Adhesive vinyl, also known as self-adhesive vinyl, is a type of flexi material that is used for printing.
It comes in two types – a removable vinyl that is generally used indoors and a permanent vinyl that is used for outdoor and other purposes. It is used by many creators to personalize household items.
If you ended up on this page, you want to know if adhesive vinyl is microwave safe? We answer that question in detail below.
So, let’s get right into it.
What Items Are Adhesive Vinyl Used To Create?
Adhesive Vinyl is widely used in the craft industry by creators who hand make products. For kitchenware, it is used for personalized designs on coffee mugs, water bottles, glasses and even baby items.
Whether its names, pictures or even phrases, there is likely to be a designer out there making the item with adhesive vinyl. In fact, you can also use adhesive vinyl at home with a cricut machine to create your own unique designs.
Is Adhesive Vinyl Microwave Safe?
So, this is a complicated question that will depend on the context. Permanent adhesive vinyl that is dried for at least 48 hours on an item such as a coffee mug should be perfectly safe in the microwave for a regular cycle.
It’s important, however, not to keep products with vinyl in any type of heat for too long as the heat can cause dulling, peeling or lifting due to overexposure.
Temporary adhesive vinyl on the other hand is not generally recommended for use in the microwave. This is made of less durable material and is not meant to last a lifetime anyway, so it is best to keep these out of the microwave where possible.
Another consideration is the type of material that the cup, bottle or other dishware is made from. Some materials are not microwave safe, so they should not be placed in the microwave regardless of whether or not they have adhesive vinyl on them.
Similarly, Is Adhesive Vinyl Dishwasher Safe?
Having considered the pros and cons of putting adhesive vinyl in the microwave, a valid question that follows is whether or not it is dishwasher safe. The simple answer is yes. Permanent adhesive vinyl is generally dishwasher safe on a regular wash and dry cycle. A deep cleaning cycle is however not recommended.
Temporary adhesive vinyl such as the ones that are made using cricut machines by homemakers, are generally not dishwasher safe. Most cricut vinyl is temporary adhesive and so will not last more than a few months to a couple of years depending on how it is cared for.
Tips to Enhance The Longevity of Adhesive Vinyl
Handwashing in cool water is one of the safest methods for cleaning items with adhesive vinyl. Regular non harsh soap is also recommended. Harsh detergents can cause premature peeling. Bleach and fabric softeners should also be avoided if you want your vinyl to last as long as possible. Once you are done hand washing the item, you should dry it as soon as possible.
If it is possible, skip the microwave. While most are safe in the microwave, the heat can cause dulling and generally reduce the lifespan of adhesive vinyl. In addition, the high heat on the vinyl can melt the vinyl and or burn the adhesive.
The Takeaway
Adhesive vinyl is quite durable when it is attached properly and allowed to dry properly. There are two types of vinyl, the permanent type and the temporary one.
The permanent type is generally dishwasher safe, but the temporary one is not. As for the microwave, permanent vinyl can be heated safely to some degree, depending on the material that the item is made of.
