Can You Put Silicone Spatulas in the Dishwasher?

Yes, you can put silicone spatulas in the dishwasher, but only if they are made of 100% silicone with a heat tolerance above 400°F. Many spatulas have plastic or wooden handles that will warp or crack in the heat. Always check the manufacturer’s label before tossing them in.

Quick Answer

Most silicone spatulas are dishwasher safe, but not all. Look for ‘dishwasher safe’ on the packaging or product page. Avoid high heat drying cycles to extend life.

Dishwasher safe when 100% silicone: Pure silicone withstands high heat up to 600°F, so the dishwasher’s 150°F cycle won’t damage it.
Avoid plastic or wooden handles: Composite handles with plastic or wood are not dishwasher safe; they can crack, warp, or absorb moisture.
Check for a metal core: Some silicone spatulas have a metal core for stiffness; these are usually fine, but ensure the silicone fully covers the metal to prevent rust.
Heat drying can cause fading: Repeated high-heat drying cycles may cause color fading or slight hardening over time; air drying is gentler.

How to Tell if Your Silicone Spatula Is Dishwasher Safe

Look for the dishwasher safe symbol on the handle or packaging—usually a plate with water droplets. If there’s no symbol, check the material: 100% silicone is safe. If the spatula has a nylon, plastic, or wooden handle, it is not dishwasher safe. Also check if the spatula is a two-piece construction; some have a silicone head attached to a plastic handle that can separate in the dishwasher.

Another test: bend the spatula. Pure silicone is flexible and opaque. If you see a seam or a different color material inside, it’s likely a composite. You can also check the manufacturer’s website or FAQ for specific care instructions. Brands like OXO, GIR, and Di Oro typically make dishwasher-safe silicone spatulas.

How to Wash Silicone Spatulas in the Dishwasher

Place spatulas on the top rack, away from the heating element. The bottom rack can get too hot and may cause warping if the spatula isn’t pure silicone.
If your dishwasher has a heated dry cycle, turn it off or use the air-dry option to prevent color fading or degradation over time.
Secure long-handled spatulas so they don’t fall onto the heating element. You can lay them flat on the top rack or use utensil basket slots.
Run a normal cycle with regular detergent. Avoid using bleach or high-heat sanitize cycles unless the spatula is explicitly rated for it.

When You Should Hand Wash Instead

Hand wash silicone spatulas if they have any non-silicone parts: plastic handles, wooden handles, or a metal core that isn’t fully encased. Also hand wash if the spatula is older and shows signs of cracking or if the silicone has become sticky—dishwasher heat can make sticky silicone worse.

For hand washing, use warm soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. Silicone is non-stick, so residue comes off easily. Rinse thoroughly and air dry. This method also preserves the color and flexibility longer than frequent dishwasher use.

Does the Dishwasher Damage Silicone Spatulas?

Over time, the dishwasher can cause cosmetic changes. High heat and harsh detergents may fade bright colors, especially red or orange. Some users report a slight loss of flexibility after years of dishwasher use, but the spatula remains functional. Pure silicone does not melt or warp in standard dishwasher cycles.

The real risk is for composite spatulas: the handle can crack, the silicone head can separate, or wooden handles can splinter. If you have a high-end silicone spatula (like from GIR or Silpat), it will likely survive hundreds of dishwasher cycles with minimal effect.

How to Extend the Life of Your Silicone Spatulas

Avoid using high-heat drying cycles—choose air dry or no heat. This prevents color fading and material hardening.
Don’t stack heavy pots on top of spatulas in the dishwasher; the weight can bend or misshape them.
If you notice any nicks or cuts in the silicone, stop using the spatula in the dishwasher; moisture can get inside and breed bacteria.
Store spatulas away from direct sunlight to prevent UV damage and fading.

Pro Tips

Place silicone spatulas horizontally on the top rack, not in the silverware basket, to avoid them falling onto the heating element.
If your spatula has a metal core, check the tip for exposed metal after many washes; if rust appears, switch to hand washing.
To remove stubborn stains from silicone, rub with baking soda paste before the dishwasher cycle.
Buy spatulas with a one-piece silicone design (no handle seam) for maximum dishwasher durability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Assuming all silicone is the same: pure silicone is dishwasher safe, but silicone-coated or silicone-blend tools often are not.
Using the sanitize cycle or heated dry: these can exceed 170°F and cause fading or warping in lower-quality silicone.
Putting silicone spatulas in the bottom rack: they can melt or warp if they touch the heating element or hot metal racks.
Ignoring the manufacturer’s instructions: some high-heat silicone spatulas are still not recommended for dishwashers due to handle design.

FAQ

Can silicone spatulas go in the dishwasher with other utensils?

Yes, but avoid mixing with heavily soiled metal utensils that could scratch the silicone. Place them on the top rack to minimize contact.

Why did my silicone spatula turn white in the dishwasher?

This is usually a result of hard water mineral deposits or detergent residue. You can remove it by wiping with white vinegar or a baking soda paste.

How often should I replace silicone spatulas?

With dishwasher use, replace them every 2-3 years or sooner if you see cracks, tears, or a sticky surface. Hand washing can extend their life beyond 5 years.

The Bottom Line

In short, you can put 100% silicone spatulas in the dishwasher, but avoid high heat and check for composite handles. Hand washing is always safer for longevity. When buying new spatulas, look for one-piece silicone construction and a clear ‘dishwasher safe’ label to save yourself the guesswork.