Kitchen · Food Containers
Can I Put a Plastic Container in the Dishwasher?
Something else…
What else can go in the dishwasher?
- Cast Iron PanRISKY
- Wooden Cutting BoardNO
- Nonstick PanYES, WITH LIMITS
- Stainless SteelYES, WITH LIMITS
- Silicone UtensilsYES, WITH LIMITS
- Plastic ContainerYES, WITH LIMITS
Something else…
Other answers for Plastic Container
- OvenYES, WITH LIMITS
- MicrowaveYES, WITH LIMITS
- DishwasherYES, WITH LIMITS
YES, WITH LIMITS
Safe only under specific conditions. The conditions are the answer.
Yes, if the container or its manufacturer says it is dishwasher-safe. Put top-rack-only items on the upper rack and secure lids or light pieces so they cannot fall through. If there is no dishwasher guidance, hand-wash it; a microwave-safe mark alone is not approval for dishwasher use.
Compatibility summary
- Can I use them together?Only under conditions
- Main riskWarping or melting
- What gets damagedThe container
- InsteadHand-wash unmarked plastic
The conditions
Fine to do
- The base, lid, and any removable seal are each marked dishwasher-safe or covered by the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Any top-rack-only pieces stay on the upper rack.
- Lightweight parts fit securely between tines or in the dishwasher’s small-item holder.
- The open side faces down at an angle without blocking a spray arm.
Never do
- Do not put a container with no dishwasher-safe marking or manufacturer guidance in the dishwasher.
- Do not treat a microwave-safe mark as dishwasher approval.
- Do not place a top-rack-only base, lid, or seal on the lower rack.
- Do not leave lightweight pieces loose enough to fall through the rack or block a spray arm.
- Do not use a heated-dry or high-temperature option if the container’s care instructions rule it out.
Why those conditions exist
Heat softens the plastic
Hot wash water and heated drying can soften plastic that is not rated for those conditions. Pressure from tines or heavier dishes can then leave the container warped.
Spray moves light pieces
Water jets can shift a loose container or lid. A piece that falls through the rack may block a spray arm or melt if it lands on an exposed heating element.
Microwave-Safe Is Separate
Microwave-safe directions cover reheating under the container maker’s instructions. They do not establish that the plastic can handle dishwasher detergent, drying heat, or a lower-rack position.
Dishwasher limits can also differ by part. Check the base, lid, and removable seal separately, then follow any top-rack-only wording.
Sources
- NSF — Food Storage Containers
- Whirlpool — How to Load a Dishwasher Properly
- Whirlpool — Warping/Distortion of Plastics
- Rubbermaid — EasyFindLids Food Storage Container Set with SilverShield Antimicrobial Product Protection
Reviewed 1 September 2026 · Reviewed NSF guidance and current Whirlpool and Rubbermaid instructions on labeling, top-rack placement, heated drying, and separate limits for bases and lids.