Can You Put Rubbermaid In The Dishwasher? (Find Out Now!)
Most individuals save food these days, and Rubbermaid products make storing food easy. These products will ensure leftovers stay fresh for many days, and they’re also ideal for individuals who like to prepare meals and/or measure out portions.
But Rubbermaid products, like all other dishes, utensils, and glassware, must be cleaned after each use. But is it safe to clean Rubbermaid products using a dishwasher? Such is the question this article answers.
Yes, you can put Rubbermaid products in the dishwasher. You won’t have to worry about these products melting or getting warped because of the high heat. Most Rubbermaid products can withstand temperatures up to 150°F, and some can even withstand temperatures up to 230°F. It’s important to keep placement in mind when washing Rubbermaid products in the dishwasher.
What Is Rubbermaid?
Rubbermaid doesn’t just make food storage products. They also make sheds and outdoor storage solutions, home organization solutions, cleaning and recycling solutions, coolers, water bottles, and numerous other storage solutions.
Rubbermaid food storage containers are made using either white polyethylene or translucent polypropylene. The benefits and drawbacks of each plastic are explained below.
Polyethylene
Polyethylene, which has been around since the 1800s, is the most common kind of plastic. It’s flexible, economical, and able to withstand heat up to 160°F. One downside, however, is that this material is not translucent, which means you can’t see inside. Containers made of this material stain easily and can also alter the taste of food.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene, which has been around since the 1950s, is a little bit more expensive than polyethylene, but it’s translucent, flexible, tough, and dishwasher-friendly. This plastic can withstand heat up to 230°F.
Rubbermaid Food Storage Products
There are several kinds of food storage products being made by Rubbermaid right now. Some popular options are listed below:
- Everyday Use Containers
- Produce Preservation Containers
- Pantry Containers
- Drinkware
- Tableware
- On-the-Go Containers
- Meal Prep Containers
Which Rubbermaid Products Are Dishwasher Safe?
Most products made by Rubbermaid are dishwasher safe. Dishwashers on the market today don’t exceed 130°F during the main wash cycle, and this is 20°F lower than the max temperature polyethylene Rubbermaid products can withstand. Below is a list of dishwasher-safe Rubbermaid products.
Rubbermaid Containers
Rubbermaid containers are dishwasher safe, and that’s because these products are made out of polyethylene and polypropylene. These containers can withstand the high temperature a dishwasher will generate, and they won’t warp or melt even slightly. You can fit over a dozen containers in a regular-size dishwasher, and they’ll all get thoroughly cleaned without sustaining any damage.
Rubbermaid Lids
Some assume that lids are not dishwasher safe because they are thin, but such isn’t the case for Rubbermaid container lids. These are just as strong as the containers, so you don’t have to worry about these being compromised by high heat.
Just make sure you secure the lids in the dishwasher before you run this appliance, as unsecured lids may slide down to the bottom of the appliance. There, they may come into contact with the dishwasher’s heating element, and if such happens then a charred, plastic mess will be the result.
Rubbermaid Water Bottles
Rubbermaid water bottles are also dishwasher safe, but one must be cognizant that these water bottles take up a lot of space. With that being said, if you’re planning to utilize both dishwasher racks, you can probably clean over a dozen water bottles, especially if they are in line, either vertical or horizontal.
Rubbermaid Glassware
With rubber in the brand name, one might not expect Rubbermaid to be a glassware manufacturer. But Rubbermaid has been a leader in the storage solutions manufacturing business for years, so it makes sense that they manufacture glassware too.
Rubbermaid glassware is most often used to elegantly present food and drinks before and/or during a meal, and several different kinds of glass are used to make Rubbermaid glassware.
Like their plastic counterparts, Rubbermaid glassware is dishwasher safe. You can clean both plastic and glass Rubbermaid products in the dishwasher together; just remember to secure lids and keep the glassware on the top rack.
How to Ensure Safety in the Dishwasher
While most Rubbermaid products are dishwasher safe, there are some things one must do to ensure their Rubbermaid products don’t get damaged in the dishwasher. The precautions one should take before turning on the dishwasher, as well as other dishwasher placement tips, are put forward below.
Using the Top Rack
The most important thing to be aware of when washing Rubbermaid products in the dishwasher is not heat—it’s placement. To ensure Rubbermaid containers, lids, water bottles, and glassware don’t get damaged, you must take the time to ensure everything is secured before you run the dishwasher.
Every item should have just a little bit of space around it. You don’t want too much space, as such makes the items prone to a lot of movement. On the other hand, items can’t be too close, as then cleaning won’t be as effective.
And remember to keep your Rubbermaid products away from the heating element, as doing so will further ensure that these products don’t get damaged. With this in mind, place your Rubbermaid products on the top rack of the dishwasher. Even if they move around during the cleaning cycle, they won’t get burned or damaged.
Remove Any Labels Before Washing
Go ahead and remove any labels that may be on your Rubbermaid products. Labels can prevent a product from getting thoroughly cleaned. Moreover, a label can come off during the wash cycle, and the heat may cause the label to melt.
If this happens, you’ll be dealing with a mess that could’ve been easily avoided. Get used to this practice, as you’ll have to remove labels every time you get a new Rubbermaid product.
Rubbermaid Cleaning Alternative
Of course, if you don’t want to clean your Rubbermaid products using the dishwasher, you can clean them by hand. A lot of individuals actually prefer washing by hand over using a dishwasher, as it’s been said elbow grease is more effective than high heat.
There’s no conclusive answer regarding which cleaning method is better. The kind of cleaning method one prefers is largely a matter of preference.
Matt loves everything DIY. He has been learning and practicing different trades since he was a kid, and he's often the first one called when a friend or family member needs a helping hand at home. Matt loves to work with wood and stone, and landscaping is by far his most favorite pastime.
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