How to Clean Plastic Plants From an Aquarium in a Dishwasher

The health of your fish and the health of other aquarium life is affected by the cleanliness of your aquarium. Clean aquariums produce healthy fish. Over time, the aquarium needs to be cleaned -- not only the water but also the rocks, aquarium decorations and the plastic aquarium plants. Cleaning plastic plants is a breeze, especially if you own a dish washing machine.

Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the plastic aquarium plants from the aquarium using either a fish net or your hands. It may help to move the top of the plant in small circles first to loosen the gravel around its base. Shake off excess gravel into the tank.

    • 2

      Remove any plant bases that contain dirt or moss and set them aside. Plastic bases can stay.

    • 3

      Rinse the plastic plants in the sink to remove large algae deposits or loose dirt.

    • 4

      Place the plastic plants in the top shelf of the dishwasher, leaving an inch or two between each plant. Do not add dishes or other items to the dishwasher while washing the plastic plants.

    • 5

      Set the dishwasher to a short wash cycle and a short, low-heat dry cycle.

    • 6

      Start the dishwasher and let it complete the cycle.

    • 7

      Remove the plastic plants from the dishwasher and allow them to air dry.