Can Melamine Go in the Dishwasher?

Originally Created on: April 18, 2022 @ 2:01 pm

Melamine is a nitrogen-containing compound commonly used by utensils, countertops, and dishware manufacturing companies. But, can melamine go in the dishwasher?

Melamine and its salts act as fire-retardant additives in plastic materials used in utensils and most kitchenware with its salts.

A blend of melamine with other fibers forms a compound of low conductivity and excellent flame resistance. Melamine-formaldehyde-resins (MFR) are among the preferred compound because it gives a smooth surface.

However, the use of melamine in the manufacture of kitchen items has faced criticism from many people. Some believe that the compounds found in melamine would be toxic to humans. One of the most widely asked questions about this compound is, “can melamine go in the dishwasher?”

This article attempts to answer the question by exploring the existing controversies and considerations concerning the use of melamine in dishware and plastic products. The article explores the possibilities of melamine in kitchen utensils finding its way into your dishwasher.

Let’s get straight to it!

Can Melamine Go in the Dishwasher?

Yes, melamine are dishwasher safe. They are made of materials that are highly resistant and can withstand both the high temperatures from your dishwasher water as well as the harsh chemicals that come in some dishwasher detergent.

It is 100% safe for melamine to go in the dishwasher. If you are about to host last-minute guests and do not have clean dishes to serve your food, you can always save on cleaning time by placing them in the dishwasher.

However, it is always important to ensure that melamine is cleaned immediately. This is done to prevent it from exposure to permanent stains that may become stubborn even after washing using a dishwasher.

It is also perfectly normal for melamine to get some scratches or lose its sparkle after cleaning using a dishwasher. Like the rest of the typical dishes used at home, melamine may get scratched by knives and forks during cleaning. The secret is to ensure that you get rid of food right away as soon as you are done eating if you want to continue maintaining melamine aesthetics.

While it is safe to wash melamine in the dishware, never heat melamine-based dinnerware in microwave ovens. Unlike plastic, melamine can get super hot before the food warms up if put in a microwave. The danger is that the plate may explode, or the heat may lead to the release of toxic compounds associated with chronic diseases such as kidney failure.

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Can Melamine Plates Go in the Dishwasher?

Yes. Melamine plates can go in the dishwasher. An experiment on these plates has shown that they can be subjected to high dishwasher pressure without cracking.

Be keen to ensure that all dirty plates have been loaded together in the dishwasher rack with their dirty faces facing the center. It is also important for someone to arrange them in order beginning with the largest plates followed by the smaller ones.

By arranging the melamine plates by size in the dishwasher rack, you maximize the water that will hit their dirty surfaces while washing. Ensure the plates are carefully arranged to prevent them from flipping when cleaning. Flipping may cause the plates to slide down, finding their way onto the heating element.

Melamine plates are durable which means they are not prone to being easily damaged from constant washing or humidity, neither can they lose their color from the being cleaned regularly. Melamine dishes are also known to dry much faster than other cookware.

There you go, melamine plates are dishwasher safe. Cleaning them in the dishwasher will definitely save you some valuable time, allowing you more time to entertain your guests or spend more time with your family.

Can Melamine Go in the Bottom Rack of the Dishwasher?

Absolutely. Melamine is tough and durable, unlike fragile plastic plates, which are susceptible to breaking when put in the bottom rack. Melamine is also resistant to temperature changes, unlike plastic which is affected by slight temperature changes experienced at the bottom of the dishwasher.

However, as much as melamine is break-resistant, this does not automatically mean that it is unbreakable. You should, therefore, be very careful when inserting melamine utensils at the bottom of the dishwasher, making sure that they do not move around. The melamine is at the risk of coming into contact with the heating element if it starts moving around at the bottom of the dishwasher.

You should also ensure that you arrange them accordingly to prevent any damages to your melamine cookware, preferably from the largest to the smallest.

Remember, the dishwashers operates in high temperature conditions as well as under very harsh chemicals from dishwasher detergent; therefore, with continuous use of the dishwasher on a daily basis, natural wear and tear on your melamine cookware is bound to happen.

Also Read: Why is my dishwasher making a clunking noise? (3 Key Reasons Why)

Is it Safe to Put Melamine in the Dishwasher?

Yes, it’s very much safe to put melamine in the dishwasher. Melamine are made of durable materials that is capable of withstanding both the high temperature from the dishwasher water as well as the harsh chemicals found in dishwasher detergents.

When it comes to safety, it’s important to ensure the melamine dishware are placed accordingly on the dishwasher to prevent any sort of damages to your dishware by any sort of movement during the cleaning process.

Another important aspect to keep in mind would be how exactly the melamine dishware are arranged in the dishwasher.

Conclusion

Melamine dishware is unique and high-quality, making it a perfect solution for residential and commercial use. Commercial users are the greatest beneficiaries of melamine’s kitchen products; the smooth, shiny features make kitchenware outstanding. Additionally, melamine items come in different colors and designs, enabling commercial users to select their preferred tastes.

 Like the rest of the utensils used at home, melamine can also go in the dishwasher. However, the user must be careful when loading melamine in the dishware rack to prevent it from coming into contact with the dishwasher’s heating element.

If you are torn between plastic and melamine dinnerware, we recommend melamine items for your cabinet because they are easy to clean, heat resistant, and not easily broken.