Do you see your dishwasher as a “one-trick pony” only capable of washing the dishes? Well, think again! This ubiquitous kitchen appliance is far more versatile than you might think. In this article, we reveal 17 unexpected items you can safely clean in your dishwasher—so prepare to throw something other than pots and pans in with your next load.
Plastic Toys
Small plastic toys, like Lego bricks and bath toys, can be unhygienic breeding grounds for bacteria and mold, especially when left damp. The New York Times says you won’t harm the plastic so long as you use a cool wash and won’t damage your dishwasher so long as you use a net bag to keep small pieces from being washed into the machine’s mechanism.
Showerheads
Limescale and other mineral deposits can clog showerheads over time, especially if you live in a ‘hard water’ area. Expert Home Tips recommends that you take your showerhead and “place it in the dishwasher every three months to clean out any hard water build-up and grime.” This will ensure your shower has an uninterrupted spray and minimal bacteria/mold build-up.
Glass Light Fixture Covers
Dishwashers are great for making drinking glasses shine, and that goes for other glass in your home, too! If dust, insects, or grime start dimming the brightness of your light fixtures, remove the glass covers and put them in the dishwasher on the top shelf, or carefully wrap them to prevent damage. Good Housekeeping recommends using your usual detergent for good results.
Garden Tools
According to House Digest, your dishwasher is perfect for cleaning gardening tools, so long as they’re made of metal and not cast iron or copper. Running spades and trowels through a dishwasher cycle strips away dirt and rust, helping your tools last longer. If your tools have wooden handles, make sure you use a cool wash to prevent warping.
Baseball Caps
Sweat and dirt can make caps look and smell dirty, but you may be afraid of spinning them in the washing machine. Instead, Mr. Appliance advises putting them on the top shelf of your dishwasher on a medium-temperature wash with a mild detergent. This will get them clean without any risk of changing the shape or color.
Keyboard Keys
Keyboards can get pretty grimy, especially if you snack at your desk. WikiHow recommends removing the plastic keys carefully and placing them in a mesh bag in your dishwasher on a ‘cool wash’ setting. This should easily remove accumulated grease, crumbs, hair, and dust—just ensure you dry them thoroughly before putting them back in place.
Vent Covers
With air constantly flowing through them, vent covers can become covered in dust and other allergens, impacting air quality. Unscrew them and run them through a dishwasher cycle for a deep clean—not only will they look shiny and clean, but you’ll also improve the efficiency of your home’s heating and cooling systems.
Flip Flops
After a summer of wear, rubber sandals such as flip-flops and Crocs accumulate dirt and bacteria. House Beautiful says you can put them in the dishwasher with baking soda and vinegar to sanitize them and ensure they smell fresh again. Just don’t wash them with anything you cook with or eat from to avoid cross-contamination.
Hairbrushes
Oil and product build-up can affect plastic combs and hairbrushes, making them dirty and less effective. Remove the hair and place your hair tools in the dishwasher on a cool to medium-temperature cycle with your normal detergent (it’s great at stripping grease and residue). Just avoid using this method if your brushes have natural bristles or wooden handles.
Fridge Shelves and Drawers
No one enjoys the time-consuming chore of cleaning the refrigerator, but did you know that most removable shelves and plastic bins are dishwasher-safe? Apartment Therapy states that dishwashers and their detergents are perfect for cleaning food-related grime, leaving your fridge parts shiny and grease-free without the hassle.
Dish Brushes
Kitchen tools like dish brushes harbor food particles and plenty of associated bacteria, particularly if they never dry out. Most types are dishwasher-safe, so just pop them in with a regular cycle for a convenient way to sanitize them. Doing so also extends their lives, reducing plastic waste and benefiting the environment. It’s a win-win!
Makeup Brushes
Makeup brushes often get overlooked when we’re cleaning our homes, but they require regular cleaning to prevent them from getting clogged by makeup or infected with bacteria that can get into our eyes, noses, or mouths. Place them in the utensil holder in your dishwasher on a cold, gentle cycle for good results. And make sure they’re dry and soft before using them again.
Car Cup Holders
If your car has removable cup holders, they probably get filled with spilled drinks, crumbs, and a sticky residue of dust, hair, and other grime. Molly Maid advises placing them in the dishwasher on the top shelf as a simple solution to keeping your car shiny and hygienic.
Range Hood Filters
Extractor hoods do a great job of removing grease and smoke as we cook, but their filters often become sticky and dirty over time. Don’t laboriously clean them by hand, though. Instead, run them through the dishwasher on an intensive cycle using a strong detergent or degreaser. They’ll be shiny and clean in no time!
Contact Lens Cases
If you wear contact lenses, keeping your lens cases clean is vital for eye health and prevents infections. Washing them in the dishwasher is an effective way to sanitize such cases and easily removes bacteria and proteins that may have built up inside. Just make sure that they’re totally dry before re-using them, as moisture promotes microbial growth.
Sponges and Dishcloths
Michigan State University claims, “A sponge can contain all types of bacteria, including Campylobacter, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, E. coli, and Listeria. All of these bacteria can cause mild to severe intestinal and skin infection.” Avoid this by regularly running your sponges and dishcloths through the dishwasher on a hot wash.
Silicone Baking Mats
These mats are beloved by bakers due to their non-stick qualities and reusability. But their floppy design can make them challenging to clean by hand. Your dishwasher is perfect for cleaning them because they’re often covered in food-related grease and grime. The powerful water jets and high temperatures also help remove stubborn, dried-on food.
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