No, you shouldn't store valuables in your dishwasher during a hurricane

As Hurricane Milton heads toward Florida, people are looking for ways to stay safe and protect their home. A social post circulating online recommends that people put their valuables in their dishwasher ahead of the storm.

“When you evacuate, if you can’t take everything important with you then do this…empty your dishwasher and put these things in it, important papers, pictures, keepsakes or anything you want to keep safe from the storm or possible flooding. If you didn’t know…the dishwasher has a tight seal because it has to keep water in and it will keep water out so your stuff should be safe,” the post says.

THE QUESTION

Should you store valuables in your dishwasher during a hurricane?

THE SOURCES

• General Electric

• Appliance Doctor

• An article published by the City of College Station, Texas 

• National Flood Insurance Program

• Aztec Plumbing & Drains 

• Canyon Hills Plumbing

• Sears Home Services

THE ANSWER

No, you should not store valuables in your dishwasher during a hurricane. 

WHAT WE FOUND

Experts recommend against storing valuables in a dishwasher during a hurricane because your belongings could still be damaged if there’s severe flooding.

“Many believe that dishwashers are waterproof because water does not get out when washing a load of dishes,” but the appliances are “not meant to stand up to high-pressure situations, such as flooding, and water will get in,” Appliance Doctor says. 

Appliance manufacturer General Electric also told VERIFY partner station WUSA9 that “appliances are not waterproof.”

“We would not recommend using the dishwasher for anything other than what it is intended for. Appliances that have been exposed to water need to be taken seriously…if owners have something valuable they want to protect, they shouldn’t rely on their dishwasher to protect it,” General Electric said.

To properly store valuables ahead of a big storm, a City of College Station article says to “elevate belongings above the expected flood level or store them in waterproof containers or safes.” 

The National Flood Insurance Program adds that you should “save copies of birth certificates, passports, medical records, and insurance papers in a safe, dry place” and “keep original documents in a watertight safety deposit box.”