Is Permanent Vinyl Dishwasher Safe?

 Updated By Teckwrap Craft On July 31, 2025

Many crafters have been debating the answer to this question for years: Is permanent vinyl dishwasher safe? No, permanent vinyl, while waterproof, is not dishwasher safe especially if the dishwasher has an automatic heating element, and especially because different dishwashers have different water pressure and temperature settings.

It is your choice to wash a mug or tumbler with permanent vinyl decals on the dishwasher. However, expect the print not to last for long. If you want your permanent vinyl design to last longer and intend to wash it in the dishwasher, apply a sealant and cure it.

Do you want to know more about this? Read further and find out why permanent vinyl is not dishwasher safe. Also, learn how to make it safe with a sealant.

Why Is It Important To Use Permanent Vinyl?

For merchandise that needs to be washed often, you need a vinyl that will last for a long time. Permanent vinyl is the answer. It is generally safe for outdoor use and is UV and water-resistant.

 You can apply designs made with it to water bottles, and mugs, and even use it as a car decal.
You can transfer prints with this method using Infusible Ink Transfer Sheets or through Infusible Ink pens and markers.

Most permanent vinyl  are available in different colors, textures, and patterns. Whether you use glossy, matte, or glitter vinyl, it will simply look amazing.

Why Is Permanent Vinyl Not Dishwasher Safe?

Permanent vinyl is not dishwasher safe because the decal may peel off when exposed to the heat inside it. Dishwashers have an automatic heating element that sanitizes the dishes with warm water. The water temperature inside may range between 130°F-140°F.

This heat may cause the adhesive of the decal to peel off. The same concept applies to microwaves. You cannot place a mug or tumbler with a permanent vinyl decal printed on it inside the microwave.

When permanent vinyl is exposed to heat or hot water, the decal does not come off immediately. It takes some time when continually washed in the dishwasher. It is better to hand wash the product.

Dishwashers Whose Heat Settings Can Be Turned Off

There are dishwashers whose heat settings can be turned off. It is said that one can place the tumbler or mug designed with permanent vinyl on the top rack of such a dishwasher with the heat setting turned off.

In this case, the design might not get damaged only if it was applied as flat, wrinkle-free, and bubble-free as possible. There are still doubts in this area, and it will depend on the vinyl brand you’re working with. That’s why it’s better to hand wash drinkware with a permanent vinyl design or apply a sealant on it.

How Long Does Permanent Vinyl Last?

Typically permanent vinyl decals last for three to eight years, sometimes more. This is if they are hand-washed only. That’s why it’s recommended to use permanent vinyl on merchandise that constantly comes in contact with water. Removable vinyl decals last for some months only when washed all the time.

How Do You Make A Permanent Vinyl Design Dishwasher Safe?

To make a permanent vinyl design on drinkware or utensils dishwasher safe, you need to cure it with a sealant. An excellent product you can use is the Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge. To be clear, it’s called Mod Podge, not Modge Podge, so do not get confused.

It is applied to the entire surface of a cup or mug, not just the decal part. This is to ensure the whole merchandise has a smooth and even finish. There are other sealants on the market but the Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge is highly recommended by many professional crafters.

This product is non-toxic and water-resistant, dries quickly, and is officially listed as FDA-approved. It can be applied to glass, plastic, or ceramic. It leaves a smooth finish and protects the decal inside the dishwasher for many years. It can also withstand various water pressures of different dishwasher brands.

Step-By-Step Instructions On How To Make Permanent Adhesive Vinyl Dishwasher Safe

Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to make a permanent adhesive vinyl design dishwasher safe.

Supplies Needed

• Cutting machine (Silhouette or Cricut).
• TeckWrap Craft permanent adhesive vinyl.
• Clear transfer tape.
• Weeding tool (tweezer, weeder, or a weeding pen).
• Squeegee.
• Food-safe Mod Podge sealant.
• Paintbrush.
• Clean cloth or paper towel.
• Rubbing alcohol.
• Microwave for curing (optional).

Step1: Print The Design On The Merchandise

We won’t state in detail how to apply vinyl to merchandise but to refresh your memory, here is a summary:

• Choose a design and upload it on the cutting machine’s software.
• Adjust its size.
• Do not mirror permanent vinyl.
• Place the permanent adhesive vinyl on the cutting mat, with the plastic back side facing down.
• Allow the machine to cut your design.
• Weed the excess vinyl.
• Transfer the decal to the transfer tape using a squeegee.
• Clean the merchandise and prepare to stick the decal.
• Remove the vinyl backing, paste the decal, and make sure it’s wrinkle-free.

Step 2: Clean The Merchandise

Once you’re satisfied with your flawless creation, proceed with cleaning the merchandise again. Use a clean cloth and rubbing alcohol to do so.

Step 3: Apply The Coating

Use a brand-new paintbrush for better strokes on the mug. Just a heads up, the Mod Podge brush strokes will be visible on clear glass making it frosty. Here’s how to apply the coating:

• Apply Mod Podge on the whole merchandise. The strokes should be in the same direction.
• Apply a very thin coating.
• Let it dry for one hour. Do not touch it during this period. You can use a blow dryer for a faster process. The first coat will dry in 15-30 minutes.
• Repeat the process and apply the second and third layers allowing them to dry in between.
• Once the third layer is done, proceed to cure. Place it in a clean, dry place for 28 days and let it just sit there.
• Weed the excess vinyl.
• If you want to cure the merchandise using the microwave, set it to 350°F for 30 minutes. When the time is up, let the mug completely cool off before taking it out. Wait for at least 15 to 30 minutes.
• Store it in a cool, clean, and dry place for 72 hours.

You’re done! The permanent adhesive vinyl design on your drinkware is now dishwasher-safe!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do you make a permanent vinyl design dishwasher safe?
To make a permanent vinyl design dishwasher safe, apply a sealant like Mod Podge over the whole mug and cure it. Generally speaking, vinyl-decorated mugs are not dishwasher safe, and it’s recommended to wash them by hand.

Q. Is the Oracal Permanent Vinyl dishwasher safe?
Oracal Permanent Vinyl is not to be used in the dishwasher. The water pressure and heat can make the material lift and peel. Also, the soap used in the dishwasher has harsh chemicals that can damage your design.

Q. Do I need to seal permanent vinyl on a mug?
If you want to make a vinyl mug dishwasher safe, it is recommended to seal it. If you only plan to wash it by hand, you don’t necessarily need to seal the permanent vinyl decal.

That’s It!

Now you know that permanent vinyl is not dishwasher safe. To conclude it all, permanent vinyl printed merchandise is recommended to be washed by hand.

If you want to make it dishwasher-safe, apply a sealant to it and cure it. Visit TeckWrap Craft to get premium-quality permanent vinyl rolls and sheets in a variety of colors, designs, and textures delivered to your doorstep!