Why Do My Covers Come Out Orange/Brown???

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the issue of discoloration on Pampered Chef plastic covers after being washed, particularly in dishwashers. Participants share their personal experiences and theories regarding the causes and potential solutions for the orange or brown film that appears on the items.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions that they are unsure if the covers are dishwasher safe and notes that their items come out with a strange film, unlike their mother's.
  • Another participant shares their experience using a dishwashing liquid with vinegar, questioning whether food residue, particularly tomato-based, could be a factor.
  • One participant expresses concern that the lids might melt or warp in the dishwasher, suggesting that hard water may be affecting the color of the items.
  • Another participant states that the Prep Bowl lids are not dishwasher safe, while the Trifle Bowl lid is, and mentions a product that helps remove stains from plastics.
  • One user suggests that the lids might be absorbing something from the dishwasher load, possibly from previous washes.
  • Another participant discusses the effects of water quality, mentioning that excess copper or iron can change the color of items.
  • One participant recalls a past experience where laundry whites turned orange due to iodine in the water.
  • A participant shares a negative experience with Cascade Orange detergent, which turned their Mix N Scraper orange, and mentions a failed cleaning attempt with a paste made from dry dish detergent.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the dishwasher safety of the lids and the specific causes of the discoloration, with no clear consensus emerging on the issue.

Contextual Notes

Participants share varied experiences with dishwashing practices, water quality, and specific products used, highlighting the personal nature of their insights.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to Pampered Chef consultants and users experiencing similar issues with plastic covers and dishwashing results.

redsoxgirl
Messages
1,484
I'm probably not supposed to put them in the dishwasher am I??

Every time I was the covers of the Prep Bowls, Trifle bowl and the entire Chopper, everything that was white comes out with this weird orange-ish/brwn film on it and I have to wash it all by hand. It only happens to my stuff, not my mom's (we live with her while we're saving for a house).

What's up with this???
 
I don't know the reason for your problem but I have started using a dishwashing liquid that has vinegar in it for getting things whiter. I don't know if that would help you or not.

Do you leave food on your dishes? Like anything tomato based on them?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
jrstephens said:
I have started using a dishwashing liquid that has vinegar in it for getting things whiter.

Do you leave food on your dishes? Like anything tomato based on them?

Is it one you can just buy off a shelf or something special?

No - we're pretty good with cleaning stuff off dishes. I think our dishwasher just hates me ;)
 
I didn't think the lids for the Prep Bowls or the Trifle Bowl were to go in dishwasher. I'd be afraid mine would melt them or at least shrink them or warp them.

My hard water turns things funny colors, maybe your mom's water is hard??
Sorry not to really help with an answer.

Lisa
 
The Prep Bowl lids are not DW safe, but the Trifle Bowl lid is. That is so weird that it doesn't happen to your mom's stuff, just yours.

Cascade makes a plastic booster that is great for taking stains and odors out of plastic, but I can't see using it every time you wash. Especially because you need to run a complete DW cycle of just plastics.
 
The lids are absorbing something else in the load. You probably had spaghetti or a tomato-based sauce on something else in that load or a prior that didn't come out - been there, done that.Use the tips above and watch what you put your plastics in with...
 
...and for water...Excess copper turns things blue...
Excess iron turns things brown...
 
redsoxgirl said:
Is it one you can just buy off a shelf or something special?
I just bought it off the shelf withthe other liquids. It is Palmolive I think. It is really cheap. I was going through trying different ones to see which one worked better with me "hard water" and found this one. It works better for me than the expensive ones.

As for the lids melting in the dishwasher, I turn my heated dry off and then I don't have to worry about melting anything. So far, that has worked for me.
 
I thought someone mentioned that they restyled the lids for the prep bowls to be dishwasher safe? Sort of how they changed the lids for the stainless bowls but didn't promote it as being restyled?
 
I put my lids on the top rack and use air dry (no heat) so they won't melt.
 
I was thinking water. I used to work in a place where you never ever laundered your whites in town. You took them (I am not kidding) to the next town and did them at the laundrymat. Something about iodine added to the water turned all the whites a little orangey browny.
 
A couple years ago I used Cascade Orange...it turned my Mix N Scraper orange!
Are you using that dish detergent?
Home office told me to make a paste with dry dish detergent to scrub it clean...it didn't work for me...I got a new Mix N Scraper.

...and I never use Cascade Orange ever again!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my Pampered Chef covers come out orange/brown after cooking?

The orange or brown discoloration on your Pampered Chef covers is often due to the natural oils and fats from the food you are cooking. These substances can react with the material of the cover, especially if it is exposed to high heat or prolonged cooking times.

Is it safe to use my Pampered Chef covers if they are discolored?

Yes, it is generally safe to use your Pampered Chef covers even if they have become discolored. The discoloration does not affect the functionality of the covers, but it may be an indication of residue buildup that should be cleaned regularly.

How can I prevent my covers from turning orange or brown?

To prevent discoloration, try to avoid cooking foods that are high in fat or oil at very high temperatures. Additionally, using parchment paper or silicone mats can help protect the covers from direct contact with greasy foods.

What is the best way to clean my discolored Pampered Chef covers?

To clean discolored covers, soak them in warm, soapy water for a few minutes, then scrub gently with a non-abrasive sponge. For tougher stains, a mixture of baking soda and water can be effective. Rinse thoroughly and allow to air dry.

Will the discoloration affect the performance of my Pampered Chef covers?

No, the discoloration does not affect the performance of your Pampered Chef covers. They will continue to function as intended, but regular cleaning can help maintain their appearance and longevity.

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