Are you rinsing them before loading? If they are too clean, the detergent can etch the surface l believe.

That could be the issue. I leave some food on but DH usually loads the dishwasher after dinner and does rinse off most of the food from the plates. And the dinner plates were the pieces that first went bad.

I've had a set of Portmeirion Botanic Garden for the last 35 years or so. I'm pretty meticulous about rinsing my dishes before putting them in the dishwasher and I've had no problem with etching or the glaze wearing off.

Do you have the same water and same detergent over the last few years? I had etching problems with a brand new Miele dishwasher that were never resolved. Miele claimed it was because my water was too soft and too hot - regardless of what cooler water cycle I used. So I never put my china or crystal in the DW in spite of having a fancy china/crystal cycle. I ended up using just that cycle on my every day dishes in an effort to stop ruining them. .

No, I'm not detergent loyal and we've moved a lot so this has happened after using a couple of different dishwashers in different locations with different water.

The Fosteria glasses I got from my parents estate were etched. Dad kept the hot water set low. My same Fosteria is not etched, but we keep the water heater set very hot AND I use high temperature wash where the dishwasher makes sure the water is very hot. I do use no heat dry. It is a Whirlpool and I use Cascade Complete Dawn.

I used to rinse, but do not now.

ETA: The older the dish or glass the less it is dishwasher safe.

I’ve only ever had issues with Finish pods (the kind with the little red ball on top). They etched glasses and did weird things with my silverware.

I’m sorry this is happening, hope you can find a solution.

Found this comment on the Portmeirion site.

Incorrect washing can result in faults such as fading of print and crazing (spider web-like cracks). Crazing is a result of water soaking into the earthenware body and expanding when heated in a high dishwasher temperature cycle.

You may have to replace the Portmeition and wash each type of set differently. I got rid of my Phaltzgraph because of gray marks from the stainless and went back to Corelle for everyday.

My import cheap Christmas dishes seem to do fine in the dishwasher. The Haviland Pink Spray china from the 40’s is hand washed.

ETA: My dishwasher does have a delicate cycle.

Our Miele dishwasher at the old house had a built in water softener and separate water heater. I think there was only a cold line attached and it heated its own water to whatever temp the setting required. I still did not wash anything precious in it. (That was a great dishwasher and I practically never rinsed anything. )

I had a set of drinking glasses that were ruined by etching. After ruling out a softner problem I decided to read my Bosch DW manual. I discovered the amount of detergent recommended when you have a water softner is a much smaller amount and that etching can result if you use too much. After this discovery I have had no more etching. I also found the same recommendation (to use a lesser amount) with my clothes washer and softened water. The manuals give specific amounts to use when you have softened water.

This may not apply to your situation, but thought someone might benefit.

Signed by a gal who hates reading manuals .

When all else fails, read the manual