Drano In Dishwasher ~upd~ May 2026

Drano in a dishwasher is a guaranteed way to ruin the appliance and risk injury. Physically clean the filter and hose instead.

| Component | Material | Reaction to Drano | Consequence | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Polypropylene / ABS Plastic | Surface crazing & stress cracking | Arms split open; water pressure lost. | | Pump Impeller | Nylon / Composite | Softening & embrittlement | Impeller shatters; dishwasher won’t drain. | | Heating Element | Stainless Steel (sheathed) | Minor corrosion (lesser risk) | OK, but seals around it fail. | | Door Gasket | EPDM / Silicone rubber | Swelling & loss of elasticity | Leaks water onto kitchen floor. | | Drain Hose | Corrugated Polyethylene | Becomes brittle & cracks | Hidden leak under sink/floor. | | Aluminum parts | Sump cover, sensor housings | Rapid dissolution (bubbling) | Creates pinhole leaks & new clogs from dissolved metal sludge. | drano in dishwasher