My dishwasher is easily one of the most helpful tools in my kitchen. It saves me so much time and effort when it comes to washing dishes, but I’ve discovered it’s capable of a lot more than just scrubbing plates and silverware. I was surprised to learn that I can use it to clean all kinds of everyday items—things I never would’ve thought to throw in there!
From sports gear to gardening tools, the powerful jets of hot water and detergent can blast away grime, germs, and dirt. Here are 18 surprising things I’ve found I can clean in my dishwasher, making life just a bit easier!
1. Plastic Toys
Kids’ toys can get pretty dirty, harboring germs and bacteria from all the places they go. If they’re made of hard plastic, your dishwasher can sanitize them easily. Just make sure the toys are dishwasher safe and avoid putting any with electronics inside. Place them on the top rack to keep them from melting.
2. Hairbrushes and Combs
As long as they’re not made from wood or natural bristles, you can toss your plastic hairbrushes and combs into the dishwasher. Remove any hair first, then put them in the utensil holder for a deep clean that removes dirt and oils. The hot water works to sanitize the bristles, leaving them fresh and ready for use.
3. Baseball Caps
Baseball caps can get sweaty and dirty over time. Luckily, you can throw them in the dishwasher! Just use the top rack and avoid hot drying cycles, which might shrink the fabric. Place the hat on a frame or just over a bowl to help it hold its shape during the wash.
4. Refrigerator Shelves and Drawers
Refrigerator shelves and drawers tend to accumulate spills and sticky messes. Instead of hand-washing them, try fitting them into the dishwasher. Be sure to remove any glass shelves, as they might crack. Your fridge will be sparkling clean and ready for restocking.
5. Garden Tools
After a day of digging in the dirt, garden tools can get filthy. Most small, metal tools like trowels or pruners are dishwasher safe and will come out gleaming. It’s a simple way to clean off dirt, sap, and bacteria before storing them away for the next use.
6. Pet Toys and Bowls
Pet toys and bowls can collect bacteria just like human dishes. Instead of scrubbing by hand, toss them into the dishwasher for a good cleaning. Make sure the items are dishwasher safe, and avoid putting anything with electronics in the wash. This helps keep your pet’s things free from germs and buildup.
7. Flip Flops and Rubber Shoes
Flip flops and rubber shoes can be tough to scrub by hand, especially after they’ve seen a lot of outdoor wear. Luckily, they’re usually dishwasher-safe. Place them on the top rack, ensuring they’re securely positioned, and let the dishwasher’s water jets work their magic.
8. Oven Knobs
Oven knobs often get overlooked, even though they’re handled every time you cook. Grease and food particles can build up, making them sticky and grimy. You can pop off the knobs and run them through the dishwasher for a hassle-free clean. Just be sure they’re completely dry before putting them back on.
9. Light Fixture Covers
Dust and dead bugs love to collect inside ceiling light fixture covers. Instead of wiping them down one by one, put glass or plastic covers in the dishwasher. They’ll come out sparkling clean without any extra effort. Be sure to hand-wash any delicate fixtures made from materials like crystal.
10. Keyboard Covers and Mousepads
If you use a plastic keyboard cover or a silicone mousepad, these can go in the dishwasher to remove grime and germs. Just be sure they’re not electrical and place them on the top rack. After a cycle, they’ll be spotless and much more pleasant to use.
11. Microwave Turntables
Microwave turntables collect splatters from soups, sauces, and reheated meals. While you can wipe them down, your dishwasher will get rid of stubborn stains and food particles more effectively. Make sure they’re securely positioned on the bottom rack before starting the cycle.
12. Showerheads
Mineral deposits can clog your showerhead over time, affecting water flow. Surprisingly, many showerheads are dishwasher-safe! Running them through a wash cycle can help dissolve mineral buildup and restore full water pressure. Just be sure to remove any rubber parts before cleaning.
13. Bathroom Soap Dishes
Soap dishes can become scummy and slimy from constant exposure to water and soap residue. Instead of scrubbing them by hand, place them in the dishwasher. A run through the cycle will leave them spotless and soap-scum-free.
14. Vent Covers
Air vent covers gather dust and dirt over time, and cleaning each vent individually can be a pain. Many vent covers, especially those made of metal or plastic, can go in the dishwasher. Once they’re cleaned, you’ll enjoy better air quality and a fresh, dust-free home.
15. Silicone Baking Mats
Silicone baking mats are amazing for baking but difficult to clean thoroughly by hand. You can pop them in the dishwasher to get rid of grease and baked-on food particles. They’ll come out looking like new and ready for your next batch of cookies.
16. Plastic Drawer Organizers
Plastic organizers from your bathroom or kitchen drawers can get sticky and grimy over time. Instead of wiping down each individual section, you can wash them in the dishwasher. It’s a fast and easy way to get them thoroughly cleaned.
17. Reusable Water Bottles and Lids
If your reusable water bottle is dishwasher safe, it’s a good idea to clean it this way from time to time. The bottle, along with its lid and any straws, can go on the top rack for a deep clean that reaches places you can’t with a brush.
18. Dish Sponges and Scrub Brushes
Ironically, the tools you use to clean other things can end up harboring bacteria. You can toss your sponges and plastic scrub brushes in the dishwasher to sanitize them. They’ll come out free of germs and grime, ready to tackle another round of dirty dishes.
16 American Foods Brits Can’t Stand
Food preferences can vary wildly across cultures, and what’s considered a delicacy in one country might be seen as downright bizarre in another. This cultural divide is particularly evident when comparing American and British cuisines. While the two nations share a common language, their tastes in food can be worlds apart. From overly sweet concoctions to processed cheese products, there are certain American foods that many Brits find hard to stomach.
Read More: 16 American Foods Brits Can’t Stand
Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
