Although some plastics are dishwasher-safe, they can melt and burn when they are small enough to fall through the rack and onto the heating element. When this happens the smell is awful. The dishes most likely require another wash cycle to remove the smell, however you must also remove the melted plastic from the heating element. Cleaning plastic off a dishwasher heating element requires removing the plastic and neutralizing the odor.
Instructions
1. Turn on the overhead stove exhaust fan and a nearby window. Turn off the circuit breaker to the dishwasher.
2. Open the dishwasher door and pull out the lower dish rack. Remove the dishes from the rack and remove the rack completely from the dishwasher. Most lower dish racks simply roll out of the unit. Allow the heating element to cool completely.
3. Get under larger portions of the melted plastic with a plastic spatula. The large portions usually pop off the bottom of the dishwasher and around the heating element once it is completely cool.
4. Scrape away any remaining plastic from the heating element with a sharp utility knife. Angle the blade as flat as possible against the heating element to avoid gouging the element. Wipe the element clean with a wet cloth.
5. Fill two dishwasher-safe measuring cups with white vinegar. Insert the lower dish rack into the dishwasher and place the two measuring cups in the lower dish rack. Close the dishwasher door and turn on the circuit breaker. Run the dishwasher through a regular cycle.
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