| Caring for Plastics Information |
Plastics are generally odorless, tasteless, and non- toxic. They are washable in warm sudsy water but vary in resistance to scratching or breaking and tolerance to heat-thermoplastics being reshaped by boiling water or lower dry temperatures. Surfaces may be softened or dulled by solvents and strong acids.
Read the care label that comes with any new plastic item and follow it! Information on specific types of plastic, commonly found in the home, covers general care and cleaning tips but care labels on specific plastic products are still your best source of care directions. There are many more uses of various types of plastics in appliances today, since parts with different shapes and properties can be efficiently formed from plastics; check your appliance manual for directions on how best to care for and clean different plastic parts.
Avoid scratching, gouging, excessive heat, hard blows, or household chemicals.
Wash appliances with sudsy water and rinse. Never use scouring powder. Read appliance manual care instructions for specific cleaning procedures for each plastic part (which may be a different plastic).
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus, with references from Ohio Extension bulletins Choosing and Using Microwave Utensils and Accessories and other Plastics handouts.
MSU 2003
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