Safely Washing Melamine Dishes in the Lower Dishwasher Rack
Melamine dinnerware offers a reusable, break-resistant option for casual meals and outdoor gatherings. Because it withstands heat better than some plastics, it can go in the lower rack, provided items are arranged to stay put and avoid the heating element.
By Harper Mitchell4 steps
Load the dishwasher with the dirty sides facing the center.
Melamine is a tough, long-lasting plastic that can go in the dishwasher and be used again and again. It works well as a substitute for dishes that break easily, particularly for occasions such as picnics or when kids are present. Most plastic goes on the upper rack of a dishwasher since it may melt if placed too near the bottom heating element. Melamine, though, is strong enough to handle the lower rack. Be careful that light melamine pieces don't shift during the cycle and touch the heating element.
Step 1
Arrange all plates together on the bottom rack, with the soiled side turned toward the middle. Order them from biggest to smallest, placing the smallest in the center. This allows the most water to reach the surface.
Step 2
Position bowls the same way, dirty side facing the center and the smallest ones nearest the middle. Leave enough room between bowls so water can reach every side.
Step 3
Put melamine utensils in the utensil basket with the dirty sides pointing up. Spread forks, spoons and knives across different sections of the basket rather than grouping them together. When forks or spoons are placed together, they tend to nest and may not get fully clean.
Step 4
Place small plastic melamine dishes on the bottom rack in spots where they will stay put. The smallest melamine items, such as cups and small serving dishes, are the ones most likely to cause trouble. Make sure they sit snugly in the rack so they don't flip out from the water pressure and slide down onto a heating element. Melamine can melt if it is directly on a heating element.
