Chloe Zhang
Whether or not you can put plastic items in the dishwasher depends on the type of plastic. Some plastics are designed to withstand the heat and cleaning action of detergents in a dishwasher cycle and will be labelled as 'dishwasher safe'. However, the heat from a dishwasher can cause harmful chemicals such as phthalates and BPA to leach from plastics that contain them, which can be toxic. Some companies claim their products are BPA-free, but they may use similar compounds that may have similar health effects. Additionally, plastic items may melt in the dishwasher, damaging the appliance. A study by Sol et al. in 2023 also found that dishwashers release microplastics into wastewater, with higher temperatures contributing to a greater release of microplastics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Whether plastic should be washed in a dishwasher | Depends on the type of plastic |
| Types of plastic that should not be washed in a dishwasher | Plastic containing BPA, BPS, BPF, and BPAF |
| Brass and bronze | |
| Plastic with a soft pliable type, e.g. collapsible coffee cups | |
| Car engine valves | |
| Baseball caps | |
| Crocs | |
| Keyboards | |
| Plastic with Phthalates | |
| Polypropylene (PP) | |
| Possible consequences of washing plastic in the dishwasher | Melting and clogging of the dishwasher |
| Release of harmful chemicals such as BPA and Phthalates | |
| Release of microplastics into wastewater |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic items labelled 'dishwasher safe'
It is important to be cautious when washing plastic items in the dishwasher. Some plastics are designed to withstand the heat and cleaning action of detergents in a dishwasher cycle, and these products are generally labelled as 'dishwasher safe'. However, not all plastics are created equal, and some are better suited for the dishwasher than others.
If a plastic item is labelled as dishwasher-safe, it means the manufacturer has tested it and confirmed its ability to withstand high temperatures and detergents. Most dishwasher-safe plastics have a symbol indicating that they can be placed in the dishwasher, with some specifying that they should be placed on the top rack, away from the heating element. It is important to always follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines to ensure the longevity and safety of your plastic items.
Plastics labelled with recycling codes 2 (high-density polyethylene, HDPE), 4 (low-density polyethylene, LDPE), and 5 (polypropylene, PP) are generally considered safe for dishwasher use. These materials are more resistant to heat and chemicals, reducing the risk of damage during the dishwashing process. Polypropylene (PP) is the most common food-grade plastic used for containers and lids, and it is top-rack dishwasher safe up to 210°F.
However, it is important to note that not all plastic dishes labelled as "dishwasher safe" can withstand the detergents and high temperatures generated by the dishwasher. Some plastics require more gentle or special dishwasher cycles, so it is always recommended to refer to the manufacturer's guide or user manual before placing any plastic item in the dishwasher. Additionally, overcrowding the dishwasher racks can increase drying time and obstruct thorough cleaning, so it is important to leave enough space between the dishes.
When washing plastic items in the dishwasher, it is recommended to use the setting specifically for plastics if your dishwasher has one. This setting uses milder detergents and lower temperatures to avoid damaging the plastic. Always place plastic items on the top rack to prevent warping or melting from the heat. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals, as these can degrade the plastic over time. Instead, allow the plastics to air dry.
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Toxic chemicals leaching from plastic
Plastic products contain complex mixtures of extractable chemicals that can be toxic. A study performed migration experiments over 10 days at 40 °C and analyzed the migrates using four in vitro bioassays and nontarget high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MSE). The results showed that all migrates induced baseline toxicity, with 22 showing an oxidative stress response, 13 showing antiandrogenicity, and one showing estrogenicity. This indicates that toxic chemicals are leaching from plastic products and can have potential health risks for humans and wildlife.
Another study investigated the leaching of chemicals from microplastics, which are small plastic particles that can be ingested by living organisms. The review analyzed over 165 scholarly papers published in the past 10 years to understand the leaching mechanisms and influencing factors. The findings suggest that microplastics contain and release toxic chemicals, such as flame retardants, plasticizers, and antioxidants, which can disrupt endocrine functions and reproduction.
The heat from a dishwasher can also cause certain plastics to release harmful chemicals. For example, plastics containing BPA or phthalates should not be placed in the dishwasher as the heat can cause these chemicals to leach out. Even products labeled as BPA-free should be considered carefully, as some companies use similar compounds that may have similar health effects. To avoid potential exposure to toxic chemicals, it is recommended to check if a plastic item is truly BPA-free and dishwasher-safe before placing it in the dishwasher.
Some plastic items are designed to withstand the heat and cleaning action of detergents in a dishwasher cycle and will be labeled as 'dishwasher-safe'. However, it is important to follow any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer. For example, certain plastics should only be placed on the top rack of the dishwasher, away from the heating element, to avoid potential melting or warping. Overall, it is important to be cautious when washing plastic items in the dishwasher to prevent the release of toxic chemicals and potential health risks.
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High temperatures and plastic
When it comes to plastic and high temperatures, the key consideration is the potential for toxic chemicals to leach out. The heat from a dishwasher can cause chemicals like BPA and phthalates to leach from plastic items and contaminate your dishes and the environment. This is especially true for plastics that contain BPA or similar compounds, such as BPS, BPF, and BPAF, which may have similar adverse health effects. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid putting plastic items in the dishwasher, especially those containing BPA.
However, some plastics are designed to withstand the heat and cleaning action of a dishwasher cycle and are labelled as "dishwasher-safe". If you choose to wash plastic in the dishwasher, it is best to check if the product is genuinely BPA-free and place it on the top rack, away from the heating element. Even so, high temperatures can still damage certain plastics, causing them to melt, shrink, or warp. This can result in clogged filters and damaged dishwasher components.
The release of microplastics is another concern when exposing plastic to high temperatures in dishwashers. A recent study found that higher temperatures contribute to a more significant release of microplastics, mainly composed of polypropylene (PP) fragments. These microplastics can contaminate the environment and end up in various products, including bottled water and food. Therefore, it is essential to consider the potential impact on the environment when exposing plastic to high temperatures in dishwashers.
To avoid the risks associated with high temperatures and plastic, it is often recommended to hand wash plastic items instead. By avoiding the high heat of a dishwasher, you can reduce the likelihood of toxic chemical leaching and minimise the release of microplastics. Additionally, when hand washing plastics, it is generally advised to use mild detergents or soap and avoid harsh chemicals or high temperatures. This helps to further reduce the potential for chemical leaching and maintain the integrity of the plastic items.
In summary, high temperatures can cause plastic to release toxic chemicals and microplastics, potentially contaminating dishes and the environment. While some plastics are labelled as dishwasher-safe, it is generally safer to hand wash plastic items using mild detergents and avoiding excessive heat. By taking these precautions, you can minimise the risks associated with high temperatures and plastic.
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Plastic damaging dishwashers
Plastics with a low melting point can be placed in dishwashers, but they should be placed on the top rack, away from the heating element. If the plastic melts, pieces can break off and clog the filter, damaging the dishwasher.
Disposable plastics, such as food containers and water bottles, are not dishwasher-safe. They are not designed to withstand heat and will warp and become unusable.
Some plastics are designed to withstand the heat and cleaning action of detergents in a dishwasher cycle and will be labelled as 'dishwasher-safe'. However, this does not mean they are invincible and they will suffer wear and tear over time, so replacing them is recommended.
If a plastic item is not clearly labelled as dishwasher-safe, there is a risk of ruining its structure and exposing users to unhealthy chemicals. Plastic materials with recycling codes 3, 6, and 7 – corresponding to phthalates, styrene, and bisphenols, respectively – should be avoided.
The heat from a dishwasher can cause harmful chemicals such as phthalates and BPA to leach from plastics that contain them. Products labelled as BPA-free should still be considered carefully before use in the dishwasher, as some companies use similar compounds that may have similar health effects.
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Plastic alternatives to dishwashers
Whether or not it is safe to put plastic in the dishwasher depends on the type of plastic. Some plastics are designed to withstand the heat and cleaning action of detergents in a dishwasher cycle and will be labelled as 'dishwasher safe'. However, some plastics can melt, causing damage to the dishwasher, and potentially exposing users to harmful chemicals.
To avoid the use of plastic in dishwashers, there are several plastic-free alternatives available. Plastic-free bags, boxes, and wrappers are available on Amazon. These can be made from silicone, beeswax, GOTS-certified cotton, organic jojoba oil, and tree resin. They are a good alternative to plastic wrap and can be used to store leftovers. Glass jars are another alternative to plastic, and are perfect for storing herbs and sauces. They are also freezer-safe.
Other alternatives to plastic in the kitchen include bamboo utensils, which are dishwasher safe, and stainless steel bottles, which are a great alternative to plastic water bottles.
It is important to note that while plastic may be convenient, it can have a detrimental impact on the environment and potentially on personal health.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of plastic. Some plastics are labelled as 'dishwasher safe', which means they have been designed to withstand the heat and cleaning action of detergents in a dishwasher cycle. However, some plastics contain harmful chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, BPS, BPF, and BPAF, which can leach out when exposed to high temperatures.
If you put plastic in the dishwasher, it could melt and damage the appliance. Plastic items that are not labelled 'dishwasher safe' should be washed by hand to avoid the risk of harmful chemicals leaching into your food.
Aside from plastics, there are other materials that should not be washed in a dishwasher, including brass, bronze, and delicate fabrics such as bras. These materials can be discoloured or damaged by the high temperatures and detergents used in dishwashers.
