7

Just bought these cups from IKEA.

enter image description here

Beside from being dusty, I asked myself whether I should put these once before usage into the dishwasher to "wash away toxics" that might be on the surface of the cups.

On the other hand, this might be pure superstition.

My question:

Should I dishwash plastic cups/plates before first use?

Improve this question
4
  • 1
    Care to tell me why the downvote?
    – Uwe Keim
    Commented Jul 2, 2014 at 14:25
  • 7
    Why would you NOT want to wash something before using it to consume a beverage?
    – Cos Callis
    Commented Jul 2, 2014 at 16:45
  • 2
    @coscallis maybe because it came wrapped and/or looks clean and/or is likely to be covered with something that is not cleanable by simply washing with water and soap?
    – Uwe Keim
    Commented Jul 2, 2014 at 16:48
  • 1
    I think washing by hand with warm water and soap should be fine. A dishwasher isn't necessary.
    – Carey Gregory
    Commented Jul 2, 2014 at 23:30

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
17

Generally, yes, to wash off any chemicals that might have been used to finish the plastics or rinse any sprue away. If you're going to be putting the dishwasher on anyway, you might as well throw them in.

Improve this answer
4
  • 11
    And if the products were not packaged, wash off whatever ended up on the product after who-knows-how-many other people in the store handled it before you bought it. When you've seen someone in a store pick their nose then pick up some kitchen appliance and then put it down, you'll know what I mean. ;)
    – FrustratedWithFormsDesigner
    Commented Jul 2, 2014 at 21:47
  • 3
    What chemicals might these be? Least time I checked food grade injection molding didn't use spurious chemicals. Only virgin resin and heat
    – TFD
    Commented Jul 5, 2014 at 13:14
  • 4
    @TFD, most likely, a release agent used to coat the injection mold.
    – Mark
    Commented Jan 18, 2015 at 6:20
  • 2
    Release agents aren't normally used for plastic injection molding? They are used for fiberglass etc.
    – TFD
    Commented Jan 18, 2015 at 7:53
1

Lemon and or pine oil (lemon first) could be helpful along with baking soda mixed in, shake it around or use as a warm washing mix. Alternatively you can use soap and warm water, just be sure it smells like clean plastic when you're done, not chemicals from production or from your soap.

Improve this answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.