It is safe to put your fine china dinnerware into the dishwasher using the "light" or "china" settings with a mild detergent. Some manufacturers suggest a powder and definitely nothing that contains lemon. The extreme heat of the normal cycle may fade the gold or platinum bands and any colored decorations. Stack the dishwasher so none of the pieces touch to prevent them from knocking against each other. Use the energy-saving air-dry setting to avoid exposing the fine dinnerware to high heat. If you wash your fine dinnerware by hand, make sure the water is only moderately hot. Again using a mild detergent, no scouring powders, or steel wool, and dry everything with a soft towel. Fine china and porcelain is microwave-safe providing there is no metal in the decoration.