Plastic items such as cups, bowls and lids manufactured with "dishwasher safe" plastic aren't impossible to clean in a dishwasher. In fact, the hot water generated in a dishwasher not only cleans, but also helps to disinfect the plastic. When you can't get a plastic item clean in a dishwasher it is usually because of improper preparation of the item before turning on the cycle, not using the correct dishwashing cleaners to remove preexisting stains or using too much detergent -- areas of your routine that you can correct.
Instructions
1. Rinse the plastic pieces before placing them in the dishwasher. Rinsing beforehand guarantees that colorful foods such as tomatoes and blueberries won't leave stains or harden onto the plastic before you start the wash cycle.
2. Open your dishwasher door and pull out the top rack.
3. Place the plastic in the dishwasher top rack only with the food side -- the side of the plastic that had food on it originally -- facing down to make certain that the water jets reach the dirty surfaces. For example, open ends of bowls and cups should face down. If you're cleaning lightweight items such as lids or small bowls, place the items between larger items or, if you dishwasher rack has clips, clip the items to the rack.
4. Fill the dishwasher with additional dishes and cookware as you would normally. Pour in your dishwasher detergent, close the door and turn on a standard or normal wash cycle. If you're dealing with plastic that already has stains, add a commercial plastic boosting agent to the dishwasher before closing the door.
5. Wait for the cycle to end and the dishwasher to cool. Once it cools, wipe the plastic items dry to prevent water spotting.
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