Question from joyce
I need new appliances and am wondering about the plastic outgasing problems with dishwashers and refrigerators. In the store, they smell terrible when opened. Would a stainless interior in a dishwasher make the added expense worthwhile?
And how long will the outgasing last?
Debra’s Answer
Plastic on the interior of appliances IS a problem. It does outgas over time–how long that takes depends on the appliance and the manufacturer.
I used to only purchase used appliances. Not only are they outgassed, but there is the added environmental benefit of getting more life out of an appliance that still has life left in it.
In the past ten years, I’ve purchased two new refrigerators because I couldn’t find what I wanted used. I’ve noticed that different brands smell more or less and that the specific units that were delivered to my home actually didn’t smell much at all, and whatever odor there was dissipated in a few months. I don’t remember the brand of the one I purchased ten years ago, but the refrigerator I currently have is a Kenmore Trio.
It would be so great if someone could do some research on the plastics used in appliances and if there is a difference between brands. I just haven’t had the time… (but I’ll be happy to post it here if anyone wants to do it).
