Here's Why Your Dishwasher Isn't Drying Plastic And What To Do About It

Having a dishwasher is supposed to make your life easier. In theory, all of your dishes should come out clean and dry when you run this appliance, so it can be frustrating when you find yourself drying recently washed items by hand. You may notice that plasticware is the most likely item to come out of your dishwasher still wet. Dishwashers do not always completely dry plastic in the same way as other materials because of their differences in heat retention, but you may still be able to improve the efficiency of your appliance or use other methods to ensure dry plasticware.

A dishwasher is designed to tackle a variety of materials, including plastic, glass, ceramic, and silverware. However, this appliance may not always dry plastic as well. This all has to do with the differences in heat retention. Ceramic, glass, and other materials can stay very hot after a dishwasher cycle is complete, with any remaining water drops evaporating during the process. Due to its lower density though, plastic does not have the same level of heat retention. Also, plastic is partially made with oil, which can make any water more likely to bead on its surface rather than roll away. This explains why your dishes, silverware, and glassware might be completely dry, but plastic food storage containers might still be wet. However, if you find that none of your items are dry, it might be worth exploring some of the other possible reasons why your dishwasher isn't drying your dishes.

Another consideration is whether your dishwasher is actually designed to wash plasticware. Unless the maker of the dishwasher explicitly states that it is safe to wash and dry plastic items, experts recommend that you keep these items out of your appliance altogether. Like other things you should never put in your dishwasher, such as wood, crystal, and cast iron, you may need to wash these pieces by hand instead. Otherwise, you might consider upgrading your dishwasher to a model with enhanced drying features, especially if you're seeing additional signs your dishwasher is too old. Some types of newer appliances even contain crystals that increase your dishwasher's heating capabilities.

You don't necessarily need to buy a new dishwasher in order to get your plasticware fully dry, though. Before going this route, consider changing the way you use your dishwasher. First, make sure you are using your dishwasher's heat features. Also, do not overload the dishwasher or lay items too close to one another, as this can prevent proper air circulation during the drying cycle. Another way to encourage water evaporation is to open the door slightly as soon as the drying cycle is complete.