Restaurant services and homeowners alike are choosing this durable material for their dishes, bowls, and general crockery because it is cheap and lightweight, unlike other dishware materials.
However, it is also essential to know how best to clean your melamine dishware. And since most people use dishwashers to clean all their kitchenware, it often leads to the question: Is melamine dishwasher safe?
In this article, we’re going to explain all you need to know about washing melamine in the dishwasher and the best ways to care for and clean your melamine products.
Is Melamine Dishwasher Safe?
Yes, melamine is 100% dishwasher safe because Melamine is Resistant to hot temperatures.
Most melamine dinnerware like plates, bowls, and chopsticks are made of melamine resin, which is an extremely durable substance that is resistant to harsh temperature changes.
This means that all your melamine dinnerware can withstand the hot temperatures in a dishwasher without creating any negative reaction or ruining the products themselves.
When you put melamine in the dishwasher, you are able to safely clean your cookware without damaging it because the hot temperature from the dishwasher will help to fully remove all the grease and grime.
The compounds in the melamine also help it to be resistant to any unnecessary heat while it is cleaned.
Can Melamine Go in the Dishwasher Bottom Rack?
The bottom rack of the dishwasher usually accumulates the most heat, so most people avoid putting anything delicate in that section.
However, you can put melamine in the bottom rack of the dishwasher without worrying about any damage. Melamine is extremely sturdy and is made to withstand extremely hot temperatures such as that of the bottom rack.
Note: When you put melamine in the bottom rack of the dishwasher, it is important to make sure that any lightweight melamine dishware such as cups and small plates are properly and snugly fitted into the rack, so they don't slide down and come in contact with the heating element. Doing this will ensure you avoid any chances of damage and melting because the heating element of the dishwasher is far too hot to come in contact with melamine
Is Melamine Plastic or Ceramic?
Melamine is a type of plastic. While it may not be what comes to mind when you think of conventional plastic material, melamine is made from a nitrogen-rich compound known as melamine resin which is a durable and heat-resistant type of plastic.
How to Clean Melamine? (The Best Ways!)
It is important to properly clean your melamine dinnerware in order to keep them in a good condition for a long time.
We’re going to explain the best ways to clean your melamine bowls, dishes, cups, and any other dinner you have in your home that is made from this material.
Method 1: Using Your Dishwasher
For everyday cleaning of your melamine bowls and dishes, this method is a great way to use your dishwasher to safely remove all the grime and keep it protected from any damage. It will also make the cleaning process go by really quickly.
STEPS
Step 1: Use a soft cloth or sponge to remove any leftover food that may be in the bowls and dishes immediately after them.
Ensure to do this often because leaving food residue on the melamine for a long time can cause deep stains to develop.
Step 2: Soak the melamine in water for about 10 minutes to help remove any tough residues.
Step 3: Gently scrub the surface of the plate or bowl with a soft towel or sponge.
Step 4: Finally, place the melamine in the dishwasher and let the dishwasher further clean it.
Method 2: Without Using a Dishwasher (Handwashing)
If you don’t have access to a dishwasher, then you can also clean your melamine by handwashing them using this method.
It is a seamless process that will ensure your melamine dinnerware is cleaned and cared for in the best way possible.
Just follow the steps below:
STEPS
Step 1: Immediately after use, rinse off any food residue that may be on the bowls, dishes cups, and any other melamine crockery you intend to clean.
Step 2: Add some dish soap to a bowl of warm water.
Step 3: Using a soft sponge, scrub each of the melamine items to remove all grease and grime.
Step 4: Rinse melamine dinnerware in clean water.
Step 5: Buff them dry with a towel and disinfect them if necessary.
Method 3: Removing Tough Stains
Melamine tends to accumulate a lot of stains over time and if you’re trying to remove those tough stains on your cups, dishes, and bowls, then this method is perfect for you.
It is a hassle-free cleaning method that will have your melamine looking good as new and it only requires the key steps below.
STEPS
Step 1: In a big bowl, make a solution with water and granulated detergent.
Step 2: Place the melamine in the solution and let it soak for 4 hours.
Step 3: Take out the dishes, bowls, and cups and rinse them with water.
Step 4: Next, add about ¼ of a cup of baking soda to a small plate.
Step 5: Add a few drops of warm water into the baking soda until a thick paste is formed. The paste should have the consistency of toothpaste.
Step 6: Dampen a soft sponge with water and dip it into the baking soda paste.
Step 7: Scrub all the melamine with this sponge and paste until all the stains are gone.
Step 8: Wash the melamine items with dish soap and warm water to fully remove any baking soda and stain residue.
Step 9: Rinse with water and buff dry with a clean towel.
Method 4: For Tea & Coffee Stains
Melamine cups are often prone to beverage stains and buildup. and with constant use, these stains accumulate and become nearly impossible to remove.
However, this method will remove all the coffee and tea stains on your melamine cups with a few easy products and the steps ahead.
STEPS
Step 1: Sprinkle a beverage stain remover (like Dip It cleaner) all over the cup evenly.
Step 2: Then, add some hot water into the cup and let it sit for an hour
Step 3: Use a soft sponger to scrub the cup till all the stains come off
Step 4: Rinse the cups with warm water. Now takes a look at the completely clean and stain-free surface of your melamine cups.
Method 5
Another great way to remove tough stains and grime from your melamine without causing any damage is to make a cleaning solution with denture cleaning tablets. This method is great for cleaning melamine plates, bowls, and other dishware.
STEPS
Step 1: Fill a cup with warm water.
Step 2: Drop a denture-cleaning tablet into the cup and let it sit for about 5 minutes to ensure the tablet completely dissolves.
Step 3: Pour small parts of the cleaning solution into any plates and bowls that need to be cleaned.
Step 4: Using a damp sponge or scotch Brite pad, gently scrub melamine till all the stains and dirt residues come off.
Step 5: Make a mixture of warm soapy water by mixing dish soap and warm water.
Step 6: Dip the sponge into the soapy water mixture and use it to wash the melamine. This will ensure you remove any residual cleaning solution and dirt that may be on the surface.
Step 7: Rinse the melamine with clean water and buff dry with a towel.
What to Avoid Using on Melamine?
1- Bleach: it can remove the finish on your melamine cookware and also cause harsh white stains and damage
2- Steel wool/ brillo pads: These cleaning tools are too abrasive and will take off the finish on the melamine cookware.
3- Serrated/ steak knives: These types of utensils can cause deep scratches on melamine and ruin the glossy smooth finish of the product.
4- Microwave/ovens: Melamine is not safe to use in the microwave or ovens because the extreme heat can dry out the material of the products. This leads to brittleness and cracking that damage the look of the melamine.
Conclusion!
Melamine is a great choice of dinnerware that is easy to clean and maintain.
The best part of it is that you now know it is totally dishwasher safe, so you can reduce your cleaning time by placing all your melamine bowls, plates, cups, and other cookware in the dishwasher without worrying about any damage.
We have also shown you the best ways to clean your melamine no matter the condition they are in. Now you can confidently use and clean this popular cookware material without any hassle.
