Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500091
06/24/03
Caring for Plastics
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.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .