Place Tupperware on the top rack of the dishwasher. This prevents it from touching the heating element at the bottom, which can cause the plastic to warp or melt. Avoid using the heated dry cycle. The high heat can also cause some plastics to melt or deform.
Refer to the product insert or look for dishwasher symbol on bottom of each product to determine whether it's dishwasher safe and if it is, which rack it should be placed on.
Generally, yes. Plastic containers of the Tupperware type can be washed safely in the dishwasher. I think that dishwashers were already reasonably common in the US when Tupperware was launched. Therefore, they made the product dishwasher safe. See: Round Container as an example.
In general, the most common plastic that is used for food storage lids and containers is polypropylene, which is top rack safe and can be run in the dishwasher. This plastic food safe temperature is 210 degrees Fahrenheit, and it can be identified by the number 5 plastic recycling symbol (PP for polypropylene).
If you're lucky, you'll know an item is safe for the dishwasher by seeing the words "Dishwasher Safe." If you don't see that, then look for a dishwasher safe symbol, stamp, or label. These usually take the form of a square box containing plates, glasses, or both.
This item is made of materials that are safe for normal household dishwashers. Be sure that the item is secured so that it does not come in contact with the dishwasher element to avoid melting. This item is made of materials that are safe for freezer use.
While there is no set timeframe for replacing plastic food containers, experts say they should be tossed out when they show visible wear, chips, cracks, or signs of stains and odors.
The cause of the problem could be a combination of salt or limescale. If you can wipe off the white coating with a finger, it is probably salt residue. If you cannot wipe the coating off but you can remove it with a small amount of vinegar, it is probably limescale.
Old Tupperware, especially those over a decade old, might contain hazardous chemicals like cadmium, lead, and arsenic. These can leach into your food, posing significant health risks. Vintage Tupperware products are particularly concerning due to the potential leaching of additional harmful substances.
"With plastic, there is not enough stored heat to keep it a significantly higher temperature than the general temperature of the dishwasher, so the water on it doesn't evaporate. There are similar problems with washing thin aluminium food trays because they are very light and, consequently, are poor at storing heat.”
Most products purchased after 1979 are made to be dishwasher safe, though! Have more questions about Tupperware care?
As long as you purchased your Tupperware after 1979, your Tupperware should be dishwasher safe. In fact, most Tupperware will say “dishwasher safe”, or there will be a symbol to let you know. This symbol looks like a square box with some plates or glasses inside it with some lines or dots that represent water.
Pink/orange discoloration of plastics is usually caused by carotenoid, a class of typically red/orange pigments found in foods such as tomatoes and turmeric. When carotenoids are dissolved in oils, they become easily absorbed into many plastics, mainly when heat is also applied.
Only use the dishwasher if the plastic containers are labeled “dishwasher safe” and always use the top rack. The bottom rack is closer to the heating element and can melt your containers. Brown says for Tupperware-brand containers, anything purchased before 1979 should not go in the dishwasher.
Try to think back to when you got your Tupperware. The Tupperware® brand didn't nix BPA until 2010, and truly vintage Tupperware may even leach heavy metals like cadmium, lead, and arsenic into stored food.
If you notice that the food has mold, throw the container in the trash without opening it. “These mycotoxins and spores would spread through the environment as soon as you open the Tupperware, entering through the nose, mouth, skin, eyes...
In September this year, Tupperware Brands filed for bankruptcy in a Delaware court as demand fell, losses mounted, the stock slumped and debt rose. Tupperware revolutionized food and kitchen storage in the latter half of the 20th century and became a household name.
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. Ensure plastic items fit securely in your top dishwasher rack and are not small enough to fit through gaps.
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.
Posting a photo of what can only be described as her genius life hack, she writes: “I use an upside-down metal dish rack to keep my Tupperware from flipping upside down in the dishwasher.” Yep, that's it. Simply invert a drying rack over dirty containers to hold them firmly in place.
Detergents without phosphates can potentially leave a white film on glassware and other items, even the Dishwasher tub itself. This white film is most often observed in hard water areas. Please note that “film” refers to a mineral build up and not etching as a result of using too much detergent.
Every source that we looked at indicated that Polypropylene, HDPE, and LDPE are top rack safe. Please note that LDPE does have a somewhat low temperature rating. Temperatures above the maximum recommended temperature may cause warping or distortion of plastic.
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.