Can You Put Tupperware In The Dishwasher

Yes, you can put many types of Tupperware and plastic food containers in the dishwasher, but there are smart ways to do it so they last longer and stay safe. This guide breaks down the symbols, materials, and best practices, so you can clean your containers without warping, staining, or losing that perfect lid seal.

The Short Answer

Most modern Tupperware-brand containers and many quality plastic containers are dishwasher safe on the top rack. The safest approach is to check the symbol on the bottom. If you see a dishwasher symbol or the words “Dishwasher Safe” or “Top Rack Only,” you are good to go—on the top rack. Avoid the bottom rack and avoid high-heat or sanitize cycles for plastic to prevent warping.

Quick Rule of Thumb

If it is plastic, put it on the top rack, select a normal or eco cycle, and turn off heated dry if possible. If it is glass or silicone, any rack is typically fine. When in doubt, hand-wash with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge.

What Counts as “Tupperware”?

Tupperware is a brand, but many people use the word for any plastic food container. The cleaning advice can vary depending on the actual material and age of the item. Knowing what you have helps you choose the safest wash method.

Brand vs. Generic Containers

Official Tupperware-brand products usually include care symbols on the bottom. Many generic containers do too, but not always. If your container has no symbols, treat it gently: top rack, cooler water, and no heated dry. If you have a very cheap or thin container, it is more likely to warp or become cloudy in a dishwasher.

Common Materials You’ll See

Most modern Tupperware-brand plastic containers are polypropylene, often marked with the recycling number 5 (PP). This plastic handles everyday dishwasher temperatures fairly well. Some older containers may be made from polycarbonate, which can be more sensitive to heat over time. Tupperware also sells glass and silicone pieces, which are more heat-resistant. If you have off-brand containers, they might be polystyrene or other plastics that dislike high heat; use extra care.

How Dishwashers Can Affect Plastic

Dishwashers use a mix of hot water, strong detergents, and forceful spray. That cleaning power is great for dishes, but it can be tough on plastic if you use the wrong rack or cycle.

Heat, Detergent, and Water Pressure

Heat softens plastic. Strong alkaline detergents and long, hot cycles increase the risk of warping and can cause cloudiness or a rough feel over time. Water jets can flip light containers, making them sit on the heating area or collect dirty water.

Where Damage Usually Happens

The heating element is usually at the bottom of the dishwasher. The bottom rack experiences higher heat, especially during dry phases. Plastic on the bottom rack is more likely to warp or melt slightly. Lids can twist, seals can loosen, and containers can develop a permanent wobble if exposed to too much heat.

How to Tell If Yours Is Dishwasher-Safe

Turn your container over and check the base. Most modern products include clear symbols and words to guide you.

Symbols and Words to Look For

A dishwasher-safe symbol often looks like a dish or glass with water droplets or spray lines. Some may say “Top Rack Only,” which means keep it away from the heat and the element at the bottom. You might also see microwave and freezer symbols. Remember that “microwave safe” does not always mean “dishwasher safe.” If a container says “hand wash only,” do not put it in the dishwasher.

If You Do Not See a Symbol

Assume the safe route. Place it on the top rack, use a normal or eco cycle, and skip heated dry. If it warps or turns cloudy after a few washes, hand-wash that item in the future. For treasured or older pieces, hand-washing is the best long-term choice.

Best Practices for Washing Tupperware in the Dishwasher

With a few simple habits, you can keep your containers looking good and sealing well for years.

Loading Tips That Prevent Warping and Flip-Overs

Always use the top rack for plastic. Keep containers away from the bottom heating element and large metal items that hold heat. Place heavier items beside or under lightweight containers to keep them from flipping. Stand lids at a slight angle so water drains instead of pooling. Use a small-mesh dishwasher basket or a mesh laundry bag for tiny lids and seals so they do not fall through the rack.

Cycle, Temperature, and Drying Settings

Use a normal or eco cycle, not sanitize or high-heat cycles, for plastic. If your machine allows it, lower the water temperature or choose a “plastics” setting. Turn off heated dry to avoid extra heat exposure. Open the door after the cycle to let steam escape, then let containers air-dry or towel-dry to protect seals.

Detergent and Rinse Aid Choices

Use a standard dishwasher detergent from a trusted brand. Pods are fine, but avoid extra-strong or heavy-duty formulas designed for baked-on pans when washing lots of plastic. Avoid chlorine bleach in the dishwasher unless your machine specifically allows it and the container maker says it is safe. A small amount of rinse aid can help water sheet off and reduce spots. Do not pour vinegar directly into the dishwasher; it can be harsh on rubber parts and metal inside the machine.

Preventing and Removing Stains and Odors

Tomato sauces, curries, and oils love to cling to plastic. A little prep and the right treatments can keep containers clear and fresh.

Before You Wash

Rinse out tomato or oily sauces soon after use. A quick wipe with a paper towel or a tiny drop of dish soap before loading helps a lot. For very strong sauces, rub a thin film of cooking oil inside the container before filling it next time; this barrier reduces staining.

After a Stain Happens

Try a baking soda paste with warm water and a soft sponge. Let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes, then rinse and wash. For lingering odors, fill the container with warm water and add a teaspoon of baking soda or a denture-cleaning tablet; soak for an hour, then wash. Lemon juice can help with smell and light staining. For sun bleaching, place the clean, damp container in bright indirect sunlight for a few hours. Avoid abrasive scrub pads and harsh scouring powders that scratch and make future stains worse.

What About Lids, Seals, and Gaskets?

Lids and soft seals can react differently to heat than the container body. Treat them with extra care to keep a tight, reliable seal.

Special Care for Flexible Parts

Wash lids, seals, and gaskets on the top rack only. Angle them so water can drain, and keep them away from the dishwasher walls where heat can build up. If a lid warps, you can sometimes fix it by soaking it in very warm (not boiling) water for a few minutes, then gently shaping it flat and letting it cool under a light weight. If seals stretch or crack, replacements may be available for brand-name items.

Old or Discolored Tupperware: Keep or Replace?

Older plastic can become cloudy, etched, or sticky-feeling. It may still be usable, but it might not be ideal for the dishwasher or for hot foods.

Signs It Is Time to Retire a Container

Watch for cracks, crazing, deep scratches, peeling, or a persistent odor you cannot remove. If the lid no longer seals tightly or the base rocks because of warping, it is time to replace it. For Tupperware-brand items, you may have warranty options for warping or cracking under normal use. If you suspect your container is very old and made from materials sensitive to heat, hand-wash it or switch to glass for high-heat tasks.

Glass and Silicone Containers

Glass and silicone options are excellent for frequent dishwasher use and for high-heat cycles. They resist staining and odors better and are less likely to warp.

Are They Safer in the Dishwasher?

Yes. Glass bases can go on any rack and usually handle sanitize cycles. Silicone lids are also very heat-tolerant. Still, avoid knocking glass into other items, and check that silicone sits in a way that lets water drain. If a silicone lid traps water, shake it out before storing.

Hand-Washing When You Want Extra Care

Hand-washing is gentle, fast, and sometimes the best option for older items or anything you care about keeping like-new.

A Gentle Routine

Use warm water, a drop of dish soap, and a soft sponge. Focus on seals and corners where grease hides. Rinse well and air-dry upright to prevent musty smells. Avoid abrasive scrubbers and very hot water that can warp lids. If you are washing tomato-stained containers, a quick pre-wipe with oil or a baking soda paste after washing helps keep them clear.

Organizing Tips to Make Dishwashing Easier

A few small habits make a difference if you use plastic containers every day.

Create a “Plastics Zone”

Keep a small mesh basket in your dishwasher just for lids and small pieces so nothing falls and melts. Use the back or a corner of the top rack for containers, and avoid stacking them tightly so water can reach inside. At home, store containers with lids off or slightly ajar to avoid trapped odors. Label sets so the right lid finds the right base quickly and you are not forcing mismatched parts that could warp.

FAQs

Can I use the sanitize cycle with Tupperware?

It is not recommended for plastic. Sanitize cycles run hotter and longer, which increases the risk of warping and shortening the life of the container. If you need a deep clean, use a normal cycle plus a baking soda soak for odors, or choose glass for sanitize cycles.

Can I put stained Tupperware in with white dishes?

Yes, but stains and odors will not transfer to other dishes. To reduce staining in the future, rinse or wipe containers soon after use and avoid very hot cycles for tomato-based sauces.

How do I fix a warped lid?

Soak the lid in very warm water for a few minutes to soften it, place it on the container, and gently press it into shape. Let it cool on the container or under a light weight. If it still does not seal, it may be time to replace the lid.

Are BPA-free containers totally safe in the dishwasher?

BPA-free generally means the container is made from different materials, often polypropylene or Tritan, which handle dishwashers better. However, any plastic can degrade faster with high heat and harsh cycles. The safe approach is still top rack, moderate heat, and no heated dry for long-lasting results.

Conclusion

You can put most modern Tupperware and many plastic containers in the dishwasher, especially on the top rack. The keys are to check the symbols, avoid high-heat or sanitize cycles for plastic, and load smartly so pieces do not flip or sit near the heating element. For stains and odors, simple tricks like quick rinsing, baking soda soaks, and gentle drying keep containers fresh. When in doubt, hand-wash or switch to glass and silicone for heavy-duty dishwasher use. With these beginner-friendly steps, your containers will stay clean, clear, and sealing well for a long time.