Hi,

my mom was trying to help but put my aluminum Wilton pans in the dishwasher (I always hand wash them), and they are really discolored.

Are they still ok to use or are they ruined?

My husband did the same to mine, and they still work just fine.

Yes they will be ok but don't let them near that dishwasher again. The only thing you might find is the cake will stick a little more than before when you try and get it out so make sure the pan is well greased.

HTH

ditto. My husband also did this to one of my pans. It doesn't look as pretty as it used to, but I haven't had any trouble with it otherwise.

I always stick mine in the dishwasher. I hate to do hand dishes

I didn't know that about the beaters discoloring the icing. I always hand-wash mine, but just out of curiosity, what color does it turn the icing? Do you mean just the coated paddle attachment or the whisk attachment, too (I have put this one in the dishwasher, although I have not noticed any problems with it)

The metal ones will turn your icing gray. You can wash it off if it ever happens. I think you can use "Barkeeper's Friend" on them too. I forget what they call it, it is something to do with oxidation, I think.

And the white coated beaters will eventually break down (the coating will bubble and crack)

Were these pans new? I could swear that I have put older pans in the dishwasher without a problem. My new ones did discolor.

Everyone in the house knows that the Kitchenaid mixer and attachments stay out of the dishwasher under penalty of death. I usually don't let my mom touch any of my stuff because she doesn't cook or bake and doesn't understand how to keep stuff in good condition. I left to pick up my kids and came back and she had used an SOS pad on one pan (that's a goner - I don't even know why I have SOS pads in the house since I never use them), and she put my other pan in the dishwasher.

She means well, but ugh!

I've found that an SOS (steel wool) pad will bring back a little of the shine...better than nothing...but they do still work.

But then aren't they all scratched up? Is there a finish on the pans?0

Agreed! I was just concerned that I would ruin them. I'm happy to know that they are salvageable!!

you can use lemon juice and baking soda to help them..

The Wilton pans are anodized aluminum. I don't think that is a coating so much as a way of processing the metal, kind of like tempering glass. Scrubbing does not remove any kind of finish.

Really late thank you to everyone! I've had no computer the past while!!!

Huh(?) I've always put my KA beaters in the dishwasher and haven't had any problems. I'm trying to figure out why there would be a different outcome between washing in the sink and the dishwasher. I mean they both use hot water and soap..'cept the dishwasher may be heated, but optional(?)

I stick both pans and my KA attachments in the dishwasher. Never a problem.

I also assumed it was the high heat that turned the pans.

I put my aluminum pan into dishwasher quite a bit. It blackens like you mentioned.

If you want to re-shine it again, here is a video w/ instruction on how to re-shine using an oven, cream of tartar, and a roasting pan. No scrubbing needed.

I know this old but I have put all of my Kitchenaid parts in the dishwasher for at least 20 years.

Same parts, same mixer.  And all my pans.  Do not hand wash lol