Question from Arlene Ring
We are buying a new dishwasher and wondered if the Stainless Steel tub would leach nickel or other toxins on to the dishes(like stainless steel cookware does)? What would be better as far as toxins, Stainless Steel or Plastic tubs?
Debra’s Answer
Stainless steel would leach metals. I am not sure if they would stick to the dishes or not. Plastic would likely create fumes in the air.
I wash my dishes by hand. I don’t have a dishwasher and don’t plan to get one.
I would choose stainless steel over plastic for the liner of the dishwasher. I have plastic because I have dishdrawers, which was the only dishwasher I could fit in my tiny kitchen.
Debra, Many of your readers have large families and can’t do without a dishwasher. I thought your answer to this question was not very helpful. Most of us do not have the time to wash dishes by hand. We have to make compromises in this toxic world. Your reader asked what was the better choice. In my opinion, it’s stainless steel, but that’s because I don’t like plastic. But who among us lives a plastic-free life? We’re all trying to navigate as best we can, and it’s useful to have information that helps us choose the lesser of two evils.
COMMENT FROM DEBRA:
I agree and usually do give a range of answers. In my opinion, choosing between stainless steel or plastic to line a dishwasher or washing machine I would say stainless steel too. And, that said, I feel it’s also my responsibility to give what I consider to be the best answer as well. (And how come large families need dishwashers? Can’t the kids wash dishes?)