Mod Podge comes in various formulas, letting artists choose the one that suits their medium the best. If you want to apply a seal to your crockery, you’ll need a safe formula for you to wash! Luckily, there is a dishwasher-safe Mod Podge product.
So, is Mod Podge dishwasher safe? The Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge formula is perfect for items you want to put in your dishwasher. You can use it as a sealant or even glue. Many crafters use it to create custom mugs and plates! This formula is safe in the top rack of your dishwasher- it won’t melt off.
In short, there’s one type of Mod Podge that you can put in your dishwasher. The other formulas won’t be able to resist the hot water and could easily wash off. If you’re ready to learn more, let’s keep reading!
Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge

Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge is a decoupage formula. It dries clear, and you can apply it to various materials. After curing, you can even wash the project on the top shelf of your dishwasher! It also is safe to wash the items by hand.
This Mod Podge formula is also perfect for adding more water resistance to your projects. However, you’ll need to make sure that you strictly follow the instructions that come with the bottle. Otherwise, the Mod Podge may not cure correctly, making it not work well.
Overall, Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge comes with plenty of benefits! If you want to wash an item after applying the seal, make sure to use it. The other formulas won’t resist the hot water nearly as well.
Is Regular Mod Podge Dishwasher Safe?

Regular Mod Podge is not dishwasher safe! You’ll need to make sure you use the correct formula if you want to clean your project in the appliance.
While the Outdoor Mod Podge is very water-resistant, it won’t last in the dishwasher. It will melt, run, ruin your hard work, and make a mess! You can avoid this by using the correct Mod Podge.
Dishwasher Mod Podge adds heat protection to your work, which is how it becomes dishwasher safe. To gain this feature, you need to let it cure completely. It’s also good to have multiple layers of the Mod Podge for added protection.
To summarize, normal Mod Podge is not dishwasher safe! You’ll need to use the proper formula, especially if you want it to last in the dishwasher. It’s worth noting that it only becomes completely dishwasher safe after curing for the recommended amount of time.
Is Mod Podge Dishwasher Safe Toxic?

Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge is a water-based formula. It’s also non-toxic, so you can safely drink and eat out of items with this seal. However, that’s only after it cures for the recommended period.
You still won’t want to touch the Mod Podge to your mouth directly because the FDA doesn’t label it as a food-safe material. For example, you can avoid applying it to the rims of mugs and cups.
To make it even safer, you can apply the material only to the outside of cups or the bottom of plates- where it won’t touch your food or drinks! That also means you shouldn’t have to scrub there while washing dishes, making them last much longer.
To learn about other Mod Podge formulas being toxic, check out my other article here!
How Long Does Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge Take To Cure?

You need to let the seal cure for at least 28 days. For many people, that amount of time is too long! Instead, you can bake the Mod Podge to cure it. Check out my other article that teaches you how to properly bake Mod Podge.
After the curing period, you’ll notice that the Mod Podge changes from a cloudy white to clear. It’s also much shinier, giving your work a glossy finish. If it’s still cloudy after those 28 days, it didn’t cure properly.
If you want to bake the Mod Podge instead, you start by placing the item on a baking sheet, then set that in a cold oven. Allow the oven to heat up to 175°F (79°C) and bake for an hour. After baking your project, turn off the oven and let the objects cool down overnight.
All in all, it takes 28 days for your Mod Podge to cure. The weather and humidity can impact the amount of time it takes. If you don’t want to wait nearly a month, you can always bake the Mod Podge to drastically speed up the curing time.
Does Mod Podge Make Things Waterproof?

Mod Podge can make items water-resistant but not waterproof. If your project gets wet, you can easily clean it off without worry. However, you won’t be able to submerge a project for long without damaging it.
Both Outdoor and Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge have higher levels of water resistance than the other formulas. If you want the most water protection, then make sure you try these options first!
Standard Mod Podge won’t offer as much water resistance as these two formulas. The spray-on Mod Podge is even less waterproof than that! Overall, you’ll want to choose either the Outdoor or Dishwasher Safe versions for added water resistance.
Does Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge Dry Clear on Glass?

Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge does dry clear on glass! This feature makes it perfect for decoupaging glasses without making them appear cloudy.
You can find different styles within the Dishwasher Safe formulas too. For example, the Dishwasher Safe Gloss formula! This option is best when you want to seal a clear glass. It blends in perfectly when you apply and cure it properly.
Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge is perfect for a variety of materials. Besides glass, you can also expect it to dry clear on ceramic and metal dishes! After curing, the Mod Podge transforms from white to completely clear.
If you notice some clear areas among cloudy areas in the Mod Podge, it likely didn’t cure correctly. You’ll want to either give it more curing time, bake the object, or try again.
Are All Mod Podge Dishwasher Safe?

Not all types of Mod Podge are dishwasher safe! Any formula that isn’t the Dishwasher Safe option will melt off when put through the cleaning appliance.
Dishwashers coat items in hot water and soap which dissolves the sealant. However, the Mod Podge company designs its formula with this in mind. They ensure the product will last when you set it on the top rack of your dishwasher.
Even though it’s dishwasher safe, the Mod Podge might come off in the water if you didn’t give it enough time to cure. It could also happen if the Mod Podge layer was too thick, so it never cured in the middle.
Overall, not every kind of Mod Podge will be dishwasher safe. You’ll want to make sure you use the correct formula and follow the instructions as best you can!
Final Thoughts
To summarize, the standard Mod Podge formula isn’t dishwasher safe. However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck! The Dishwasher Safe option is exactly what you need. It resists water well, making it safe for the top rack of the appliance.
There are plenty of Mod Podge products out there. You should always consider what you want to use it for to get the best one for the project!
Make sure to follow all my tips and recommended products to ensure your Mod Podge painted project turns out great! Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your painting Q&A’s. Happy painting!