Are Strainers Dishwasher-Safe? [Which Ones Are Dishwasher-Safe?]

Dishwashers can clean almost any utensil in your kitchen—again, almost. With that in mind, are strainers dishwasher-safe?

Some strainers are dishwasher-safe. Check the exact product’s instructions, including its mesh, frame and handle. Good loading and removal of trapped food matter; a dishwasher does not inevitably leave every strainer dirty.

Here is how to check dishwasher permission and clean food from the mesh without damaging it.

What Should You Check Before Dishwashing a Strainer?

Food can lodge in fine mesh, so remove loose residue promptly and inspect the strainer after washing. If food remains, clean it again using the maker’s method.

For an approved strainer, follow the dishwasher’s loading instructions and keep it secure without blocking spray arms. A mesh strainer is not inherently damaging to the dishwasher or its rack.

If the strainer has sharp broken edges, loose plating or damaged mesh, assess its condition before further use.

Are Plastic Strainers Dishwasher-Safe?

Some plastic strainers are dishwasher-approved and others are not. The material name alone does not establish a heat limit or a permitted rack position.

Check the product’s instructions. Follow any top-rack restriction and do not assume that an approved plastic strainer will melt or inevitably remain dirty.

Recommended Further Reading: What Can You Use Strainers For? | Do You Need To Season Cast Iron Skillets? | Anodized Pans Have Teflon? | Do Dutch Ovens Cook Faster?

Are Mesh Strainers Dishwasher-Safe?

Mesh can be metal or another material, with a separate frame and handle. Check the complete product’s dishwasher instructions.

Avoid forcing it into a rack position that bends the mesh. After washing, inspect for trapped food and let the strainer dry before storage.

Are Silicone Strainers Dishwasher-Safe?

Some silicone strainers permit dishwashing, but check the actual product, including clips, handles and other attached parts.

Silicone does not guarantee that every design is immune to warping or damage. Follow its heat, loading and cleaning instructions.

Can You Put A Metal Strainer In The Dishwasher?

Check the exact product. A stainless-steel label is not, by itself, permission to wash the whole strainer in a dishwasher.

Copper and aluminum can corrode or discolor, but they do not form iron rust. A mark does not automatically make every strainer unusable; follow the maker’s guidance for the actual surface.

How To Properly Clean Strainers?

Remove food promptly and use the maker’s approved washing method. Both dishwasher cleaning and handwashing can work for suitable products.

If residue remains after a wash, clean it again rather than putting it away with food trapped in the mesh.

Step 1: Prepare Your Cleaning Tools

Have a suitable mild cleaner and soft brush or sponge ready. Check the strainer’s instructions before choosing a tool or cleaning solution.

Step 2: Soak The Strainer

Soak only if the maker permits it, using the stated water temperature and cleaner. Do not automatically combine vinegar, detergent and hot water for every material.

Do not immerse a heat-sensitive handle while treating the mesh differently unless the product’s instructions support that method.

Step 3: Scrub The Strainer

Use a suitable soft brush to loosen food on both sides of the mesh. Work gently so you do not stretch, puncture or detach it.

Rinse thoroughly. Avoid sharp tools or harsh abrasives that can damage the mesh or leave fragments behind.

Step 4: Dry The Strainer

Let the clean strainer dry on a clean rack before storage. Use a clean towel only where the maker’s instructions and mesh design make it suitable; a towel does not automatically cause fungus.

Tips To Clean Your Strainer

A few simple habits can make the mesh easier to clean.

• Remove loose food before it dries onto the mesh.
• Use an approved soft brush for awkward areas.
• Rinse from both sides where practical, controlling spray to avoid spreading dirty water.
• Check the mesh and frame for damage, then dry before storage.

Interesting Further Reading: Will Ceramic Pans Stick? | Will Stainless Steel Pans Discolor? | Do Professional Chefs Use Pressure Cookers? | Are Strainers And Sifters The Same?

Which Dishwasher-Safe Strainers Can You Use?

Choose a food-preparation strainer with the hole size and capacity your task needs, then confirm its care instructions. A larger hole can be easier to clean but may not retain small ingredients.

One specific example is the OXO Good Grips three-piece strainer set, which the manufacturer labels dishwasher-safe. That permission does not apply automatically to other strainers.

A clip-on strainer must fit the pot and be used as directed. A sink-drain strainer is not automatically a substitute for a food-preparation tool.