Almost everyone uses plastic utensils. Especially children’s bowls, glasses, and spoons are mostly made of plastic. But these utensils cause trouble while washing!
Plastics are generally sensitive to heat. The effect of heat is to soften the plastic. Therefore, it is forbidden to keep plastic in the dishwasher for structural reasons because it has health risks.
Now the question is, can you put plastic utensils in the dishwasher?
Ordinary plastics cannot be kept in the dishwasher, but premium plastics can be kept. But it must be kept in contact with low temperatures. However, check the dishwasher safe symbol of plastic utensils to avoid risk.
Let’s learn more!
Can you Put Plastic Utensils in the Dishwasher?
Not all plastic dishes are dishwasher safe. This is because dishes are washed at an average temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit in the dishwasher.
On the other hand, even though the melting point of plastic is higher than this, the polyvinyl bond in plastic will be weakened. Therefore, not all types of plastic can be kept in the dishwasher. However, there are some plastic utensils that are dishwasher safe.
Dishwasher-safe plastic utensils have a special symbol. If there is, it can be kept in the top rack of a dishwasher. Otherwise, do not put plastic utensils in the dishwasher.
If there is no safety symbol on the dishwasher, place the plastic utensils in the top section of the dishwasher. This is because the temperature is lower in the top section and higher in the lower section. If you put it lower rack, it can emit toxic gas harmful to health.
What Types of Plastic Utensils are safe for dishwashers?
Plastics are usually polymer compounds. Some poly carbon chains are joined together to form plastic. These bonds weaken when it comes to the touch of heat. So plastic is mentioned to keep away from excessive heat.
The dishwasher has an average temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s why the plastic utensils are not used to keep the dishwasher. But in the 90s, plastic was modified to be heat tolerant but not all plastic. As a result, the following plastics are only dishwasher safe.
Dishwasher Safe symbolic plastic utensils can be placed in the dishwasher. But it is better to keep it in the upper section.
- No. 4 plastics are dishwashers Safe because these are LDPE (low-density polythene) plastic.
- Tupperware is designed for washing in the dishwasher top rack. You can notice the dishwasher safe symbol on it.
- But you have to put these plastics on the top rack of the dishwasher. Otherwise, the structural change can be seen in the plastic utensils.
What is Dishwasher-safe Plastic symbol?
Dishwasher-safe utensils have a specific symbol. It is usually marked on the lid of a plastic container. If there is no symbol, the number 4 is marked on the bottom. This means it is low-density polythene plastic. It’s safe in the top rack of a dishwasher.
This plastic dish can be placed in the top row of the dishwasher. The symbol should be used to understand it. Otherwise, everyone may mistake it in the dishwasher and destroy its structure. Many customers, however, have made this complaint. So be careful with your plastic utensils.
Why Should you Place Plastic in Dishwasher Top Rack?
I have already answered this question. Some plastic containers are mentioned to be placed on top of the dishwasher. This is because the heating system of the dishwasher is at the bottom. So usually, the lower rack will have more heat, and the upper rack will have less.
This is why plastic utensils are asked to be placed on the upper rack. So that the effect of temperature is less and no damage will happen to plastic utensils.
Can you Put Plastic Baby Bottles in the Dishwasher?
Baby bottles are mostly made of plastic. However, care must be taken to ensure that the bottle is made of premium plastic because your baby’s health depends on it.
If the plastic bottles are dishwasher safe, you can wash them easily with the help of a dishwasher. However, some techniques have to be adopted.
Step 1: The nipple should be separated from the plastic bottle. And the rest of the plastic parts have to be separated.
Step 2: Clip the nipple to the dishwasher basket and place it inside the dishwasher.
Step 3: Start cycling with a mild detergent in the dishwasher, leaving the rest of the plastic parts on top of the rack.
Step 4: Don’t use a warm air system to dry. Dry the bottle in the normal air.
You can wash the bottle in the dishwasher. But I will recommend cleaning the bottle by hand with gentle dish soap and warm water.
FAQs: Related Asked Question
Q1. Is it safe to put BPA free plastic in dishwasher?
Plastic can never be kept in the dishwasher, even if it is BPA-free. It’s not safe. This is because the dishwasher’s heat can leach out BPA and produce harmful gases.
Q2. Is melted plastic in the dishwasher toxic?
Yes. Melted plastics produce toxic gases caused by carbon and nitrogen that temporarily affect the lungs.
Q3. Why is it bad to put plastic in dishwasher?
Placing plastic in a dishwasher will melt it due to heat, release toxic gases and ruin the washing system of the dishwasher.
Conclusion:
So you understand that it is better not to put plastic in the dishwasher because it can ruin your dishes. So I recommend that you wash the plastic utensils by hand with detergent and dry them in the air. The plastic utensils will be safe and suitable for long time use.