No matter your experience level with dishwashers, knowing how to tell if your plastic is dishwasher safe can save time and energy in the future.
Many plastic containers feature symbols on their bottoms to indicate if they can be put in the dishwasher. These typically depict water droplets or diagonal lines representing where water hits the dish.
Polypropylene Dishwasher Safe
Polypropylene is a widely-used plastic, commonly found in food packaging, medical devices and automotive parts.
It is an incredibly durable material, capable of withstanding extensive wear and tear. Common applications include plastic bottles, jars and utensils designed to be long-lasting yet still look aesthetically pleasing.
This plastic is renowned for its high tensile strength and resistance to various chemicals. Unfortunately, it can be vulnerable to attack from oxidizing acids and chlorinated hydrocarbons.
Therefore, it’s essential to select the correct materials when purchasing plastic household items. You may want to think about using eco-friendly alternatives or reducing your use of plastics altogether!
Though many plastics can be washed in the dishwasher, some should not. These include those containing BPA, which has been linked to cancer.
What Does Dishwasher Safe Mean
A dishwasher-safe symbol is a small icon that indicates it’s safe to put an item into the dishwasher. You may see this icon on cooking utensils, plastic containers and wine glasses.
Dishwasher safe labels indicate that an item has been tested and proven to be resistant to high temperatures, detergents and other factors which can harm your dishware. Products bearing this label usually indicate they can withstand at least 125 cycles without experiencing significant damage.
However, it’s essential to be aware that certain items aren’t dishwasher-safe. Cast iron pans cannot go in the dishwasher as they may rust and wood items may warp or become discolored when exposed to hot water and detergent.
To determine whether your dishes are dishwasher-safe, look for the dishwasher safe symbol on the bottom. If it displays water droplets or diagonal lines that indicate that it can be loaded onto either top or bottom rack, then it’s safe to put in your dishwasher.
Can Plastics Go In The Dishwasher?
Dishwashing plastic in the dishwasher can be a convenient convenience, but there are some things you should be aware of. Not all plastics are dishwasher-safe and some may deteriorate or release hazardous chemicals when washed in hot water. Therefore, be aware before placing plastic into your dishwasher.
Most plastic containers are labeled to indicate whether they can be washed in the dishwasher. These specialized symbols or abbreviations serve to protect the environment and minimize risks to human health.
Disposable food containers and bottles are typically constructed from PET, a type of plastic which is transparent and strong. While PET can withstand extreme temperatures, repeated cycles in the dishwasher may weaken it over time.
The bottom rack of your dishwasher is the hottest spot, and this can cause plastic items – even those labeled as dishwasher safe – to warp or become unusable. Therefore, it’s best to place all plastic dishes, plates, bowls and utensils on the top rack away from the heating element.
How To Wash Plastic In The Dishwasher
When washing plastic items in the dishwasher, there are a few tips to remember. Place them on the top rack and select a cycle with lower wash temperatures for optimal results.
Before loading jars into the dishwasher, be sure to take off any labels or stickers from the containers. Otherwise, these could get caught on the rim of your machine and cause snagging issues.
Be sure to clean any dents or bumps from containers and lids before running them through the dishwasher. Doing so can prevent water from pooling in crevices and creating stains or bacterial buildup inside tubs or lids.
Plastic food storage containers and utensils can usually be washed in the dishwasher; however, to minimize heat exposure you should place them on the top rack and select a cycle with lower temperatures for proper cleaning.
Plastic Lids For Glass Containers
If you’re a glass enthusiast, you may be wondering if your favorite containers are dishwasher-safe. Most glass storage containers can go in the dishwasher; however, be sure to read through the product’s cleaning instructions prior to using it in the machine.
To determine whether a container is dishwasher-safe, look at its packaging or label. If it states “dishwasher safe,” you can put it in the machine with either a sponge or steel wool pad.
When washing clothes, look for a lid that locks securely to prevent leaks. If the seal is weak, it could come off during the cycle and create an unhygienic mess.
A great glass container should be made of either tempered or borosilicate glass, which are more durable and heat-resistant than untreated glass. They’re great for storing liquids like soup or leftover sauces.
Dry goods such as grains and sugar can be stored safely in these bags due to their durability, non-staining nature and odor resistance. Plus, you’ve got your pick of colors and patterns!
How To Set Your Dishwasher For Plastic Utensils
If you own a dishwasher, it is essential to understand how to set your utensils and dishes for optimal cleaning. This includes making sure plastic items are dishwasher-safe so they can go in the machine with ease.
The most straightforward way to determine if an item is dishwasher-safe is by inspecting its label. Look for a dishwasher-safe symbol that displays water droplets or diagonal lines, or inspect the bottom of the dish to confirm its suitability.
Certain plastics are unsuitable for this type of appliance; those made from low melting materials or those composed of kitchen-specific glass or glazed ceramics.
If you’re uncertain whether your plastics are safe to put in the dishwasher, try placing them in a mesh laundry bag first. This will keep them from flying around inside and make for easier washing.
What Problems Do Plastic Face In The Dishwasher
Though many plastics should be able to withstand the heat from a dishwasher, Anna Ploszajski, a materials scientist at the University of Washington, cautions that some aren’t. “These materials may warp or even melt,” she states.
To avoid this issue, make sure all plastics are clearly labeled as dishwasher-safe and placed on the top rack of your dishwasher, away from the heating coil. Most dishwashers have an unshielded heating element beneath their bottom rack that radiates infrared heat which can damage softer plastics.
Many dishwasher manufacturers recommend only using utensils and food storage containers marked dishwasher safe when running the machine; anything not marked can become damaged due to high temperatures and water pressure from a dishwasher.
Another issue with plastic is its difficulty in being removed from the dishwasher after melting, due to its low conductivity and thermal inertia. As a result, pieces of the plastic may lodge in the filter of your dishwasher, making it difficult to take out and clogging up the system.
Conclusion
Plastics have become major sources of environmental pollution due to their slow decomposition rate in landfills (400-1,000 years). Furthermore, some plastics may be hazardous when they leach toxins throughout their lifecycle.
Thankfully, other materials exist that can replace plastics in certain applications. Some of them are biodegradable and biocompatible so they can be recycled into new products. Others come from renewable resources like wood, corn or cotton.
