How To Get Melted Plastic Off Dishwasher Coil – Quick Tips

We all have experienced opening up our dishwashers after a cleaning cycle only to find a mangled piece of plastic that has melted onto the heating coil.

It might have been our favorite plastic container that had slipped through the rack. Or it could have been the handle of a forgotten utensil that decided to commit suicide. Either way, resist the temptation to call a repair service just yet.

I have been through this nightmare for myself and through a lot of research and practical experience, and after hours and hours of hard work, I’m here to share everything that you need to know about solving this common kitchen disaster.

Why Does Plastic Melt in the Dishwasher Anyway?

You may be amazed at what happens in the first place. You’ll be surprised to know the maximum number of dishes. washes the dish in the heated water around 130 -170°F during the wash and dry process.

Even though this is brilliant enough to clean the dishes till they squeak, this temperature is enough to murder up most of all the plastic items that can’t belong to the dishwasher or drop to the heating element like it’s.

The hard way that when I somehow forgot to stick my son’s plastic sipp.y cup’s lid at the top rack, the plastic wastewater, and got stuck to the hot water coil.

Common Dishwasher Disasters: A Personal Guide to Removing Melted Plastic

The Midnight Kitchen Nightmare

I found a plastic lid that melted over my dishwasher heating coil yesterday. Like most of the other readers, I was really scared and hesitant. I didn’t want to spoil my ten-month-old fairly new dishwasher.

With any different ways to come out of this sticky, messy situation, find my experience that could help in the following context.

The Morning After Discovery

Standing there, staring at the bottom of my dishwasher, I noticed the remaining plastic from what used to be my favorite coffee cup handle stubbornly clinging to the heating element.

The odor of melted plastic filled my kitchen, reminding me why it’s crucial to check the rack before hitting that start button.

Initial Safety Steps

First things first – I made sure to unplug the dishwasher from the power supply. Safety expert advice always emphasizes disconnecting electrical appliances before attempting any repairs.

This isn’t just about the terms of service; it’s about preventing any potential disasters while trying to fix the current one.

The Ice and Heat Method

After some research, I tried using a bag of ice to harden the plastic, making it easier to scrape off. When that wasn’t enough, I used a hair dryer to soften the stubborn spots.

 A wooden spoon proved perfect for gentle scraping without damaging the heating coil. The key is to be patient and use non-metallic tools to prevent any damage to your washer.

The Reset and Recovery

Once I managed to remove most of the plastic, I did a test run with the dry function disabled. The heater worked fine, unlike my old stove burner which never quite recovered from a similar incident.

For a better experience in the future, I’ve learned to be extra careful with anything plastic, especially when loading items near the bottom rack.

Professional Intervention

Sometimes, despite our best efforts to try to get everything clean, professional help is needed.

If you’re feeling hesitant about any step in the process, or if the damage seems extensive, consulting an expert might save you from having to buy a new dishwasher altogether.

Prevention Tips

To avoid future meltdowns, I now rinse and carefully position items with plastic handles or components. Non-stick surfaces and proper placement of items like coffee cups can make a huge difference.

Remember, each time you use your dishwasher, a quick check of the racks can prevent these accidents. 

A better experience with your appliances comes from understanding how to use them properly and knowing what to do when accidents happen.

Whether you own a Whirlpool or any other brand, these tips can help you maintain your dishwasher’s performance and avoid costly repairs.

Before You Start: Safety First!

Before we dive into fixing this mess, let’s talk safety. I can’t stress this enough – you’re dealing with both electrical appliances and potentially harmful materials here.

Essential safety steps:

• Unplug your dishwasher (Yes, completely disconnect it from power)
• Let everything cool down thoroughly
• Open windows or run a fan for ventilation
• Put on some rubber gloves
• Keep kids and pets away from the work area

Your Plastic-Fighting Arsenal: Tools You’ll Need

Here’s what helped me win my battle against melted plastic:

• A wooden or plastic scraper (I used an old credit card)
• Hair dryer or heat gun
• Ice bags
• White vinegar
• Non-scratch sponge
• Protective gloves
• Clean cloths
• Razor blade (use with extreme caution)
• Acetone or nail polish remover

The Ice Queen Method: Freezing the Problem Away

This is my go-to first approach because it’s the gentlest on your dishwasher:

1. Fill several freezer bags with ice
2. Place them directly on the melted plastic
3. Wait about 30 minutes (perfect time to catch up on your favorite show)
4. Once the plastic becomes brittle, gently scrape it off

I’ve found this works best with recently melted plastic that hasn’t been through multiple heating cycles.

The Heat-and-Scrape Dance

When the cold approach doesn’t cut it, it’s time to fight fire with fire (well, heat with heat):

1. Grab your hair dryer and set it to high heat
2. Direct the airflow at the plastic for 2-3 minutes
3. Once it starts softening, scrape carefully with your plastic tool
4. Wipe away the residue with a vinegar-soaked cloth

Pro tip: Work in small sections rather than trying to tackle the whole mess at once.

Dealing with Stubborn Residue: The Deep Clean

Sometimes you’ll get rid of most of the plastic but still face annoying residue. Here’s my tried-and-true method:

1. Mix warm water with dish soap
2. Add a splash of white vinegar
3. Gently scrub with a non-scratch sponge
4. For really stubborn spots, try acetone (but test a small area first!)

The Professional Route vs. DIY: Making the Call

Let’s break this down realistically:

Prevention: Because Nobody Wants Round Two

After my plastic mishap, I developed these habits:

1. Always check for dishwasher-safe symbols
2. Secure lightweight plastic items in the top rack
3. Skip the heated dry cycle for plastic items
4. Double-check nothing’s fallen before starting
5. Consider investing in a rack with better security features

When to Wave the White Flag and Call a Pro

Look, sometimes we need to know our limits. Call a professional if:

• You’ve tried multiple methods with no success
• There’s visible damage to the heating element
• You notice electrical issues
• That burning plastic smell won’t go away
• You’re just not comfortable doing it yourself

FAQs

Q: Will this void my dishwasher warranty? 

A: Possibly, but if your warranty’s already expired, you’ve got nothing to lose.

Q: How long should this whole process take? 

A: Budget 2-3 hours for your first attempt. Better to take it slow than rush and cause damage.

Q: Can I just run the dishwasher and hope the plastic wears off? 

A: Please don’t! This can release toxic fumes and potentially start a fire.

The Bottom Line: Key Takeaways

• Stay calm – this is fixable
• Always prioritize safety
• Start with the gentlest method
• Be patient and methodical
• When in doubt, consult a pro
• Prevention is your best friend

My Personal Experience and Final Tips

After dealing with this issue multiple times (yes, I’m a slow learner), I’ve learned that prevention is key.

I now keep a laminated list of “dishwasher rules” posted near our kitchen sink, and we haven’t had any plastic casualties since. Remember to:

• Keep this guide handy
• Share your success stories (and failures) with others
• Document what works for your specific situation
• Consider upgrading to more durable kitchen items

Bonus Tip: Take photos before you start removing the plastic. If you do end up needing professional help, these can be useful.

A Final Word of Encouragement

Don’t let this setback discourage you from using your dishwasher. These accidents happen to the best of us, and now you’re equipped with the knowledge to handle them.

 With patience and the right approach, you’ll have your dishwasher back in working order in no time.

Remember, every kitchen disaster is just an opportunity to learn something new. And hey, at least you’ll have a story to tell at your next dinner party!

Ian Welkins

I’m Ian Welkins, a seasoned professional in the kitchen industry. My passion now drives me to provide invaluable insights into the world of top-notch kitchen products. With years of hands-on experience, I’m your go-to source for culinary excellence.