Okay, so let’s set the scene: You’re standing in the kitchen, holding an empty bottle—maybe it’s a baby bottle, a smoothie shaker, a reusable water bottle—whatever kind. You look at the sink. You look at the dishwasher. And you think, “Can I just toss this in the dishwasher and call it a day?” Yep, we’ve all been there.
Let’s talk about it.
So… Can You?
Short answer? Yes. But like most things in life, there’s a bit of a “but” that follows.
Not every bottle is cool with the dishwasher life. It depends on the type of bottle, the material, and even the brand sometimes. Some bottles are totally fine—others, not so much. It’s kinda like tossing a wool sweater in the dryer. Can you? Technically, yes. Should you? Only if you want to gift it to your cat.
What Types of Bottles Are Dishwasher-Safe?
Let’s break it down:
- Plastic bottles: A big “maybe” here. Some plastics are dishwasher-safe, some will warp like a vinyl record left in the sun. Check the bottom of the bottle—usually there’s a little dishwasher icon or some fine print.
- Glass bottles: Usually good to go. They can handle the heat and don’t absorb odors. Just make sure they’re sturdy and not too thin or decorative.
- Stainless steel bottles: These are trickier. A lot of insulated bottles (like your fave Hydro Flask or Yeti) are not dishwasher safe because the high heat can mess with the insulation. Again—check the label.
- Baby bottles: Most modern ones are dishwasher-safe, but you’ll want to stick them on the top rack and maybe use a basket to keep all the little parts (nipples, caps, etc.) from flying around like popcorn.
Top Rack vs. Bottom Rack – Does It Matter?
Oh, it so matters.
The top rack is gentler—less heat, less aggressive spray. That’s where you want to put anything lightweight, plastic, or delicate. Bottom rack? That’s where the big boys go—plates, pots, and things that can take a beating.
So if you’re washing bottles, top rack is the safer bet 99% of the time. It keeps them away from the heating element and avoids that melted, lopsided “what happened to my bottle?!” moment.
What About Lids and Straws?
Ah yes, the sneaky parts.
Lids, caps, straws, silicone sleeves—they all love to sneak through the racks and land on the bottom. And then boom—burn marks or worse. So here’s a little pro tip: get yourself a little dishwasher basket or use a mesh laundry bag (yep, the kind for delicates). Toss all the small parts in there and you won’t lose them to the dishwasher abyss.
Bonus Tip: Rinse Before Loading
Listen, we’re not saying you need to hand-wash the bottle before you wash the bottle (because… what’s the point?). But if it’s been sitting out for a while with some mystery smoothie from two days ago—give it a quick rinse. Trust me, your dishwasher (and your nose) will thank you.
Final Thoughts
So, can you wash bottles in the dishwasher? Totally. Just keep a few things in mind:
- Check the label or bottom of the bottle
- Stick to the top rack unless it’s heavy-duty stuff
- Use a basket or mesh bag for little parts
- Don’t go overboard with heat if it’s not needed
And if you’re ever unsure, when in doubt… hand wash it out.
But let’s be real—if the dishwasher can do it safely, let the machine work its magic. You’ve got better things to do (like sipping that smoothie… from a clean bottle).
Want more real-life cleaning hacks and kitchen shortcuts? Stick around—we’ve got loads more where this came from.