Can plastic containers be washed in the dishwasher?

Can plastic containers be washed in the dishwasher? Plastic containers are very convenient in everyday life: they are easy to store and transport food in, they are resistant to heating and cooling, and are not damaged by strong household chemicals. It follows that, in theory, you can wash them in the dishwasher without any problems. This is often true, but there are exceptions. Plastic utensils must have a sticker on them stating permission to wash plastic containers in the dishwasher.

Learning the notation

As a rule, all notes regarding the care of plastic utensils are placed on the front side of the bottom of the container. Turn the product over and look for one of the following icons:

Two shelves in the dishwasher, on the bottom of which there are two plates and a glass, and on the top - several cups.
Two plates of the same size placed side by side on a dishwasher rack.
A small and a large plate, towards which dotted rays are directed from the top of the image.
Several plates in the water, with drops directed at them from above.

If you find one of these symbols, it means that washing this item in PMM is allowed. If one of these symbols is crossed out, it means that washing in the dishwasher is contraindicated. If no permitting or prohibiting icons were found, you will have to focus on the material of the product, information about which should be available in any case.

Attention! Polystyrene and PVC, which are designated on the container as PS and PVC, respectively, are categorically not suitable for washing in PMM. When heated, these materials melt, releasing toxic substances.

But dishes made of polypropylene or polyethylene terephthalate, designated PP and PET, respectively, tolerate interaction well with the dishwasher.

There are no markings on the container

It's rare, but sometimes plastic utensils really don't have any markings. You will have to act, evaluating the material yourself. Thick, elastic, durable plastic will probably easily withstand automatic washing. As a rule, they are made from such material:

plastic containers for microwaves;
Bakeware;
ice trays;
pencil holders;
baskets for laundry, powder, etc.;
glasses for toothbrushes;
soap dishes;
flower pots;
hard plastic toys (Lego);
various filters.

If you are not sure whether the plastic will withstand washing, try setting the delicate mode and placing the item in the PMM as high as possible, away from the heater. If you have a lot of plastic items and they are small, it is better to put them in a laundry bag for washing to prevent spillage.

Important! Washing disposable tableware, as well as plastic packaging for cakes, etc., in the PMM is strictly prohibited.

Lids and handles

It also happens that the main material of the product is safe for washing in the dishwasher, but some of its parts are not. For example, a frying pan with wooden handles or lids with a stainless steel temperature sensor.

Do not allow items containing loose rubber bands, glued parts, or various stickers and labels to be loaded into the PMM container. They can clog dishwasher elements, such as the filter.

Also, if the plastic product is small and light, the water pressure can easily knock it off the shelf. To avoid this, use a special clip or clothespin.