Is Melamine Safe for Your Dishwasher?

Melamine tableware is lightweight, robust, and heat-resistant. Plus, it comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, including ramekins, saucers, chopsticks, fry cones, display trays, and melamine bowls. Melamine dinnerware comes in a variety of colors and styles, making it an aesthetically adaptable product that complements practically any situation. Is melamine dishwasher safe? Let’s go into the details of this stylish tableware material.

is melamine dishwasher safe — Image credit: healthline.com

What Is Melamine Made Of?

Melamine is a type of plastic manufactured from dicyandiamide, hydrogen cyanide, or urea. It is often used to make long-lasting, inexpensive dinnerware and kitchenware. But don’t let the word “plastic” put you off; melamine dinnerware is a notch above ordinary plastic plates.

Is Melamine Dishwasher Safe?

Most melamine tableware is dishwasher-safe. However, there are a few cautions to consider. Melamine can endure temperatures of up to 200°F (93°C), which is well within the capacity of most domestic dishwashers. However, prolonged exposure to high heat can cause melamine to degrade and potentially produce toxic compounds such as formaldehyde and melamine itself. Melamine can crack, fade, or become dull over time due to exposure to high heat and harsh dishwasher detergents.

Top 7 Benefits of Melamine Dinnerware

1. Durable And Virtually Unbreakable

Melamine resin makes it extremely robust and shatterproof, making melamine products more attractive than other plastic kitchenware. Everyday use is easier on melamine, and it also doesn’t get scratched as easily as other materials do over time. Ideal for houses with children or clumsy adults.

2. Looks And Feels Like Fine Porcelain And Ceramic

Melamine dinnerware has come a long way since its basic plastic beginnings. With a glossy finish and elegant designs, melamine dinnerware can mimic the look and feel of more expensive porcelain and ceramic pieces.

3. Best Quality Food-safe Plastic And BPA Free

The FDA Safety and Risk Assessment of Melamine confirms that this type of plastic is completely safe to use. Melamine from reputable manufacturers is made from BPA-free and food-safe ingredients, giving it a safer option to other plastics. Conventional oven and microwave use is avoided because high oven temperatures and microwaves can harm the material’s integrity.

4. Perfect For Indoor And Outdoor Entertaining

Melamine tableware and serveware is more adaptable than high-end porcelain or ceramic, making it ideal for both casual indoor meals and more formal outdoor gatherings. Enjoy the convenience of using melamine dinnerware for all your outdoor gatherings, whether it’s a casual barbecue, a poolside meal, or even a beautiful outdoor wedding. With melamine, you can relax and enjoy without the worry of breakage or chipping.

5. Elegant Yet Affordable

Melamine provides a cost-effective alternative to pricey porcelain and china without sacrificing style. Even though it can withstand the wear and tear of everyday usage, melamine tableware is still appropriate for more formal occasions like weddings and dinner parties. You can get elegant melamine dinnerware sets for a fraction of the price of ceramic or porcelain pieces.

6. Easy To Clean And Dishwasher Safe

Melamine tableware makes cleanup quick and simple. The nonporous nature of melamine makes it both stain-resistant and easy to rinse. Most melamine dishes are dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup a joy. Absolutely, just follow the manufacturer’s directions for the best results.

7. Comes In Stylish Colors And Unique Patterns

Melamine tableware is available in a variety of designs to suit every taste, ranging from basic white to dramatic patterns. Astound your guests with the enchanting blue melamine collection. Invite all the extended family around for a meal using contemporary white-ware melamine tableware. Melamine tableware allows you to express your style in whatever way you see fit!

Risks of Using Melamine

While melamine tableware is generally regarded safe when used as intended, there are a few potential dangers to consider:

Scratches and cracks: Melamine can acquire minor scratches or cracks over time, allowing bacteria to grow and making cleaning more difficult.
Heat sensitivity: When exposed to high temperatures, such as in the microwave or oven, melamine can be destroyed or emit toxic compounds.
Chemical leaching: Some lower-cost melamine products may include trace levels of melamine or formaldehyde, which could leach into food or beverages. Products with melamine contamination over the limits specified in the FDA’s risk assessment may put patients at risk of kidney stones, renal failure, and even death.

How to Minimize Your Risk From Melamine?

To reduce the dangers connected with melamine tableware, follow the following tips:

Purchase melamine dinnerware from recognized brands that conform to stringent safety regulations.
Avoid cooking melamine in the microwave or oven. The chemicals in melamine will not transfer into your meal unless you heat it to 160 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
Replace any melamine dishes that have been scratched, broken, or damaged.
When possible, hand wash melamine dishes or run them through a moderate dishwasher cycle.
Melamine is best suited for cold or room-temperature foods and beverages.

How to Care For Melamine?

To extend the longevity of your melamine dishes and avoid potential chemical leaching, follow these care instructions:

Whenever feasible, hand wash melamine plates with warm, soapy water.
Clean with a paper towel, a soft clean cloth (dry or damp), or a sponge.
If you’re using the dishwasher, use a low heat setting and skip the drying cycle.
Avoid using abrasive scrubbing pads or harsh chemicals, since they can harm the surface.
After washing in hot water, allow melamine plates to completely cool before touching them.
Melamine dishes should be stored somewhere dry and cold, away from direct sunshine and heat sources.

What to Use Instead of Melamine?

If you’re still on the fence about using melamine, explore these other dinnerware options:

Stainless steel. Steel tableware is sturdy and long-lasting, so it won’t break in the hands of children! Recommended for young families.
Glass. If you’re concerned about chemical migration into your food, the best option is oven-safe or tempered glass.
Bamboo or wood. Wood tableware is more sustainable than steel and glass, and unlike ceramic, it does not break. Before making a purchase, find out if they were manufactured with problematic non-food grade oils.
Ceramic. Keep an eye out for pollutants in the clay or glazes, particularly heavy metals, which may leach into food or beverages.
Enameled dishes. Enameled dishes not only have a stylish retro design, but they are also free of plastic and melamine!

Final Thoughts

Even though melamine dinnerware is usually safe to wash in the dishwasher, there are still measures you can take to reduce your exposure to chemicals that could be dangerous. Whether you embrace the melamine trend or go with a different material, prioritizing longevity, safety, and style in your dinnerware is always a winning mix.

FAQs

Does melamine fade in the dishwasher?

Is Melamine Dishwasher Safe? Yes, melamine is dishwasher safe! However, be aware that the dishwasher can fade your dinnerware’s colors somewhat.

Can melamine go in the dishwasher bottom rack?

Plastic is typically washed on the top rack of the dishwasher because it can melt if it is too close to the heating element on the bottom. However, melamine is durable enough to be washed on the bottom rack of the dishwasher.

What are the disadvantages of melamine?

One disadvantage is that they can discolor or warp when exposed to high heat, so they are not the best choice for areas that experience high heat, such as near stoves and ovens. Additionally, melamine cabinets can be difficult to repair when they get damaged or scratched.

Are melamine glasses dishwasher safe?

We love that these glasses have a sleek look that’s versatile enough for dinner parties and everyday use. Best of all, they’re dishwasher safe, so keeping them clean is a cinch.

Why can’t melamine go in dishwasher?

Melamine tableware is considered 100% dishwasher safe. Most variations of melamine servingware can handle temperatures that exceed recommended dishwasher temperatures. Additionally, melamine can retain high heat, allowing it to dry faster than standard dishware.

Is melamine dishwasher and microwave safe?

Foods and drinks should not be heated on melamine-based dinnerware in microwave ovens. Only ceramic or other cookware which specifies that the cookware is microwave-safe should be used.