Can You Put a Microwave Turntable in the Dishwasher?

The answer

Many can, but check the exact model. Samsung states that its microwave turntable is dishwasher safe, and Whirlpool says most turntables can be placed in a dishwasher while still recommending verification in the owner’s manual.

Why

Manufacturer guidance is not identical across every microwave. Samsung directly permits dishwasher cleaning for its turntables in current support guidance. Whirlpool says most turntables can be dishwashed but treats the owner’s manual as the final authority. Both the material and the model matter, and Whirlpool also cautions that the turntable should be cool before cleaning.

When it is usually OK

• The owner’s manual says the turntable is dishwasher safe.
• The glass tray has cooled to room temperature before washing.
• The tray fits securely in the dishwasher without contacting moving parts.
• You dry and reinstall the tray correctly after cleaning.

When you should not

• The manual says to hand wash the tray.
• The turntable is still hot from cooking.
• The tray is chipped, cracked or otherwise damaged.
• The dishwasher would force the tray into a position where it can strike racks or spray arms.

Risks and exceptions

• A warm or hot glass turntable can shatter if it is placed in water before it cools.
• Dishwasher cleaning can conflict with a model whose manual requires a different cleaning method.

Best practice

Let the tray cool completely, check the owner’s manual for dishwasher compatibility, and reinstall the clean dry turntable on its support exactly as the model instructions show.

Alternatives

• Hand wash the cooled turntable with warm soapy water
• Use a non-abrasive cloth or sponge for stuck-on residue
• Clean the roller ring separately according to the manual
• Replace a chipped or cracked turntable with the correct model-specific part

Frequently asked questions

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