Is Acrylic Dishwasher Safe? (Find Out Now!)

If you’re looking for the ideal drinkware for daily use, acrylic glasses are an excellent choice. Not only are they inexpensive, they are also incredibly durable and versatile. This makes them perfect for home, commercial, and even industrial situations. But, how do you clean acrylic glasses? Or, more specifically, “Is acrylic dishwasher safe?”

Acrylic plastic glasses and drinkware are NOT dishwasher safe. While some companies may claim that their acrylic products can be cleaned using the dishwasher, this is simply not true. The combination of high heat and harsh dishwasher cleaning agents will cause acrylic glassware to “craze.” This means that the acrylic will start to develop hairline cracks or fine lines, which ultimately leads to leaking.

Although some may label acrylic plasticware either “hand wash” or “top-rack dishwasher safe,” handwashing is the best method for cleaning acrylic. That said, let’s take a look at this topic in further detail to understand how to properly clean and maintain acrylic drinkware.

Acrylic is a form of molded plastic that has excellent clarity and transparency. As such, it is a practical substitute for glass – especially since it’s shatterproof. Though, acrylic is susceptible to cracking or breaking if it’s dropped. Unlike other types of plastic, acrylic will not turn yellow, and its colors are both sunlight and weather resistant.

One of the major benefits of acrylic glasses is that they are BPA-free, as researchers claim that exposure to Bisphenol-A (BPA) can be harmful to humans. Another advantage to acrylic is that it resists most chemicals found in everyday use. Some of the most well-known brands of acrylic plastic include Lucite and Plexiglass.

Compared to many other plastic drinkware on the market, acrylic glasses are much safer to use. As previously mentioned, they do not contain nor release BPA. This potentially harmful chemical has been linked to several health concerns such as metabolic dysfunction, thyroid disease, infertility, and other hormone-related issues.

When you choose acrylic glassware over other plastic drinking glass options, you know that you don’t have to worry about BPA and its impact on your health. However, how do you know that you are buying the right plastic products and that they are going to be safe for you and your family? Here are some tips to keep in mind:

While polycarbonate glasses and cups may look similar to acrylic drinkware, and also fall into the same plastic group, polycarbonate is more heat and impact resistant. It is the same plastic used in the construction of bulletproof glass and eyeglass lenses. As such, polycarbonate glassware is unbreakable and incredibly durable.

Its’ unique properties make polycarbonate the ideal material for beer glasses, wine glasses, tumblers, and pretty much any tableware or drinkware where safety is a concern – like in pubs, schools, and hospitals. Unlike acrylic, polycarbonate is dishwasher safe, crack-resistant, scratch-resistant, and even microwave safe. Though, as previously stated, polycarbonate is not BPA-free.

Related Questions

Is acrylic breakable?

Although acrylic is technically breakable, it does not shatter the same way that glass does. Its impact strength is substantially higher than glass, meaning it takes some serious force to break an acrylic glass. Unlike glass, acrylic will not break and shatter into small, hazardously sharp pieces.

How do you clean cloudy plastic glasses?

The best way to clean cloudy plastic cups and glasses is to soak them in white vinegar. Fill up your sink or a small bucket with vinegar and submerge the glasses for about five minutes. If the glasses are still cloudy, sprinkle some baking soda onto the glasses, scrub it in, and rinse.

Hand washing acrylic products, whether it’s drinkware or tableware, is the only way to go. Acrylic is NOT dishwasher safe, as the heat and harsh cleaning products used in a dishwasher can cause the plastic to crack and develop hairline cracks (craze). Do not clean with alcohol or glass cleaner, either.

To properly clean acrylic, hand wash in warm water with a mild dish detergent. Only use a soft sponge or cloth, as abrasive tools can scratch the plastic and create traps for grease and dirt to collect. Once you’ve finished hand washing, leave the acrylic product out to air dry completely.