why are the sippy cups wet? October 1, 2008 6:14 PM Subscribe
Why do the thin, plastic things (ie, ziploc containers) in my dishwasher still wet after the drying cycle when the stainless steal and porcelain things are dry? posted by shothotbot to grab bag (12 comments total)
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It has to do with the porcelain and stainless being able to stay hot(ter) for longer, aiding in the evaporation of surface water. The plastic cools almost immediately.
Hopefully someone will come in with the exact science of it. posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 6:21 PM on October 1, 2008
I thought I remember a teacher explaining that plastic is hydrophilic, whereas glass and porcelain are hydrophobic. The water molecules don't cling to glass the way they cling to plastic. I don't think temperature has anything to do with it, since everything (glass and plastic) reaches about the same temperature during the wash cycle. posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 6:38 PM on October 1, 2008
Spike has it exactly backwards.
On the hydrophilic glass and ceramic surfaces, the water forms a thin film that evaporates rapidly. On the hydrophobic glass surfaces, it beads up. The beads have a much lower surface/volume ratio than the film, and they evaporate much more slowly. posted by mr_roboto at 7:05 PM on October 1, 2008 [3 favorites]
Well, I learned something today. Thanks! posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 7:09 PM on October 1, 2008
Mr_roboto has it. posted by Quietgal at 7:18 PM on October 1, 2008
Great question - I was just thinking about it yesterday. Figured it had something to do with hydrophilic/phobic properties. posted by wfrgms at 7:19 PM on October 1, 2008
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Hopefully someone will come in with the exact science of it.
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 6:21 PM on October 1, 2008