There’s another important point.

Not all plastic containers are dishwasher-safe.

Some plastics can warp, deform, discolor, or become damaged by high temperatures.

Look for the manufacturer’s dishwasher-safe marking or check the product’s instructions.

If the container isn’t designed for dishwasher use, don’t assume the top rack automatically makes it safe.

The Top Rack Is Usually the Safer Choice

For plastic containers that are specifically labeled dishwasher-safe, the top rack is commonly preferred.

The lower rack is generally closer to the dishwasher’s strongest heat source, depending on the appliance design.

But always follow the container manufacturer’s instructions because different plastics have different heat tolerances.

Why Some Dishwashers Dry Better Than Others

Not every dishwasher uses exactly the same drying system.

Depending on the model, drying may rely on heated air, residual heat, ventilation, condensation, or a combination of methods.

That means one dishwasher may leave plastic relatively dry while another leaves it covered in droplets.

So if your plastic containers are wet but everything else is clean and dry, that doesn’t necessarily indicate a malfunction.

The Simple Fix

If you’re tired of finding wet plastic containers after every dishwasher cycle, try this:

Angle them so water can drain.

Don’t nest them together.

Keep lids positioned so water doesn’t pool.

Use rinse aid if your dishwasher supports it.

Give the dishwasher some ventilation after the cycle.

Use the appropriate rack according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

And most importantly, don’t panic when plastic comes out wetter than everything else.

Final Thoughts

Plastic containers are frustratingly good at holding onto water.

They don’t retain heat like glass, ceramic, or metal, and their shapes often give water plenty of places to collect.

So when you open the dishwasher and find a perfectly clean container sitting there with a puddle inside, your dishwasher may not be broken at all.

It’s simply a combination of plastic, water, heat, and airflow.

And with a few small loading changes, you can make those annoying puddles much less of a problem. (recipesnug.com)