How to Clean OXO POP Containers and Lids

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Identify the dishwasher rule before taking anything apart

Check the packaging, item number or product care instructions rather than deciding from the POP name alone. The original OXO POP care sheet specifies hand washing for every part except the silicone gasket. In contrast, OXO describes its current 10-piece POP set as completely top-rack dishwasher-safe. A mixed pantry may contain both. If you cannot identify a container, hand washing is the cautious common starting point; do not put an unidentified lid in a hot dishwasher because a newer container permits it.

Step 2: Empty the container and record the lid arrangement

Transfer usable dry food to another clean, dry container and remove the lid. Brush loose crumbs into the bin before introducing water, particularly around the underside where flour can become a paste. Look at the gasket's orientation and take a quick photograph before removing it. Work on one lid at a time when cleaning several sizes, keeping each insert and seal together. Do not try to dismantle the push button itself or pry through a welded plastic seam; the removable cleaning parts are the ones identified in that lid's instructions.

Step 3: Separate an original-style lid using its marked direction

For the original lid covered by OXO's illustrated sheet, leave the button up. Turn the bottom section in the direction of the molded arrows to release it, use the finger grooves to lift the plastic insert and remove the silicone gasket from the bottom section. Support the parts as they separate so they do not fall into a disposal. These directions describe that original mechanism, not every later POP lid. If your underside lacks the same arrows and finger grooves, use its own diagram instead of forcing it to behave like the older design.

Step 4: Wash the box, insert and exposed gasket channel

Use warm water, a little dish liquid and a soft sponge to remove food film from the container and the hand-wash-only lid pieces. A small soft brush can reach the gasket channel without digging into the plastic. Wash the silicone seal on all sides, opening its folds gently rather than stretching it. Work especially carefully after storing oily foods or strong-smelling ingredients: cleaning just the visible center misses the food-contact perimeter. Rinse until there is no slippery detergent film. Avoid scouring powders, rough pads and sharp tools that can scratch the clear walls or damage a sealing edge.

Step 5: Use the dishwasher only for the approved pieces

For an original-style container, the silicone gasket is the only dishwasher-approved component in the referenced sheet; wash the rest by hand. For a confirmed current all-dishwasher-safe set, follow the top-rack instruction and its lid-disassembly directions. Keep small parts secure in a dishwasher accessory basket so they cannot drop onto the heating area. A dishwasher-safe label does not mean an assembled lid will drain completely. After the cycle, inspect the recesses and seal channel for retained water and food. Repeat gentle hand cleaning if a hidden area was shielded from the wash.

Step 6: Dry the separated parts before rebuilding the seal

Let the container, lid sections and gasket drain separately with their openings exposed. Blot accessible droplets with a clean towel, then allow remaining crevices to air-dry. Do not press a wet gasket back into its channel simply because the outside feels dry. Reassemble the original lid in the reverse order shown by OXO, with the gasket seated evenly and the button up during assembly. Check for a folded lip or a grain of food along the sealing surface. A smooth, correctly placed gasket matters more than tightening the lid with extra force.

Step 7: Test the closure and refill with dry food

Put the empty lid on the container and operate the button normally. If it feels wrong, reopen it and inspect the assembly rather than forcing the button or trimming the gasket. Refill only when every food-contact part is dry; residual moisture is especially undesirable around flour, cereal and other dry pantry goods. Carry the container by its body, not its lid. OXO describes original POP containers as dry-food storage, not microwave cookware. Inspect a cracked box, damaged sealing lip or persistent hidden contamination as a replacement issue, rather than expecting another wash to restore a sound seal.