wine glasses)	125-250	75-100 wash cycles
Plastic (PP, PE, PA, etc.), robust articles	125-250	50 wash cycles
Plastic (PP, PET, PA, etc.), thin articles	125	25-50 wash cycles
Biodegradable plastic (PLA, PBAT, etc.), robust articles	125	25-50 wash cycles
Biodegradable plastic (PLA, PBAT, etc.), thin articles	125	25 wash cycles
Biocomposites	125	25 wash cycles
Novel materials	125	25 wash cycles

Suitable sample matrices: Kitchenware made from ceramics, glass, metal, or plastic
Required sample quantity: 4 articles per tested product
Typical turnaround time: 3 – 8 weeks after receiving the samples
Available quality systems: Accredited testing laboratory
Device types: Standard specific equipment
Standard: ASTM C676 ASTM D 3565 DIN 10512 EN 12875-1 EN 12875-2 EN 12875-4
Method expert: Niko Markkinen

Food contact materials

Mechanical testing

Price

Typical price range (Excl. VAT):

350–3,500 €per sample

We also charge a 97 € service fee per order.

Large batches of samples are eligible for discounts.

Questions? We're happy to help.

info@measurlabs.com

Questions? We're happy to help.

info@measurlabs.com

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Other tests we offer

Reusability testing for food packaging according to the SUP Directive

EN 1186-1, EN 1186-2, EN 1186-3, …

This analysis package is intended to determine whether food packaging and beverage bottles can be considered reusable in the framework of the Single-Use Plastic (SUP) Directive (EU) 2019/904. The following tests are included: Overall migration testing for repeated use with 10% ethanol, 3% acetic acid, and olive oil (simulants A, B, and D2), Dishwasher resistance testing according to EN 12875-1 with 25 wash cycles. The EU Commission’s interpretations of the SUP legislation state that reusability can be evaluated using the test method EN 12875-1 (Mechanical dishwashing resistance of utensils). If plastic articles can be washed 25 times in a dishwasher, they can be considered reusable, as they maintain their usability and properties throughout multiple uses. The test package also includes overall migration testing for repeated use to ensure that the article remains inert when used multiple times. By default, testing is done to establish compliance with all types of foods (i.e., moist and dry, acidic and non-acidic, and fatty foods). Note: The price applies to articles that have already been cleared for food contact as single-use articles. If a full set of tests for compliance according to Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 is needed, our experts are happy to provide a quote.

Rapid dishwasher-safe test for ceramics

EN 12875-2, EN 12875-4

Rapid method for testing domestic ceramics for resistance to mechanical dishwashing. In this test, the tested articles are immersed in a solution with alkaline dishwashing detergent at (75 ± 1) °C for a total of 32 hours. The specimens are then examined visually according to standard EN 12875-2 to determine any changes in the article. Please note that this test does not indicate a clear number of dishwasher cycles the product is expected to withstand. Rather, this test can be useful for the following purposes: Research and development: for example, comparing different printing or glazing solutions for their resistance to dishwashing and general wear., Quality assurance: ensuring that the product maintains its gloss and color after repeated exposure to chemical, mechanical, and thermal stresses in a domestic dishwasher., Product inspection: for example, if there is suspicion about compromised quality of the printing, glazing, or other product characteristics at the retail level..

Children's cutlery and feeding utensils – Physical and mechanical properties by EN 14372

Test to determine the mechanical and physical properties and safety of cutlery and feeding utensils intended for children from 0 to 48 months of age. The method is based on the EN 14372 standard.

Freezer-safe test

This test is used to evaluate kitchenware and storage articles, such as freezer boxes, for resistance to cold exposure in domestic freezers. In the test, the article is stored at -18°C for 24 hours, after which the article is observed for the presence of off-odor and visual changes, including discoloration, deformation, cracking, and chipping. Additionally, it is checked that functionality has been maintained.

Microwave-safe test

Testing to determine cookware's resistance to microwave heating. The test is suitable for cookware made of ceramic, glass, glass-ceramic, or plastic. Tested articles should be intended for multiple uses in a microwave. The test does not apply to articles, particularly plastic ones, that are intended to be discarded after one use. For a more comprehensive evaluation of cookware performance, we also offer the following tests: Dishwasher-safe test, Oven-safe test, Freezer-safe test.

Oven-safe test for cookware

Heat resistance test for cookware to evaluate suitability for cooking in domestic ovens. The test is described in Section 6.1.8 and Annex A of standard EN 13834. In the test, the cookware is placed for 1 hour in an oven heated to a temperature 20 °C above the manufacturer's recommended maximum temperature (or 250 °C where no maximum temperature is given). After 1 hour of incubation, the ovenware shall show no damage to be designated as “oven-proof” or “oven-safe”.

Color fastness of dyed paper and board in contact with food

This test is used to evaluate the color fastness of dyed or printed paper or board that is intended to come into contact with food. The applied simulants are Olive oil, 3% acetic acid, Alkaline salt solution (saliva simulant), Distilled water. Color transfer is assessed against a greyscale according to standard EN 646.

Folding endurance of paper and board

This test is used to determine the folding endurance of paper or board using the Köhler-Molin, Lhomargy, MIT, and Schopper testers. During the test, a narrow strip of paper is folded forwards and backward in a standardized manner, so that it is subjected to longitudinal stress until it breaks.

Total and fluoride extractives (21 CFR 177.1550)

According to FDA food contact regulations, perfluorocarbon resins intended for use as coatings or components of coatings must meet extractability requirements after being refluxed for 2 hours separately with distilled water, 8 percent ethanol, and n-heptane. The extracted surfaces shall meet the following extractability limits: Total extractives not to exceed 3.1 milligrams per square decimeter (0.2 milligrams per square inch)., Fluoride extractives calculated as fluorine not to exceed 0.46 milligram per square decimeter (0.03 milligram per square inch).. This analysis package includes the determination of total and fluoride extractives into the three previously mentioned simulants.

Specific migration testing – hexamethylene diisocyanate

Specific migration of hexamethylene diisocyanate [CAS: 822-06-0] from a sample or material intended for food contact. The substance is listed under FCM 372 and Ref No. 18640 in European Commission Regulation No 10/2011 on plastic food contact materials. The specific migration limit (SML) of hexamethylene diisocyanate is ND (not detected), which means migration must not be observed with a 0.01 mg/kg detection limit. Note that we also offer an isocyanate testing package for measuring the residual content of hexamethylene diisocyanate and three additional isocyanates.

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