Can I Wash Plastic in the Dishwasher
Food-grade plastic and heat-resistant silicone perfectly withstand heat, moisture, and treatment with harsh chemicals. In the dishwasher, you can wash plastic containers without any restrictions. It usually is, but not always. The dishes must have a dishwasher-safe label. If there are no identifying marks on the dishes, you should visually assess their strength.
How do you know if you can wash a plastic container in the dishwasher??
Food grade plastic and heat resistant silicone resists heat, moisture, and harsh chemical treatments. In theory, plastic containers can be washed in the dishwasher without any restrictions. This is usually the case, but not always. The dishes must necessarily bear a marking that permits the use of a dishwasher. If there are no identifying marks on the dishes, you should visually assess their strength.
What happens to your dishes in the dishwasher
Why is it okay to put some dishes in the machine but not even worth trying to wash them in the dishwasher?? The fact is that inside the washing chamber, certain conditions are created that affect the dishware material. These conditions include:
- at high temperatures;
- Strong chemicals;
- Staying in contact with water for a long time;
- Forced drying with hot air.
Today, dishes are made of a variety of materials, which include: glass, faor, iron, silver, aluminum, melchior, plastic, cast iron, crystal, earthenware, ceramic, Teflon and others. But even cookware is different, and it reacts differently to hot water and detergents. Let’s find out what you shouldn’t put in the dishwasher.
Cleaning Plastic Containers: How to Clean Plastic Food Storage Items Fast & Easy (Clean My Space)
No place for aluminum products in the dishwasher
Aluminum cookware is the number 1 dishwasher-proof dishwasher dishwasher dishwasher dishwasher-proof dishwasher dishwasher dishwasher dishwasher dishwasher dishwasher dishwashers. Aluminum is a metal that reacts with many substances, including water, if certain conditions are. Detergents and heat can leave a dark gray scum on aluminum products, and this scum smears and leaves marks on your hands.
Dozens of people have already ruined their dishes in the dishwasher through ignorance:
- aluminum parts from a meat grinder;
- garlic crushers;
- spoons;
- bowls;
- ladles;
- baking pans;
- pans;
- pans.
Can I wash and dry my plastic items in a dishwasher?
For the record! It is better to replace aluminum cookware altogether as it is harmful to the human body. At the very least, you should use such utensils as little as possible.
Some aluminum cookware darkens after one wash, some only after several washes. So there are those who wash everything and claim that nothing will happen. If you’ve ruined aluminum cookware, you’ll find tips on how to clean it in this article Why you shouldn’t wash aluminum cookware.
To find out if a plastic container can be used in the dishwasher, you need to look at the markings on the bottom of the container. There should be a mark on the plastic that says the item may or may not be used in the dishwasher.
However, in some cases, it is unclear whether the plastic container can be washed in the dishwasher, as there may be no labeling. In this case, you can look at the value of the label, which shows what material the container was made of.
In the dishwasher you can wash plastic containers that are made of polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate. If the container was made of polystyrene, then it is forbidden to wash it in the dishwasher. Such plastic containers, when heated, begin to melt and release toxic substances.
Plastic containers may be unmarked, in which case you must pay attention to the thickness of the material. If it is sturdy, then it can be placed in the dishwasher. Then run the gentle wash cycle to see how the containers react to the active wash.
What you can’t wash in the dishwasher?
In modern dishwashers, especially in the top models, you can find a lot of programs for the most diverse dishes. However, the specialists of Technolux salons came across the fact that many users do load into the devices things that are not meant for washing at high temperatures with aggressive chemicals. In some cases, the items themselves are spoiled, and in some cases, the dishwashers. In this article, we’ve decided to give you a quick list of all the things you shouldn’t load in the dishwasher, or should, but with certain cautions.
- Wooden objects. There is a sharp and categorical “No!”Dishwashers are the most common and most frequently used dishwashers. The fact is that prolonged exposure to water (especially hot water) can have a negative effect on such kitchen utensils made of wood or bamboo. Water washes away the protective, oily layer of these natural materials, which is fraught with the risk of small cracks, the beginning of rotting and the destruction of their composition. It is better to keep wooden cutting boards, spoons or large bamboo salad bowls away from the dishwasher.
- Kitchen knives. You can’t wash them in the dishwasher for three reasons: first, the knives can damage the protective coating on the racks and baskets, and they can start to rust. Secondly, sharp knives are dangerous when unloading dishes, especially if you have your children helping you. Thirdly, a harsh detergent can dull the blade and the wooden handle can crack. All knives are best hand-washed. Of course, if we’re talking about an all-metal butter knife, there’s no harm in it. But good knives made of high-grade steel will abruptly lose their quality after a couple of washes.
- Cast iron cookware. Washing a cast iron skillet in the dishwasher will not only cause rust to form on the item, but it will also lose its precious, protective layer that prevents food from sticking and sticking to it. Use only hand-washing and always take good care of cast-iron kitchen utensils. In addition, the cast-iron surface can get an indelible white stain that looks unaesthetic. For this reason, you should not wash cast-iron grates from the gas cooking surface in the dishwasher. With the exception of Bosch, Siemens and Neff griddles. they are made of special cast iron, compressed under great pressure, and white deposits do not form on them.
- Products made of aluminum or melchior. If you’ve ever loaded a disposable aluminum dish in the dishwasher, you probably remember that it turned dull and dark after washing. The same will happen with aluminum pots, pans and trays. If aluminum is not anodized, strong detergents will corrode and erode the material. Also, white spots may appear on the surface from the alkalinity of the detergent. Even if it says on the pan you can wash it in the dishwasher, it is best to wash it by hand.
- Copper or brass utensils. Same as aluminum. Copper items should never be washed in the dishwasher. the strong detergent will destroy the top protective layer and corrode the copper. It’s an irreversible process that even the best copper cleaner can’t stop.
- Non-stick coated cookware. As with cast iron cookware, pots, pans and pans with nonstick coatings in the dishwasher risk losing their unique protective layer. Automatic dishwashing washes wear them out quickly and they lose their initial properties. For example, all Miele oven trays with PerfectClean coatings must not be put in the dishwasher.
- Some types of plastic items. If the packaging of plastic containers explicitly states that they are dishwasher safe, then feel free to do so, but place them on the upper shelf, away from the heating element. And with those plastic items where there is no explanatory information about how to wash them, it’s best not to take any chances. After all, some types of plastic can melt under the strong influence of hot water and, even worse, leach harmful chemicals like BPA. Special mention should be made of hermetically sealed plastic containers. After a wash in the dishwasher, the sealing rubber which provides a hermetic seal is likely to crack and stop functioning. The end result is a simple plastic container instead of an airtight one.
- Printed or hand-painted tableware. Commercial printing techniques on glass, plastic or faor have improved dramatically in recent years, but not all methods can withstand machine washing. Powerful water jet and harsh dishwashing agent can wash away the paint in just a few times. Hand-painted dishes should never, under any circumstances, be washed in the dishwasher.
- Crystal and Faor. It’s more than obvious that crystal and faor are too fragile for automatic washing. In addition to the fact that they can simply break, they will lose their unique shade and luster. Of course, you can find a dishwasher with a program for crystal. But if the cost of your crystal is comparable to the cost of the dishwasher, we do not recommend experimenting.
- Garlic cutter, or garlic press. Wash them carefully. The material most garlic makers are made of will begin to darken with repeated washing in the dishwasher. Most importantly, do not forget to immediately clean the press from garlic gruel, which remains on the walls. And if you can’t do without a dishwasher, consider variants made of a mixture of plastic and metal.
- Scrubber. The cheese and vegetable grater should not be washed in the dishwasher for two reasons: firstly, grated cheese residues can stick to the sides of the grater, and secondly, if the metal is of poor quality, it will rust due to constant washing at high temperatures.
- Thermoses and thermocaps. Even if their shell and bulb are made of stainless steel, they should not be loaded in the dishwasher. Intense washing can ruin the insulating properties of these containers and make them unusable.
- Cracked or glued objects. Under the influence of chemicals and temperature, the glue will wash out, and the thing will no longer be whole again.
- Mechanisms. For example, telescopic oven rails. Or anything that contains gears or bearings. First, the metal can corrode. And secondly, the grease or oils can wash out, rendering such a mechanism unusable.
- Natural stone. Stone is much more durable than wood, but you should also keep it out of the dishwasher. Detergents can damage the surface, and high temperatures and large amounts of water will also do their part, which can even lead to cracks and chips.
We’ve listed the things that can STORAGE after washing in the dishwasher. And now it’s time to list what can DEFEND the dishwasher itself or other dishes in it.
- Vessels with paper labels. If you are reusing glass jars from jams, sauces, and canned foods, you can wash them in the dishwasher, removing all labels first. otherwise glue, thin plastic, and paper can clog the drain hole. The best way to get rid of the glue is to use regular cooking oil and a scraper.
- Utensils with burnt food. If you have a problem and it burns, never put a dish with old food in the dishwasher. First, you might clog the machine’s filter, and second, burnt food might stick to the utensils permanently. Always clean dishes before you put them in the dishwasher. Use an unusual brush with a dispenser to make the process of cleaning the dishes easier.
- Lightweight metal utensils with sharp edges. A strainer, for example. Or mincing knives. First, it is likely to spoil the appearance of such utensils for reasons described in the section on aluminum and copper appliances. And secondly, because of its low weight under a high pressure of the jet such utensils can fly around the chamber and damage other dishes in it.
- Ashtrays. Especially in combination with other cookware. The manufacturer may assure you that you can wash the ashtray in the dishwasher. Yes, with the ashtray itself nothing will happen (unless it is from copper or melchior, of course). But here with a dishwasher. quite possible. Ashes from cigarettes do not dissolve in water and with frequent washing of ashtrays accumulate in filters. And the resins tend to settle on the tubes over time. As a result, after a while you will be washing dishes with a tar and ash solution, which will leave both traces and smells on it.
- Paint palettes. Like any other chemicals in general. Both the material the palette is made of and the surrounding dishes may not like it. The chemical compositions of paints are not certain to dissolve in hot water or exposure to chemicals. And glue components included, for example, in the gouache, can settle on the plastic rockers or in the filter, which will lead to machine failure.
- Pet bowls. 67% of pet bowls retain salmonella bacteria even after a standard dishwasher wash cycle. Consequently, the bacteria can settle in the unit as well, from where it will transfer to human plates. So forget about washing pet bowls in the dishwasher if you value your health.
So it turns out that the dishwasher is not a panacea at all! However, do not despair. all of the above is rarely a significant proportion of the steel dishes in the kitchen. In addition, certain appliances may well be equipped with special technology that allows you to wash anything from our list. Our in-store sales managers will tell you whether any of the models incorporate this technology! Looking forward to visiting you!
What you can and can’t wash in the dishwasher: specifics of washing dishes made of different materials
Household appliances for washing dirty dishes are increasingly common in domestic kitchens. The presence of a dishwasher greatly simplifies life for homeowners, allowing them to free themselves from the routine at the kitchen sink.
But not everything can be put into the automatic dishwasher for washing. There are a lot of materials, kitchen utensils of which should be kept away from this unit. We will tell you what you can’t wash in the dishwasher and what you can.
Washing dishes with certain restrictions
There are a number of materials that can be used in a dishwasher, but with certain restrictions. For example, to keep a gentle temperature mode, avoid hot or prolonged drying, choose the right detergent and neighborhood with other dishes. The following products and materials should be used with caution in the dishwasher.
Clay pots
Dishes made of clay can be washed only with a gentle mode, and only those that have a protective coating. Porous material is not resistant to hot steam, vibrations and aggressive detergents. Frequent use can cause the glossy layer to fade and the surface to become micro-cracked. Chemical detergents easily penetrate and linger in damage to the clay layer, the dishes become dangerous to use.

With knives, graters and other cutting tools it is not so clear. If there is a special compartment for them, household knives can be washed in the dishwasher, except for those with wooden handles. Without the insulating tray, sharp blades can damage the internal surfaces of the machine itself, damaging nearby table items, and injuring yourself when not carefully removing dishes.
Keep in mind that knives will blunt from being exposed to high temperatures and will have to be sharpened often. Carbon steel will rust over time. Do not load silver knives and professional chef’s cutting tools which, over time, will lose their ability to sharpen perfectly.
Enameled
The enamel protects pots, saucepans, and ladles from damage, but the layer itself needs to be treated with care. It’s no secret that the enamel is chipped by impact, it can also be damaged by frequent exposure to hot and vibrating environments. Enamelled pots and pans are placed in the bottom basket of the dishwasher because they are heavy.
IS TUPPERWARE DISHWASHER SAFE? CAN I PUT PLASTIC IN DISHWASHER?
Use the modes recommended by the manufacturer. If there are no special designations, programs with an average temperature should be used. choose soft powders without alkali and other harsh elements, but designed for dishwashers.
Other
In addition to the kitchen utensils everyone understands, it is possible to use the PM to perform hygienic procedures for other household items.
- Grill from a cooker hood. The grid gets greasy quickly and is difficult to wash by hand. Not every filter can be put in the dishwasher. Only aluminium-free grids can be washed in the automatic oven.
- Tray. If it fits in the dishwasher, it is better to machine wash it than to spoil the coating with abrasive brushes, cleaning off burnt grease. An exception is made for aluminum products.
- Blender. It is possible to wash the appliance in the oven, but not all parts. If you do not want to wash it manually, you have to dismantle it. It is necessary to separate the base from the bowl, remove the knife and set aside the rubber gasket. you can not put it in the machine. When the other parts have been machine washed, the blender should be reassembled.
- Grill. After cooking, grease sticks to the rack and is difficult to remove. Many people do this with a dishwasher, believing that the non-stick layer on such items will not last long anyway, even if washed by hand, so why bother. But the cast-iron or steel grid will deteriorate very quickly if you use the oven, so care must be taken when taking care of it.
- Teflon. Teflon branded dishes can be washed in the dishwasher on request of the manufacturer (if they bear the approval mark). All other cookware with non-stick coating, which salespeople claim to be Teflon, must be washed by hand, since the protective layer suffers from prolonged exposure to hot water and household chemicals.
What kind of dishes can be washed in the dishwasher with special detergents?
Some table items can be washed in the dishwasher under certain conditions.

- For silver, melchior and copper items, it’s a good idea to choose dishwasher detergent carefully. Like aluminum, these metals lose their shine and beauty from contact with hot water and regular detergents and can become covered in dark stains. Fairy Platinum All in One capsules contain ingredients to protect your dishes, so you can wash silverware and melchior items including.
- Crystal and fine glass. Items made of this fragile and delicate material are recommended to be washed by hand or with dishwasher detergent capsules specially designed for these items, using a special mode Crystal or Delicate Cookware with a temperature below 40ºC so they don’t turn yellow, turn cloudy, crack or even break from high temperatures and vibrations.
- Dishwasher detergents can also be used on a daily basis. If you notice that the wash quality is poor, the dishes are dull, the scum doesn’t come off and there’s still residue on the dishes, try for example the Fairy Platinum Plus All-in-One Multi-Part capsules with the super shine function. The unique combination of powder and liquid dishwashing detergent, not only copes with any dirt, but also protects the mechanisms of the dishwasher from wear and tear. The capsules are suitable for short wash cycles at low temperatures, saving water and electricity and contributing to the conservation of natural resources.