PlaymoFriends

Creative => How-To => Topic started by: Alison01326 on March 03, 2011, 16:08:31

Title: Dishwasher Advice
Post by: Alison01326 on March 03, 2011, 16:08:31
Being a relatively new dishwasher owner, I am very wary of using it at all  :lol: :lol:

However, I have received some grubby Playmobil recently (landscapey bits) and being lazy, thought I'd use the dishwasher as advised by some on here.

Two questions .....

1. What temperature.  I can choose from cold, 30 degrees C, 60 degrees C and 70 degrees C (that's double it and add 30 in fahrenheit)

2. Is the mushroom top from the Rabbits Schoolroom likely to lose its spots (set 4455).


PS I don't like those rabbits, they are mutants, but Isaac thinks they are lovely so I've just bought loads for our Easter display.

Many thanks in advance for your advice.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Advice
Post by: bonniebeth on March 03, 2011, 16:18:17
I've never used the dishwasher for playmobil, I think I'd be a little scared to! But it sure would make things easier, I guess. I would do it on cold, in order not to risk melting the plastic, if it were me.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Advice
Post by: Bill Blackhurst on March 03, 2011, 16:23:29
There are several topics describing other members using a dishwasher to clean Playmobil. Do a search with dishwasher & it will show the discussions.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Advice
Post by: Alison01326 on March 03, 2011, 16:26:55
I did, Bill, and I couldn't find any reference to temperature!  I'll try again, though ....
Title: Re: Dishwasher Advice
Post by: Bill Blackhurst on March 03, 2011, 16:28:13
I did, Bill, and I couldn't find any reference to temperature!  I'll try again, though ....

Little Jo had a segment somewhere how he used a dishwasher, but I can't remember where it is! :(
Title: Re: Dishwasher Advice
Post by: BlackPearl2006 on March 03, 2011, 17:23:57
I usually fill up the bathtub with soapy water (dishsoap) and take a bristled scrub brush to the bigger playmobil items.  I'd be too scared the dishwasher would melt the plastic and/or not get enough coverage (it sprays from the bottom only, leaving the top unsprayed)
Title: Re: Dishwasher Advice
Post by: Wolf Knight on March 03, 2011, 18:25:21
Yeap, like Atto says, the bathtub works for me and my bigger items.. then again, my sink is also big so that works also.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Advice
Post by: Indianna on March 03, 2011, 18:35:22
IMHO, using the dishwsher to clean Playmobil may be more trouble than it's worth.  Besides concerns about temperature, you have to worry about small things flying around and, as BlackPearl pointed out, the spray may not reach all areas that need cleaning.  Also, the hot air drying may distort some items.  If you ask me, the truly "lazy" way to clean the stuff is just to let it soak for a while. 

Some cleaning tips that have worked well for me:

- Don't soak anything with a sticker or printing - these items can still be washed but just swish and rinse without soaking them.

- Anything with a metallic finish (shiny gold or silver) should be cleaned very carefully, if at all - there are several tips throughout the forum for these rare and delicate items.

- Fill a large sink with hot water and use a TSP (trisodium phosphate) cleaner and some regular chlorine bleach (don't soak with bleach for more than a half hour or so.)  After soaking and swishing the stuff around, drain the sink (with a drain filter to catch small items) and fill with rinse water once or twice until soapiness is gone and then lay everything out on old towels dry.  Very easy for large quantitites of Playmobil.    :)

Title: Re: Dishwasher Advice
Post by: Emma.J on March 16, 2011, 20:23:58
Hi I usually put the Victorian Mansion walls etc in my dishwasher to clean, it's on the eco wash which is 50C. I wouldn't put anything too small in but joints and things I normally stand in the cutlery rack.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Advice
Post by: Alison01326 on March 17, 2011, 11:38:39
Thanks Emma.  I haven't got around to putting anything in the bath yet, as I have the added problem of getting everything dried and hidden away again before the boy sees it (it's the new purchases which need cleaning).

It's also mostly walls of buildings, and the like so I will give it a whirl at 50 degrees.

I had to handwash the little horror's airport just before I asked my original question as I confiscated it from him  (after repeated requests from me to wait for me to carry it down the stairs, he took it upon himself to do so and dropped it). Unfortunately the "empty" bag I put it in for it's week's "holiday" had two sticky sweets in the bottom which ended up all over it.

Our dishwasher doesn't dry, it just washes but we have a jet at the top and two whizzy things which spin round and spray so everything gets got from all angles.

Will let you know how I get on although it won't be for a couple of weeks as we've had to clear two rooms of furniture and I can't get to the "hidden" Playmobil in the loft  :( :(
Title: Re: Dishwasher Advice
Post by: Giorginetto on March 17, 2011, 13:09:07
My adve would be to fill a plastic container , open on top with lukewarm water and put inside some dettol which will kill anyhting nasty. The use a soft sponge with a bit dish washing up liquid ( life Fairy ) to scrup lightly the playmobil bits and parts. Avoide dishwasher things cat get damaged or broken etc . I always use a bit of dettol so my playmobil is germ and dirt free  :)
Title: Re: Dishwasher Advice
Post by: grangel on March 19, 2011, 00:17:50
My adve would be to fill a plastic container , open on top with lukewarm water and put inside some dettol which will kill anyhting nasty. The use a soft sponge with a bit dish washing up liquid ( life Fairy ) to scrup lightly the playmobil bits and parts. Avoide dishwasher things cat get damaged or broken etc . I always use a bit of dettol so my playmobil is germ and dirt free  :)

I use detol to all my playmos except shining silver or gold.i clean those with regular shop and after that i paint them with a waterbase transperant varnish.so i can keep this shinning look for ever And save them from fallings and sweat.
Title: Re: Dishwasher Advice
Post by: basilsdad on March 20, 2011, 01:00:40
I wash most of the "used" playmobil in the upper rack of the dishwasher with the drying cycle turned off.  I slip small items in the leg of a panty hose and tie it off.  Works like a charm!  ;D  (Panty hose is also good for tying up your tomatoes!)   :lol:
Joe
Title: Re: Dishwasher Advice
Post by: bonniebeth on March 20, 2011, 01:27:41
That's  a really good idea!  :!:
Title: Re: Dishwasher Advice
Post by: Gustavo on March 20, 2011, 02:42:56

PS I don't like those rabbits, they are mutants, but Isaac thinks they are lovely so I've just bought loads for our Easter display.

I should say this: I don't like adult rabits either ... I think the head is too small, they look weird. But I do like the little ones, which I use as adults ... (Actually I only have one.) Still, I'd like to have (small) white rabbit versions ::) #wacko! :P

 :wave: