With meal prep becoming increasingly popular as many have resolved to eat a healthier diet in 2022, food storage containers will likely find their way into your fridge more often.
At the end of the week, it’s time to wash and restart your routine. If you’re not a fan of handwashing, the pile of plastic may be intimidating, but is it safe to put your Tupperware in the dishwasher?
If your plastic container has a dishwasher safe label on the bottom, then it is safe to place in the dishwasher. To prevent heat damage, place it on the top rack of your dishwasher; you will need to hand dry it.
While it may be convenient to place your food storage containers in the dishwasher if it is designated as safe to do so, there are a few nuances when it comes to plastic in particular that are worth considering.
How Can You Tell if a Plastic Container Is Dishwasher Safe?
Generally, plastic food storage containers have symbols and other designations on the bottom of the container to indicate whether they are safe to be used in the dishwasher. This takes the guesswork out of how to properly clean your container.
The most straightforward designation, of course, is a written message noting “Dishwasher Safe”. The images that designate dishwasher compatibility are trickier to decipher, but all include dishes or glasses being rinsed by water.
If the water component is shown as lines above the dishes, this means that the container should be placed on the top shelf only. If the water is shown as drops on the dishes, then the container may be placed on the top or bottom shelf.
There are a few other useful designations as well that are relevant to the use of your plasticware:
Microwave safe
This is a particularly important designation to look for if you store leftovers in your plastic container and intend to reheat. Look for a written message noting “Microwave Safe”, or a symbol with squiggly lines, either within a microwave or above a dish.
If your container is cracked or shows signs of wear, it’s best to replace with a new container rather than microwaving.
Freezer safe
If you intend to store food in your container not just for the week, but long-term, make sure your container is freezer-safe, as many are not. This would be indicated by a written message noting “Freezer Safe”, or a snowflake.
Why Can It Be Bad to Put Plastic in the Dishwasher?
Despite the dishwasher safe symbol you may find on the bottom of your container, many of us have been told never to place our plastic in the dishwasher.
There is a logical, yet somewhat outdated reason for this advice; many plastic containers used to be manufactured using a harmful chemical called BPA, which could leak into food after a container was heated in the dishwasher.
While this chemical has since been banned, there are other factors to consider before placing your plastic in the dishwasher.
First, even though your plastic container may have the dishwasher safe symbol on it, it’s important to note that the symbol only indicates that the container is impervious to warping.
It does not, however, mean that the container is completely heat-proof. Plastic, when exposed to extreme heat, will melt.
The heating element in each dishwasher, located at the bottom of the unit, can reach temperatures between 130 and 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
Depending on the fabrication of the plastic, the melting point will vary, but plastic generally melts when exposed to temperatures of 100 degrees Fahrenheit and above.
This is why most plastic containers will indicate they are dishwasher safe on the top rack only – to prevent them from melting when exposed to the heating element.
Second, plastic containers cannot be cleaned or dried as thoroughly in the dishwasher as they can by hand.
Plastic is actually quite a porous substance, which tends to soak in any element it is exposed to (which explains why you may always find yours to be stained!).
And being lighter than other dishes in the dishwasher, if the container ends up being flipped during the cycle, the inside will not be thoroughly cleaned.
Overall, handwashing is generally the most effective at washing and drying your plastic tupperware, while minimizing risk of heat damage.
While the plasticware that is designated as “dishwasher safe” is safe to be placed in the dishwasher, avoid using the dishwasher for the same containers over an extended period of time to limit heat damage.
Where Do Plastic Containers Go In the Dishwasher?
Because plastic can melt, always place any plastic containers on the top shelf of your dishwasher. As mentioned before, plastic can absorb food particles which lead to staining, so be sure to place the containers face-down so the inside can be rinsed out properly.
All pots, pans, and non-plastic dishware can be placed on the bottom shelf – this can also create a barrier between the plastic items and the heating element, should the plastic be dislodged and fall to the bottom shelf.
When loaded properly, any plastic containers should be decently cleansed in the dishwasher. However, they are notoriously difficult to dry in a normal dishwasher cycle.
If you do wash your plastic container in the dishwasher, be sure to thoroughly dry by hand before storing or using.
Which Tupperware Containers Are Best?
Years ago, Tupperware was not the generic word for a plastic food storage container – it was an extremely popular brand on the market!
It became such a household name that most people now commonly refer to their food storage containers as Tupperware, even if that is not the brand.
Today, there are a number of brands available – below are some of the most popular amongst food storage shoppers.
Tupperware
This is the original plastic food storage brand, and though it is a classic, continues to produce innovative products to meet specific needs, such as vented lids for mircrowaving, travel sets and seasonal designs.
It does tend to be a more expensive option, but this is because it is well known for high quality products. If you’re looking for a food storage container that will last you a long time, and you can properly clean and maintain it, Tupperware could be a great fit.
Rubbermaid
An affordable option, Rubbermaid offers many different sizes of plasticware, as well as sets. Like any other plastic container, it will stain over time and its structure isn’t the most durable, but it is still a popular option.
If you like to toss your plastic containers after forgetting them in the refrigerator too long, or if you frequently bring meals to friends and family and don’t want to worry about having an expensive container returned, then Rubbermaid would be a good option.
Snapware
With a handy locking feature that snaps shut, Snapware is leakproof and easily stackable. The structure is more durable than many others, so it may provide more value over time. For those who keep a meticulously organized pantry, or tend to be rough on their containers, Snapware is a great option.
There are many great options available today for plastic food storage containers; each has its pros and cons, and the best fit for you depends on your needs.
Consider what your requirements are for longevity, convenience, and innovation.
Whichever you choose to meet your meal prep and food storage needs, be sure to pay careful attention to how you clean it in order to avoid damage and preserve its quality.