Research editor: Nicholas Bauer, Founder & Research Editor · Updated October 16, 2026
The quick answer
Some printed measuring cups are dishwasher-safe. Pyrex lists its cited three-piece glass measuring-cup set that way. Check the exact product rather than assuming all printing must be handwashed—or that every glass cup has the same care rules.
Glass and plastic measuring cups: two documented examples
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| Product | Documented dishwasher permission | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Pyrex 3-piece Measuring Cup Set, SKU 1118990 | Pyrex lists the tempered-glass set as dishwasher-safe. It includes 1-, 2- and 4-cup sizes with red graduations. | Keep the handle and spout clear of nearby items. The Pyrex FAQ also calls for loading that prevents glassware from touching during the cycle. |
| OXO Good Grips 4-Cup Angled Measuring Cup, SKU 1050030 | Top-rack dishwasher-safe. This model uses Tritan Renew plastic. | Its listed overall dimensions are 9 × 6 × 6 inches. Check the complete jug footprint and the required rack position; a single-rack countertop machine is not automatically an equivalent top rack. |
| Vintage, unmarked or another printed cup | Identify the exact item and instructions. The two examples above do not establish care permission for another cup. | Check the numbers, units, handle, rim and spout. A faded scale and a cracked vessel are different reasons to stop relying on the tool. |
If the numbers have faded
Use another legible measuring cup, or a kitchen scale when the recipe supplies an ingredient weight. Do not draw a new line by eye. A dishwasher-safe claim does not make an unreadable scale useful or prove that a particular detergent caused the fading.
Send the maker a photo, product identifier and description of the problem if you need care or replacement advice. For a cup with a separate lid, consult our lid-care guide; the glass body’s permission does not cover every accessory.
Examples checked October 16, 2026. We have not tested print longevity.
The markings are part of the tool’s job
A measuring cup can remain physically intact while becoming difficult to read. Before loading, check whether you can clearly distinguish the units and graduation lines. A faint half-cup line is a practical problem even when the cup still holds liquid.
Pyrex’s current set has red measurement markings and is listed as dishwasher-safe. That permission is not a guarantee that all printed scales from every brand will stay readable forever. It also does not establish the care instructions for a vintage or unidentified cup.
Identify three things before washing
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Material and product identity | Glass, plastic and mixed-material cups can have different instructions. |
| Printed, molded or engraved scale | It helps describe the cup and any readability problem to support. |
| Handle, spout and base condition | A washing label for an intact cup does not assess cracks or chips. |
When the numbers become hard to read
Do not redraw a measurement line by eye and then rely on it for precise portions. Use another clearly marked measuring tool, or a scale when the recipe provides a weight. Cups and grams are not interchangeable without considering the ingredient and intended amount.
If the markings faded unexpectedly, photograph the cup and keep the product details for a support question. That is more useful than assuming a particular detergent caused the problem without evidence.
Choose a size that is easy to use and clean
A large jug can be convenient for batter but awkward for reading a small amount. Consider what you measure most often and whether the smallest graduations are visible from your normal working position. A set is helpful only when you actually use its sizes.
Check the handle and pouring spout when planning dishwasher placement. The round bowl diameter alone understates the space the cup occupies. Use the appliance’s loading instructions and keep the cup secure, rather than wedging the handle between other objects.
Keep washing and heating rules separate
Dishwasher permission is not a general promise that the cup tolerates every temperature change or heating method. Follow its separate microwave, oven and handling instructions. Do not move from a washing answer to an improvised boiling-water or stovetop treatment.
For a compact kitchen, choose a measuring tool that has a readable scale, a practical storage location and a cleanup routine you will follow. A stack of nearly identical jugs with different care requirements can make simple cooking feel more complicated.
Plan the rest of the load
Use our plate-size and loading guide for the machine-washable items. If you are choosing an appliance, compare the researched countertop dishwasher options after separating out anything that needs handwashing.
Common questions
Are printed markings automatically handwash-only?
No. The cited Pyrex set has printed markings and dishwasher permission. Match the exact product.
Can I keep using an unreadable cup for measuring?
Use a readable measuring tool instead. Guessing where a faded line used to be defeats its purpose.
Sources & scope
Manufacturer guidance informs the care rules; the kitchen-planning examples are our practical suggestions. Match the exact item and current instructions. We have not performed durability or cleaning tests on these products.
