Why is dishwasher safe top rack only?
The heating element in dishwashers is typically on the bottom of the machine, which means the top rack is comparatively cooler than the bottom. If you put an item marked "top rack only" in the bottom rack, you may find it has discolored, warped or become damaged by the end of the cycle.
Plastic items should always be placed in the top rack to keep them away from the heating element on the bottom of the dishwasher. Plastic can become warped if it gets too hot.
It's also important to keep mugs in the top rack because of their unique shape. If you load a mug in the bottom rack of a dishwasher, it runs the risk of blocking some of the water jets. In turn, this would prevent water from reaching the top rack entirely, and even keep water from reaching dishes in the bottom rack!
Cast iron, enameled cast iron, non-stick, and most aluminum pots and pans should never be put in the dishwasher. The high water pressure, heat and detergent will remove the necessary oils from cast iron, damage or remove non-stick coatings, chip enamel, and cause discoloration on aluminum.
"Detergent chemistry can cause the paint on the dinnerware to chip or wear off," she explains. "Additionally, the sizes of fine china tend to be different from standard plates, which can create extra movement and rattling that can cause damage."
The heating element in dishwashers is typically on the bottom of the machine, which means the top rack is comparatively cooler than the bottom. If you put an item marked "top rack only" in the bottom rack, you may find it has discolored, warped or become damaged by the end of the cycle.
Most dishwashers have the ability to remove the upper rack. This is beneficial if you want to wash large stock pots, or tall items like vases or platters.
When a dishwasher safe symbol includes the words “top rack only,” it means that the item should only be placed on the top rack of the dishwasher during the wash cycle. Placing the item on the top rack helps to keep distance between heat-sensitive items and the dishwasher's heated dry element.
Tupperware has two main adversaries inside the dishwasher: water jets and heating elements. When you place your storage containers on the lower rack, high pressure from the washer's jets can dislodge it. Make sure you always place Tupperware on the top rack of the dishwasher.
Dishwasher. Glass storage containers can be put on the bottom or top rack of the dishwasher. The plastic lids should ALWAYS be placed on the top rack to avoid warping or cracking during drying.
Why are metal water bottles not dishwasher safe?
Some stainless steel water bottles are labeled as dishwasher safe if they're a single layer and have no powder coatings or sensitive components like handles and seals. However, hand-washing is the best way to clean stainless steel, as dishwasher detergents could cause corrosion or damage over time.
Fine china with metal trimming and designs (such as gold or silver) or hand-painted china should never go in the dishwasher. Ever, even if the china is relatively new. The heat from the dishwasher may tarnish or remove the metal detailing. Instead, hand-wash them in lukewarm water with a very gentle soap.
Stainless Steel
One potential concern, however, is the humidity level inside a dishwasher, which could cause warping over time. Those looking to be extra cautious should consider washing stainless steel cookware by hand instead.
But can you put a YETI in the dishwasher, too? You bet. Legendary YETI durability doesn't stop inside your dishwasher; thanks to rugged 18/8 stainless steel construction, your YETI cup is safe and sound.
Hand-washing vs dishwasher – which is more hygienic? Dishwashers can heat water to a much higher temperature, so they not only clean your dishes, but can sanitise them too. Dishwashers are capable of using incredibly hot water – much hotter than your hands could bear. There's also the issue of sponges.
Handwashing is especially important with these items as the heat of the dishwasher can (and likely would) damage the ever-important seals on the cup, allowing air into that precious insulated airspace and compromising its ability to keep that which is cool, cool or hot, hot.
Does "microwave safe" imply "dishwasher safe"? There is not a 100% correlation either way. Some containers are microwave safe, but are made of thin enough plastic that you don't want them anywhere near the heating coils of the dishwasher on a "heated dry" setting.
Plus, Easy Essentials containers are microwave safe for convenient reheating and dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
The top rack should house small bowls, cups, mugs, and dishwasher-safe utensils, like silicone spatulas and spoons. Thin plastic items (like quart containers and take-out bowls) should live on the upper rack to prevent them from melting.
The hottest part of your dishwasher is at the bottom, where the heating element is positioned. You should always keep your dishwasher-safe plastics on the top rack to prevent them from warping.
Should you run your dishwasher if you don't use it?
While it can survive 2 or 3 weeks unused, if you leave it for more than 4 weeks you may need to call in a professional for repair and maintenance. That's the high-level overview, but let's now take a deeper dive into the topic of dishwasher maintenance to answer other important questions.
Simply put, the Bosch TALLTUB provides you with an extremely efficient use of space. Top and bottom racks can be adjusted for improved clearance, and if you remove the top rack altogether, you're left with an incredible 22" of usable space. It doesn't get bigger than that.
Save time by loading dishwasher-safe cookware on the bottom rack towards the sides or back corners of your machine. Pots should face downward over the tines, while flat pans or baking sheets should face dirty-side in at a downward angle. "Nonstick and cast iron pans should not be washed in the dishwasher," says Lemmen.
Disposable plastics
Not only are they made from a type of plastic that is not designed to withstand heat, meaning they will warp and become unusable, they also often feature an ingredient (BPA, or BPA alternatives) that could be harmful to your health.
The heat from your dishwasher could cause BPA to leach from the plastic containing it, so plastic with BPA should NOT go in the dishwasher2. Products labelled BPA-free should still be considered before using in the dishwasher, however.
References
- https://www.marthastewart.com/8371983/how-to-load-a-dishwasher
- https://producthelp.whirlpool.com/Dishwashers/Product_Info/Dishwasher_Product_Assistance/Removing_the_Top_Rack_from_the_Dishwasher
- https://www.amazon.com/LOCK-Essentials-Airtight-Container-Dishwasher/dp/B0851JRNF3
- https://www.comparethemarket.com/energy/content/how-much-does-a-dishwasher-use/
- https://www.bonappetit.com/story/loading-a-dishwasher
- https://www.finishdishwashing.com/ultimate-dishwashing-guide/loading/dishwasher-safe/
- https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/kitchen/proper-way-to-load-a-dishwasher.html
- https://www.quora.com/Does-microwave-safe-imply-dishwasher-safe
- https://www.bobvila.com/articles/can-you-put-pots-and-pans-in-dishwasher/
- https://www.allrecipes.com/article/are-insulated-cups-dishwasher-safe/
- https://www.finishdishwashing.com/ultimate-dishwashing-guide/loading/how-to-load/
- https://content.abt.com/documents/9763/Bosch_300-KeyFtrs_convenience.pdf
- https://www.yeti.com/are-yeti-tumblers-dishwasher-safe.html
- https://www.finishdishwashing.ca/ultimate-dishwashing-guide/loading/plastic/
- https://www.reliant.co.uk/blog/can-mugs-go-on-the-bottom-rack-of-a-dishwasher/
- https://homeforce.net/how-often-should-you-run-your-dishwasher-a-helpful-guide/
- https://www.anchorhocking.com/how-to-care-for-glass-food-storage/
- https://www.marthastewart.com/7988368/non-dishwasher-safe-kitchenware-damage
- https://reviewed.usatoday.com/dishwashers/features/once-and-for-all-can-you-put-tupperware-in-the-dishwasher
- https://www.whirlpool.com/blog/kitchen/what-is-and-is-not-dishwasher-safe.html
- https://www.maytag.com/blog/kitchen/dishwasher-safe-and-tableware-symbols.html
- https://www.mrappliance.com/blog/2022/february/quick-guide-to-dishwasher-safe-water-bottles/
- https://www.finishdishwashing.com/ultimate-dishwashing-guide/loading/plastic/
- https://www.asiensappliance.com/blog/wash-fine-china
