Fire accident because of a dishwasher has become frequent. People often ask, “can melted plastic in a dishwasher cause a fire?”
Faulty dishwashers have the potential to make fire incidents happen. You must know how it can create a fire if you want to save your house.
This article will answer your question along with the description of steps you should take if the plastic of your dishwasher melts.
Can Melted Plastic In Dishwasher Cause Fire?
Yes. Melted plastic will not only make it hard for the dishwasher to work, but it could also start a fire.
The dishwasher will get stuck on these pieces of plastic. In the long run, they might make the machine work less well.
Even worse, the melted plastic could start a fire in the electric heating elements. Also, they will smell like burning, which will make the air in your house dirty.
What Should You Do If Plastic Melts In Your Dishwasher?
Plastic that has melted in the dishwasher poses a risk not only to the machine itself but also to the health of your family.
You will be relieved to know that these items, as well as the odor, may be easily removed in a short amount of time.
The steps necessary to remove melted plastic from the heat coils of a dishwasher are given below.
Gather All Of The Necessary Items.
You will require the following items to remove the melted plastic:
- Ziplock bag made of plastic
- Ice cubes
- Plastic scraper
- Cloths
- Dish detergent
- Polish formulated with acetone
Disconnect The Power Cord That Is Attached To The Dishwasher.
Under the sink, in the very back of the cabinet, is typically where one will find the power supply.
You might also consult the user handbook if you are having trouble locating it.
Once you have determined which power cord it is, unhook it. In addition to this, rather than unplugging the device, you can think about turning off the power supply.
Take Out All Of The Plates From The Washing Machine Or Dishwasher.
Once the power supply has been turned off, the dishes should be removed from the dishwasher and the door should be left open.
Keeping the door open allows for the entry of fresh air, which helps to cool the heated coils as well as the plastic.
In such a case, you will only have yourself to blame if you burn yourself by touching the hot coils and plastic.
Put Ice Into A Bag With A Zipper.
It’s possible that waiting for the molten plastic to cool off on its own will take longer than anticipated.
In order to hasten the process of cooling, place a zipper bag that has been filled with ice on top of the plastic. Hold your breath for almost half an hour.
Remove The Scraps Of Plastic.
First, break up the ice, and then get a paint scraper made of plastic or any other instrument that isn’t made of metal.
Make use of the instrument to remove the piece of plastic from the dishwasher. Continue to scrape off the plastic in a gentle manner until it is completely removed.
Polish The Surface
After you have finished scraping, you may discover that some pieces of plastic are still affixed to the dishwasher despite your best efforts.
If this is the case, grab a clean cloth and cover it with a polish that contains acetone.
After placing the damp towel on top of the coils and waiting for at least five minutes, the plastic and any other residue should have dissolved.
After the five minutes have passed, start rubbing the cloth gently all over, making sure to cover every surface, until all of the plastic has been gone and the coils have regained their appearance.
Wipe With Damp Rags
In the end, you will have to clean the various surfaces. Scrub the surface with some soap and a damp towel using circular motions.
Last but not least, clean water should be used to rinsing the coils and the towel.
Reconnect The Dishwasher To Its Power Source.
If you have already unplugged the power cord, please plug it back in.
FAQs about melted Plastic in your Dishwasher
How Can I Remove Melted Plastic From My Dishwasher’s Heating Element?
For this, ice must be placed in a plastic bag with a zipper. Allow the bag to sit for roughly 30 minutes on top of the cooled plastic.
The ice will harden the melted plastic, facilitating its removal from the surface.
Using a plastic paint scraper or another non-metallic tool, such as a wooden spoon, scrape the ice and solidified plastic from the heating coil.
What Is The Cause Of My Dishwasher’s Plastic Melting?
In the most cases, a plastic object may fall over the heating elements, causing the object or food to become heated and melt or catch fire.
Wait until the element is completely cooled before washing it in order to remove food residue.
To prevent further damage, unplug the dishwasher or turn off the circuit breaker/fuse for the entire residence.
How Can I Remove The Odor Of Melted Plastic?
Allowing in fresh air is one method for eliminating odor. Therefore, you should consider keeping the dishwasher and windows open for some time.
Using a cup of baking soda to clean the dishwasher can also help eradicate the odor.
If the stench is strong, you can use baking soda for two or more cleaning cycles. Overnight, leave a bowl of baking soda out.
After cleaning, pour a cup of baking soda in a bowl and allow it to sit overnight. This will assist in absorbing any lingering scents.
Final Thoughts
Now you know the answer to the question, “can melted plastic in dishwasher cause fire?”
Discoloration, fire, and a foul odor will result from the melted plastic residue on the dishwasher.
Fortunately, eliminating the melted plastics requires only a few steps and no special knowledge.
Additionally, if the stench persists after cleaning, consider airing the space or reducing baking soda.
