Plastics - Washed on Bottom Rack of dishwasher...still Safe to Use?

Heat may release chemicals but once the plastic is cool the chemical fumes are gone. I'd use it.

The reason to wash plastics on the top rack is to prevent them from melting when exposed to the hotter heat on the bottom. I wash much of my plastic on the bottom rack because they don't fit on the top rack and have never had any difficulty.

BPA free plastics will not release harmful chemicals when heated. Allegedly its the BPA that is harmful and so if it's not in the plastic it can't harm. I, however, do think the whole plastics thing being harmful is a bunch of hype. One is not exposed to enough of the chemical for it to be harmful.

You should be fine but to clear your mind, call and ask a pro.

We are in the raw materials side of the plastics industry and there is a lot of media hype going on that is just hype. It is a fantastic way to hone in on people who live in fear to change a couple of formulations to the plastic then have it re-named and re-marketed at a higher price.

To get a dangerous level of BPA in your body, you would have to inject yourself daily.

As for plastic in the dishwasher.. top rack due to heat, not chemicals released.

Moderation.... is key with anything.

I agree with ☆ ★OneAndDone★ ☆

I would never have even given this a thought! LOL

I also appreciate the response of TF Plano/Allen. Nice to know it's a lot of hype. I do a lot of work with clients that offer lead and asbestos removal, and that is also a lot of hype.

In regards to chemicals released, I never gave that a thought. The high heat and steam gets rid of all germs. You can even wash your sponges in the top rack of the dishwasher to get rid of germs.

Plastics should go on the top rack only because of the heat coil on the bottom of the dishwasher gets so hot that it can melt your plastics. Especially if something falls through the cracks of the rack and lands on top of that coil. During the washing cycle and rinse cycle, the pressure of the water being sprayed, can knock something out of place and if it is plastic, and it falls through...it's not a good smell and it will ruin your dishwasher to where you can't use it until you replace the heat coil.

Yes your caps/lids are safe to use. :-) Wash them on the top rack though from now on to be safe.

I have never done anything different between plastics or non plastics. If you do not heat the dry cycle there is not difference in the top or bottom or air drying.

It is the heat that is closer to the bottom rack that can overheat the plastic and actually melt the items. So if they came out intact they are fine.

IF they are washed in the dishwasher at any time they are fine. There is NO difference between washing a dish in hot soapy water in the sink than there is washing it in hot soapy water in the dishwasher.

This wouldn't even be a blip on my radar. I'd still use it.

If it says dishwasher safe then you don't have to worry about it, but it should be on the top rack because of the heat and getting thrown around and causing damage.

K. B
mom to 5 including triplets

Gamma G is correct - the damage is done by the drying element being too close to the bottom rack.

As long as it isn't warped, I use it.

i am really weird about plastic. i hate plastic wrap in the microwave and will get a glass or paper dish although the entire inside of the microwave is plastic!

if it is a kid dish that is plastic i would think that yes the plastic did release a chemical from the heat exposure. I have done this and still used it though. your call. how easy is it to replace?

Ha never even thought about it....all our plastics are BPA free so I was thinking they are fine.

I know exactly what you mean. I try to hand wash or top rack all plastics for just that reason. I'm guessing that if it was just once and still intact it should be fine. You might want to call Kleen Kanteen (or whatever company) and ask their opinion.

Is there supposed to be a difference in the top rack and the bottom rack?
What?

I am very confused...

Dawn