How do you know if a plastic container is dishwasher safe?

Food-grade plastic and heat-resistant silicone withstand heat, exposure to moisture and treatment with aggressive chemicals. In theory, you can wash plastic containers in the dishwasher without any restrictions. This is usually true, but not always. The utensils must be marked as allowing the use of a dishwasher. If there are no identification marks on the dish, you should visually assess its strength.

Deciphering the symbols

Finding the mark that allows you to wash plastic in the dishwasher is quite simple - symbols with care instructions are located on the bottom. Turn the container over and look for the icons:

– can be washed in the dishwasher;

– a crossed out symbol means that the product cannot be washed in the dishwasher.

If there are no care symbols, you can look for symbols indicating the material from which the plastic container is made.

Only dishes made from food-grade polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can be washed in the dishwasher.

Containers made of polystyrene (PS) or PVC (PVC) are strictly not suitable for use in the dishwasher. When heated, it melts and releases poison!

What to do with plastic without identification marks?

If there are no symbols on the plastic container, you should pay attention to the thickness of the walls. A strong, elastic tray will most likely withstand washing in automatic mode.

What plastics can be washed in the dishwasher?

• Reusable food containers.
• Bakeware.
• Baskets.
• Flower pots.
• Toothbrush holders.
• Containers for soap.
• Filters for humidifier, vacuum cleaner, hood.
• Pencil holders.
• Hard plastic toys (Lego).
• Ice molds.

Small plastic items should be placed in a washing bag to prevent spillage. Food containers are washed on the top or bottom shelf depending on their shape. The mode is set to normal.

Do not wash disposable plastic tableware (cups, plates, forks, spoons, knives), as well as packaging for cakes or other products in the dishwasher.

What else should you pay attention to?

Sometimes the material of the dishes is completely safe for the dishwasher, but its parts are not. A striking example of this is stainless steel lids with a temperature sensor or frying pans with wooden handles.

Before loading a plastic container into the machine, you should make sure that it does not contain:

• falling out rubber bands;
• glued parts;
• labels and stickers.

Not only will such items not survive washing, but they can clog the spray nozzles and drain filter. It should also be taken into account that food containers are lightweight, and a stream of water can easily knock them down during washing. If you cannot install the tray securely, use a clothespin to secure it.

Typically, the plastic used in reusable containers is thick and durable, making it dishwasher safe. Only disposable and thin-walled dishes cannot be loaded into it. If in doubt, use the delicate setting and place plastic items on the very top, away from the heating element.