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In the Market for a Dishwasher? Why I have been without one for over a Month

by Dawn Lorenz 48 Comments

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How I Found Out about PVC in dishwashers and the dangers it poses to our kids!

After having been used for 11 years, my dishwasher died.  I wasn’t too sad, as I knew it meant getting one that matched the kitchen a bit better!  Because I was preoccupied with the kids, Bill went out to pick out a dishwasher (this I was grateful for, as the kids don’t seem to enjoy appliance shopping so much!).  The dishwasher came within a week.  At first glance, I liked it because instead of being black, it was a bisque color, finally matching our cabinets. Then it was installed and we ran it to clean out any residue and dirt from the factory.  I knew as soon as we opened the door that something was off.  You see, I have a VERY sensitive nose that knows when something is not quite right.  This tends to drive my husband crazy because it means he has to listen to me as I can smell out a problem before the effects can be seen.

It wasn’t until we opened the new dishwasher that I saw that the whole tub was made of plastic and knew that what I was smelling was the leeching of some sort of chemical.  I got on the computer right away. After some research, I found that along with the tub being made of plastic, the actual racks were coated with PVC.  Before moving on with my story, let me explain why this is bad for those of you that don’t know…

Like BPA, PVC contains dangerous chemicals.  Some of these chemicals are known to cause cancer and asthma. Because these chemicals are released under warm and moist conditions, a dishwasher is a dangerous place for these already hazardous compounds. It’s not just the fact that these chemicals are coating the dishes, but also the fumes they give off, that when inhaled, cause problems. Please see the link at the end of this post for the full story!

Back to the story and the part that should shock people, but probably won’t… the companies using PVC know it is hazardous and thus, don’t come out and outright say that their racks are coated with PVC (Fridgedaire is one company that does this).  When I went back to Lowes with Bill to pick out a different dishwaser, we found that those that have racks coated in nylon, advertise so on the information card displayed next to the washer. However, those with racks coated in PVC simply do not list what their racks are coated with.  So here, once again, is where the theme of this blog comes into play – do your research! Had it not been for my nose, I would never had know I would be exposing my family to harmful chemicals via my dishwasher!

What Kind of Dishwasher poses the Least Amount of Dangers? After my research, I have found that as far as the choices that are out there go, look to buy a dishwasher with a stainless steel tub and nylon coated racks. If you are curious about what your racks are coated with, you should be able to find this info out online.  Look for your particular brand and model and look at the specs.

If you aren’t aware about the big deal with PVC and the danger it poses, please read the first link below!

LINKS

Our Health and PVC – What’s The Connection (A must Read!) http://www.besafenet.com/pvc/documents/2009/Fact-Sheets/110909%20Our%20Health%20and%20PVC.pdf

The Connection Between Dishwashers and PVC:  http://www.ehow.com/list_6624353_dangers-pvc-racks-dishwasher_.html

PVC:  The Poison Plastic – The Campaign for Safe, Healthy Consumer Products: http://www.besafenet.com/pvc/about.htm

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Filed Under: Dishwashers, PVC, the environment around us Tagged With: Family, kitchen, PVC

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Comments

  1. Tanya says

    August 24, 2021 at 7:29 pm

    My husband and I are in the market for a new dishwasher. I too was more than a little alarmed by the prop 65 warning on all of the models we looked at. He is a manufacturing design engineer/metallurgist, so as such he was able to provide a little bit of insight on this for me. He informed that one of the materials on the Prop 65 warning list is nickel and you can’t have stainless steel without nickel. This is NOT to say that all Prop 65 warnings are related to the stainless steel but I just wanted to let folks know that you apparently can’t get stainless without the warning. That said, I didn’t know about the coating on the racks and I will be doing a lot more research before we purchase. Thank you for this very informative post!

    Reply
  2. Ellie says

    March 12, 2021 at 8:39 pm

    Very informative article. Any thoughts on the dishwasher connectors? I have only been able to find hoses that are stainless steel with a pvc core, which seems like it could also cause exposure.

    Reply
  3. Anna says

    March 10, 2021 at 11:21 pm

    Thanks for your article.

    The other issue with dishwashers now is that some are made with bitcumen for sound proofing.

    Reply
  4. Kristy Tillman says

    August 10, 2020 at 3:40 pm

    I wanted to post this update I found. I have not used a GE yet. And while I don’t want plastic…I feel like plastic is better than asphalt.

    From GE (August 2020)
    Our plastic interior models do not have bitumen; they use mastic which is a sound deadening material similar to asphalt that helps deaden motor and wash noise.

    We use bitumen only in our stainless steel tub models. Bitumen is a combination of asphalt and rubber, that is heat-bonded to all sides of the stainless steel tub. This heat-bonded application reduces noise vibration on the tub and is one of the best sound deadening materials used not only in dishwashers but, in cars, roofing, and flooring materials.

    Reply
    • Diane says

      July 3, 2022 at 11:50 pm

      Hi, Yes I heard GE is a good choice. Although I am confused as I see people referring to the “plastic like tubs” as PVC I believe they are polypropylene which is safer, ( if I understand right 🙂 vs PVC. They use to be pVC from my understanding and now most are polypropylene . Kristy, what did you decide on , I have heard the GE was a good choice maybe because they only have the Bitumen in stainless steel. I think both choices are going to off gas some, but with polypropylene Vs Bitumen off gassing in the stainless, I am not going with stainless because it would in my understanding continue to off gas more so, than Polypropylene. I read it is only an issue if heated to 240 degrees, and dishwashers get to 140. ( which there was more clear information detailing this on line)

      Reply
      • Diane says

        July 3, 2022 at 11:53 pm

        polypropylene I read is only an issue at 240 degrees and dishwashers get to 140 So thinking less toxic choice going with polypropylene vs Bitumen

        Reply
  5. HappyMomma says

    November 21, 2019 at 6:33 pm

    I am in the market for a dishwasher without bitumen. Samsung and LG have both stated that they do not use Bitumen.
    Does anyone have one of these brands without toxic smells?
    Can anyone confirm this about not using bitumen with these brands?
    Thank you!

    Reply
  6. Ang says

    July 29, 2019 at 6:15 pm

    I’m not sure how old this article is but I recently bought a Maytag model mdb8989shz and it has a stainless steel tub, nylon racks, stainless blades and silver wear baskets. Yet, there is still a prop 65 warning on it. I’m thinking it could also be something used on the font of the machine as well. Maybe a chemical used to make it finger print resistant?

    Reply
    • Dawn Lorenz says

      August 28, 2019 at 12:20 pm

      yes, I had to get a new one recently as well and they seem to all come with this warning now. Though I did ask about it at the store, I do not have a solid answer on what it is from.

      Reply
  7. Noel says

    October 2, 2018 at 5:54 pm

    This is a awesome discussion! Thank you all. I came at this looking for a new dishwasher and when I saw the Prop65 notifications on every style, my “spidey-sense” went up. Called Prop 65 & Consumer Product Safety Commission, and go no help. This is terrible that very few people know about this.

    Also called Bosch and they said played dumb, until I started mentioning bitumen and PVC. They changed their tune and “assured” me that the bitumen is only on the outside and the tines are covered in nylon.

    Still at a loss of what to buy. Wish there was at least one good option!!!

    Written 10/2018

    Reply
  8. Kristy Tillman says

    November 26, 2017 at 9:58 pm

    Thank you for that! I need a new dishwasher for sure. I also saw that in stainless steel models, bitumen. Do you know anything about that? What model of dishwasher did you go with?

    Reply
    • Dawn Lorenz says

      November 28, 2017 at 12:27 pm

      Hi Kristy! No, I don’t know about the bitumen. I went with a KitchenAid. I am pretty happy with it. The motor did die within the first few months but it was replaced no problem. The repairman was surprised and said he doesn’t usually see problems with a KitchenAid…

      Reply
  9. Aimee says

    June 16, 2017 at 11:39 am

    Have you found any dishwashers without PVC and bitumen in them? I can’t seem to find any this is so disappointing.

    Reply
    • Dolores Arsenault says

      April 22, 2018 at 9:44 pm

      I would like to get the answer to that question too. Who makes these DW’s without PVC AND BITUMEN?

      Reply
  10. Deb Powell says

    December 18, 2016 at 1:25 pm

    I just recently replaced my old kitchen aid dishwasher for the newer quieter upgraded one
    I’m upset with the terrible petroleum order coming from it and researched to find all the quieter dishwasher insulation is coated or made with a product called bitumen
    It is essentially what they use in tar for replacing roads and in roofing tar
    I’m trying to find one made without this product and I was wondering if you’ve heard of this issue
    Mine is going back to the store and I may have to resort back to handwashing☹️️
    I hope you can shed some light on this for me
    I’ve seen a few blogs with other folks with this same issue and no good outcomes
    Thanks
    Deb

    Reply
    • Dawn Lorenz says

      December 23, 2016 at 2:58 pm

      no, I haven’t had this with a dishwasher…

      Reply
  11. marina says

    December 8, 2016 at 11:21 am

    Thermador and ALL other popular brands (Whirlpool, Boch, Kitchenaid, Samsung, LG and others) have a “California Proposition 65 warning” – “Contains chemicals known to cause birth defects, cancer and other reproductive harm”.

    Reply
    • marina says

      December 8, 2016 at 11:22 am

      I am searching for a dishwasher, too, and haven’t found one without that “proposition 65” warning.

      Reply
    • Dawn Lorenz says

      December 23, 2016 at 2:57 pm

      by law they have to have it…

      Reply
      • marina says

        December 23, 2016 at 8:07 pm

        They have to have the warning if the product contains chemicals from a specific list. So it looks like no one is making dishwasher without the use of dangerous chemicals. Nobody buys water bottles that are not labeled “BPA free” anymore. They need to start making dishwashers that are “made of materials known as safe”.

        Reply
  12. Kristen says

    August 1, 2016 at 10:42 pm

    Do you know about Thermador dishwashers? I called the company and it’s a stainless steel tub and the racks are metal coated with polyurethane. What’s your opinion of that?

    thanks!
    Kristen

    Reply
    • Dawn Lorenz says

      August 2, 2016 at 3:08 pm

      I don’t know of them, but the combination you just described sounds good!

      Reply
  13. social media says

    July 8, 2016 at 10:56 pm

    An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a colleague who had been doing a little homework
    on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch because I found it
    for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!!
    But yeah, thanx for spending some time to discuss this issue here on your
    internet site.

    Reply
  14. Cassie says

    February 11, 2016 at 6:58 am

    Thanks for this! My dishwasher just died and I’m researching my options. One thing to note about stainless steel tubs is that most, if not all from what I’m reading, are lined with bitumen on the outside (think tar!) to help make the dishwasher quieter. Many people are complaining about the tar smell whenever they run their dishwasher….and even when it does finally go away eventually, I keep hearing that even when you can’t smell something anymore, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is done off-gassing. Ugh! So frustrated in trying to find a safe option. I can’t stand smells and honestly think I’m going to end up with a plastic tub (which I know will smell initially) and make sure it doesn’t have pvc coated racks. Can’t win these days!!

    Reply
    • Nicole says

      October 1, 2016 at 1:06 pm

      I am heard the same thing about stainless steel tubs so now I am looking for a plastic inside with a nylon rack. Any luck? What did you go with?

      Reply
      • Dawn Lorenz says

        October 5, 2016 at 6:44 pm

        You do not want plastic. Plastic leaches chemicals. Stainless Steel contains no chemicals to leach.

        Reply
        • Nicole says

          October 5, 2016 at 8:20 pm

          But what about the Bitumen coating that is toxic on stainless steel dishwashers? As long as the plastic is polypropylene and not pvc, it’s supposed to be safer.

          Reply
    • Deb Powell says

      December 18, 2016 at 1:28 pm

      Hi Cassie
      I’m having the same problem with my new kitchen aid dishwasher
      Were you able to find a good alternative
      Please help
      This smell is making me crazy
      Going to return it today!
      Thanks
      Deb

      Reply
    • jupiter9 says

      March 17, 2017 at 4:49 pm

      In researching dishwashers, I have yet to find one that does not have bitumen, regardless of whether it is stainless steel or plastic tub. Whirlpool verified for me that they do not make any bitumen-free dishwashers. Another thread had mentioned that one of their models was bitumen free, but that is not the case. So, I think these companies now use the same insulation methods on all models.

      Reply
  15. Kristine says

    July 10, 2014 at 11:26 pm

    You should be commended for trying to raise everyone’s awareness regarding our children and the need to nurture them as well as the world we in which we live. It is not easy and I cannot thank you enough for sharing your knowledge with me. It seems that the toxic fume “cloud” being emitted by some of these dishwashers is like the elephant in the room. It’s hard to believe that testers who rate machines, workers who build them and quality control personnel cannot smell the chemicals or worry about their effects. I am sorry but naivete is doing battle with my cynicism as I realize that integrity has once again taken a back seat to the bottom line. Thank you again and good luck.

    Reply
    • Raising Natural Kids says

      July 11, 2014 at 10:48 pm

      thank you for saying so! Glad to help 🙂

      Reply
  16. Kristine says

    July 10, 2014 at 4:30 am

    Please, I am begging you to tell me what dishwasher you bought. We have had our new one for less then a week and as long as I am in the house with it my throat burns almost down to my lungs. We have had fans running with all of doors and windows open nonstop while we are awake and some while we are sleeping. It is nauseating. I have done everything suggested online to try to get rid of the chemical smell and nothing has worked. I really feel for our animals, as they cannot tell us how horrible they are feeling and I don’t know how badly the toxic fumes are damaging their little bodies. Not only that, but my family already has serious health issues (COPD, Hepetitis C, thyroid problems, to name a few) and this is making their situations worse. Please, help. You are the only hope I have found in almost a week of searching for a solution. Thank you so much.

    Reply
    • Raising Natural Kids says

      July 10, 2014 at 12:01 pm

      ours is stainless steel inside and out with nylon coated racks – that’s what you want. Got it from Lowes; it’s made by LG.

      Reply
      • Dolores says

        April 22, 2018 at 9:54 pm

        Thank you so much – I am returning my week old GE and getting a very expensive but safer LG. Have a great day! (mine just got a lot better)

        Reply
  17. Mama Love says

    October 1, 2012 at 4:26 pm

    What kind of dishwasher did you get? I need to simplify my searching…I’ve waited a year & a half and I’m ready to have a dishwasher again. I’m looking for the safest and most inexpensive. 🙂 Thanks.

    Reply
    • Raising Natural Kids says

      October 3, 2012 at 10:12 am

      we have a Maytag – we didn’t have a whole lot of money to spend, so we have a plastic tub – not my first choice – when you look look for a tag that says nylon racks and then try to get a stainless steel tub.

      Reply
      • Jane says

        February 8, 2014 at 10:12 pm

        Wow, I’m disappointed that you felt pressure to buy a plastic tub dishwasher after this excellent article.

        Suggestions that might be useful:
        Use a good-sized tub (pan or bowl) filled with soapy water, then scrap and rinse each dirty dish before placing in the soapy tub to allow gradual washing off of most of the grime. Use another container of water (can be as small as a large measuring cup) for a quick dip rinse before a final rinse. Then have a good drain and drain board situation set up to place clean dishes.

        You can wash the dishes from the soapy tub as you find time, such as when waiting for water to boil, or cooking something. (You can even place the tub on the counter if you have only one sink tub. And you can cover it with a cutting board or the like when soaking.) Always finish any left at the end of the day, so you can start anew the next day, and so that there isn’t a dirty tub to deal with.

        Also, try to eat raw food and soups as much as possible, so that sticky, hard to clean cooking pans and greasy dishes aren’t a problem. If you have greasy or sticky bake and cooking pans, this naturally will make dishwashing more difficult. Remember, the foods that make these messes aren’t so very good for us anyway.

        For washing raw veggies, a large measuring cup (4 – 8 cup) and a strainer works very well. Keep baking soda in a shaker for sprinkling onto hard fruits and veggies such as apples, pears, avocados, etc. Just rub the dampened fruit with the sprinkled baking soda on it in your hands, or scrub with a natural bristle brush, and rinse thoroughly (baking soda, of course, is not toxic, but does kill pathogens, especially with friction). Use good quality vinegar for rinsing veggies and fragile fruits; just rinse them in a shallow pan, or even just spray them all over from a sprayer bottle, and let sit for a minute, then rinse well. Try to buy organic as often as possible, as the pesticides and GMO products, as you know, are also causing endocrine and other problems.

        Hope this is useful.

        Reply
        • Raising Natural Kids says

          February 10, 2014 at 1:11 am

          Thanks for the tips – I have since moved and now have a dishwasher that is all stainless steel – at the time, we simply could not afford it.

          Reply
  18. stacia says

    March 23, 2012 at 12:53 am

    And a dishwasher’s typical dish-drying method is by sucking up dirty, microbe-infected air from the kitchen floor and blowing it all over your wet, clean dishes. Siemens does not do this. Here’s a helpful overview: http://www.dishwasherguru.com/ap_adv_feat.html

    Reply
  19. momofthesouth says

    February 20, 2012 at 7:28 pm

    I’m really considering not getting a dishwasher at all with our next home and maybe instead installing similar racks/drawers like a dishwasher to put our dishes to dry after washing rather than on the counters. But not an actual dishwasher. Just another option/idea to be more sustainable/environmentally friendly. 🙂

    Reply
  20. momofthesouth says

    February 20, 2012 at 7:24 pm

    This is good information and worthy of concern, but also consider that most people’s water pipes are pvc as well so the water coming into your home and your sink/faucet etc is passing and sitting idle in pvc pipes. Another concern in older homes is lead pipes.

    Reply
    • Nancy says

      January 24, 2014 at 2:02 pm

      Only drain pipes are PVC, not water supply. They are usually copper.

      Reply
      • michaelstroup says

        February 27, 2015 at 2:06 pm

        Wow! I had no idea about this PVC problem. Definitely another factor to look at if someone is planning on purchasing a dishwasher these days.

        Reply
  21. Farrah says

    January 9, 2012 at 10:19 pm

    I have an older dishwasher…not old, just not new. And Im trying to look up the info on it and cant find it…where would I look to find that information on my dishwasher?

    Reply
    • Natural Mom Raising Awareness says

      January 9, 2012 at 11:41 pm

      I think I went to the company site and looked it up from there – did you google the brand and type? It would be under like the specs for it.

      Reply
      • Farrah says

        January 10, 2012 at 12:47 am

        I went to the site…its a kenmore. But Im not finding anything…that doesnt mean its not there though, I just cant find it. I do have the Use and Care guide for the dishwasher, would it be in there?

        Reply
        • Natural Mom Raising Awareness says

          January 10, 2012 at 3:15 am

          it could be….

          Reply

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  1. Everything But the Kitchen Sink: 5 Simple Steps to Greener Food Storage and Prep | Laura's "Rules" says:
    August 16, 2013 at 3:41 am

    […] appears in places you might not expect it, like coffee-makers and food processor bowls. Some dishwasher racks are even made of PVC! And non-stick surfaces now cling persistently to bakeware and rice cookers, as well as specialty […]

    Reply

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