Storage containers are important for every household, especially for people who like to keep their refrigerators and pantry organized.
OXO is one of the most popular companies offering an array of storage containers. In addition, they have peelers, coffee machines, and other kitchen accessories that make the kitchen work convenient.
However, cleaning and washing these kitchen accessories and storage containers can be a huge concern for some people, which is why we are sharing if the OXO products are dishwasher-safe or not!
Are OXO Products Dishwasher-Safe?
A dishwasher is one of the easiest ways of washing and keeping kitchen equipment clean. It’s easy and doesn’t require effort.
However, the dishwasher uses warm water and not all kitchen equipment can be exposed to heat, which is why it’s important to consider if the OXO products are dishwasher-safe or not.
The OXO storage containers can be washed in the dishwasher as long as you put them in the top rack of your unit. However, you shouldn’t wash the lid in the dishwasher, so don’t forget to take it off.
The OXO storage containers are designed with a high-temperature threshold, which is why you can wash them in the dishwasher. However, not all the containers are dishwasher-safe.
For this purpose, we recommend that you check the container’s manual to make sure it can be washed in the dishwasher – the manual also specifies the temperature range it can endure.
This is important because some older containers aren’t dishwasher-safe, which means it’s model-dependent. The older models had silicone gaskets, which could be washed in the dishwasher but not in other parts.
However, some people have complained about dishwasher ruining their storage containers even if they were labeled as dishwasher-safe.
In particular, the storage containers melt in the bottom, particularly if you select elaborating dishwashing cycles.
Washing The OXO Storage Containers In The Dishwasher – The Right Method
If you are certain that the storage containers are dishwasher-safe, we are sharing the dishwashing instructions that you’ve to follow to ensure the bottom doesn’t melt. The instructions include;
- First of all, you need to disassemble your storage containers and remove the lids (it’s extremely convenient to remove the lids)
- To ensure thorough cleaning, we recommend that you hand wash the container in a warm and soapy solution
- Put your storage containers on the top rack of your dishwasher and select the gentle cycle
- Select the warm water temperature and turn it on
Keep in mind that the lids must not be placed in the dishwasher. Once the lids and containers have been washed, it’s recommended that you air dry them for twenty to thirty minutes.
Washing The OXO Storage Containers Manually
In case you have the older OXO storage containers that weren’t dishwasher-safe, you have to wash them by hand and we are sharing the instructions for handwashing;
- To begin with, you need to disassemble the OXO storage container and move its lid in the direction of indicated arrows
- Take out the plastic lining of the lid and make a mixture of lukewarm water and dishwashing liquid
- Use this solution to wash the container and lid, and if you cannot scrub, just let the solution sit in the container for a few minutes and then wash everything under running water
- Once the soapy solution has been washed away, just use a paper towel or soft cloth to dry the containers and lids
- Then, let it air-dry for a few minutes but don’t make the mistake of putting liners and lids in direct sunlight
The Right Detergent To Use
Which detergent you use can directly impact the cleaning quality. It’s recommended that you use the dishwashing detergent that’s formulated to be used with automatic dishwashers.
In addition, there are different types of dishwashers available in the market, including packs, tablets, powder, liquid, and gels. For this reason, you’ve to see what suits your needs.
The powder, liquid, and gel-based dishwashing detergents are easier to find and you should fill the detergent dispenser up to the fill line.
The Right Washing Cycle
The dishwashers have been designed with three different cycles, including heavy-duty, normal, and quick. The cycle depends on the size of the load and how dirty the containers are.
- Quick – this mode consumes more energy, water, and a high temperature for quicker cleaning and it’s recommended to select this wash cycle when the containers are soiled
- Normal – it’s enough to clean the everyday mess without consuming extra water and is suitable for day-to-day loads
- Heavy-duty – it utilizes high temperature and more water to wash the heavily soiled containers
Make sure that the dishwasher’s temperature is at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit because the extra-hot water can cause warping and damage to the containers.
Things To Do Before Dishwashing OXO Storage Containers
The extremely high temperature is not safe for OXO storage containers, even if they are dishwasher-safe. In addition, if the containers are discolored or deformed, you shouldn’t put them in the dishwasher.
Secondly, you should always use the top rack of the dishwasher for cleaning the containers because it will expose the least heat to the containers and the water pressure won’t flip the containers.
Thirdly, always put the containers face-down and in the middle where the sprayer arm can spray enough water to ensure thorough cleaning – it also ensures easier draining of water and detergent.
Is Dishwashing Recommended For OXO Storage Containers?
At this point, it’s clear that OXO storage containers are dishwasher-safe but it’s not always a great idea. That’s because the dishwasher-safe label means that containers won’t have immediate damage.
This is important because the dishwashers need to be harsh to ensure effective cleaning, such as strong detergents and boiling hot water. While dishwashing is convenient, repetitive dishwashing damages storage containers.
With time, the plastic becomes thinner and will start wearing out quicker. In addition, the containers might develop a hazy white screen, which is caused by the buildup of minerals.
The bottom line is that you can put the OXO storage containers in the dishwasher as long as there is a label on them. However, try to minimize the use of dishwashers for cleaning to prevent plastic thinning.