How to find out if a plastic container can be washed in a dishwasher?

Food-grade plastic and heat-resistant silicone perfectly tolerate heat, moisture and aggressive chemicals. The idea is to wash plastic containers in a dishwasher without any restrictions. This is usually the case, but not always. There must be a mark on the dishes that authorizes the use of the dishwasher. If there are no identification marks on the dishes, you should visually evaluate its strength.

We decipher the characters

Finding a mark that allows washing plastic in the dishwasher is quite simple - symbols with recommendations for care are at the bottom. Turn over the container and find the icons:

- can be washed in a dishwasher;

- A crossed out symbol means that the product must not be washed in a dishwasher.

If there are no care signs, you can search for symbols with the designation of the material of which the plastic container is made.

In a dishwasher, only dishes made of food grade polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can be washed.

Categorically not suitable for use in a dishwasher containers made of polystyrene (PS) or PVC (PVC). When heated, it melts and releases poison!

What to do with plastic without identification marks?

If there are no icons on the plastic container, pay attention to the wall thickness. The strong elastic tray, most likely, will perfectly tolerate washing in automatic mode.

What kind of plastic can be washed in a dishwasher?

• Reusable food containers.
• Bakeware.
• Baskets.
• Flower pots.
• Toothbrush holders.
• Containers for soap.
• Filters for humidifier, vacuum cleaner, hoods.
• Stands for pencils.
• Toys made of hard plastic (lego).
• Forms for ice.

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

Disposable plastic utensils (cups, plates, forks, spoons, knives), as well as packaging from cakes or other products, should not be washed in the dishwasher.

What else to look for?

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

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

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

Not only will such items not survive the wash - they can clog the spray nozzles and drain filter. It should also be borne in mind that the food containers are light, a stream of water can easily knock them down during washing. If you cannot securely install the tray, use a clothespin to fix it.

Typically, plastic used in reusable containers is dense and durable - this material is suitable for use in a dishwasher. Do not load only disposable and thin-walled dishes. If in doubt, use the delicate mode and install plastic products to the very top, away from the heating element.