Just because it’s called a dishwasher doesn’t mean that it can only wash dishes, you know? We’re not suggesting you chuck everything that needs cleaning in the dishwasher, cause there are some rules and regulations if you want this handy kitchen appliance to serve you for a long time, but there are some things you can do that will save you lots of time and effort. Be creative, think about what materials are your dishes and pans made of, think about other things that can withstand heat and you’ll probably figure it out. But just in case, here’s a list of things you can clean in a dishwasher that you probably haven’t tried to clean that way before.
1. Silicone Kitchenware
Silicone oven mitts, spatulas and cupcake and cake molds, silicone baking sheets – all these are completely safe to wash in the dishwasher and it’s a quick and easy way to keep them germ free.
2. Kitchen Brushes and Sponges
We use these every day to clean some dishes, but we never bother to actually clean these things. Just put them in the top section of your dishwasher or in the utensils compartment next time you run the dishwasher.
3. Fridge Compartments
Most of us don’t bother to wash the fridge as often as we know we should. All because you don’t want to do it by hand. Well good news – all those shelves and compartments and separators are usually dishwasher safe.
4. Microwave Turntable
How often does stuff bubble out, or explode in your microwave? If you’re anything like me – at least once a week. So here’s a trick – first just microwave a glass of water to get all the gunk lose, then pop the turntable into the dishwasher and wipe the inside of the dishwasher with a moist cloth.
5. Grill Rack
This is such a lifesaver, since it usually takes quite a while to wash the grill rack by hand. Just pop it in the dishwasher on the hot setting and forget about it. It’ll come out clean and shiny.
6. Vases
Vases are so difficult to wash. Just put them on the bottom section of the dishwasher upside down and it’ll be clean in no time. Obviously only do this with plain vases, none of that gold pleated stuff, cause all the patterns and designs will rub off.
7. Figurines
If you’re the type of person who likes collecting figurines but doesn’t have time to dust them every week – put them in the dishwasher. But again, make sure they’re plain not gilded.
8. Light Fixtures
The shades and cover on your light fixtures and laps can easily be washed in the dishwasher. No need to try and dust them, we know how weirdly sticky they can get.
9. Soap Dishes
Just cause they’re used to store soap doesn’t mean they’re always clean, am I right? I mean those soap dishes can get pretty grimy with time so feel free to put them in the dishwasher once in a while.
10. Toothbrush Holders
You know how disgusting it can get when you forget to clean the toothbrush holder. One day you reach for the toothbrush and it comes out with the handle all icky and slimy. All because the water drips down from them and settles at the bottom of the container. Just put it in the dishwasher once a week, will you?
11. Kid Toys
Most plastic and silicone toys, pacifiers and teething rings are dishwasher safe and if you have kids you know how dirty and slimy their toys can get. Putting them in the dishwasher is the quickest way to clean them. Plus it’ll sanitize them too.
12. Trash Buckets and Lids
If your trash bucket is made out of hard plastic and is small enough to fit in the dishwasher we urge you to wash it there. Same goes for those trash container lids that swivel back and forth. Just wash them in the dishwasher once a week.
13. Hairbrushes and Combs
Most plastic combs and brushes are safe to put in the dishwasher. And we know how grimy they can get will all that hair product sticking to them. Just remove the hair from them first and then put in the dishwasher. Not suitable for wooden combs or brushes with natural bristles.
14. Facial Brushes
While we don’t recommend putting makeup brushes in the dishwasher, it’s perfectly fine to do so with facial brushes used as scrubs. Both manual ones and the heads of automatic ones.
15. Shower Puff
You clean yourself with this every day and it accumulates all the dirt and dead skin cells. It’s the perfect ground for bacteria to grow. To avoid this put it in the top section of the dishwasher to clean it.
16. Manicure and Pedicure Tools
Putting these metal tools in the dishwasher on a high setting is the best way to sanitize them at home. Try doing this after each use to avoid getting any infections in the future.
17. Pet Food Bowls
Yup, these are also dishwasher safe, just like normal dishes. So don’t waste your time washing them by hand.
18. Pet Collars and Leashes
If your cat or dog or any other animal that wears a collar or a leash got it dirty while playing outside (or maybe it just got dirty with time) you can safely wash them in the dishwasher.
19. Dog Toys
Those rubbery chew toys that you get your dog – they get nasty with use. But that doesn’t
20. Keys
Sometimes keys get grimy – you can easily fix that by washing them in the dishwasher, just put them in the utensils compartment. Just don’t wash any of those electronic keys or car keys.
21. Flip Flops and Rubber Boots
Flip flops and rubber boots are usually dishwasher safe. They’ll remain intact after a dishwasher cycle while they might get mangled in the washing machine. Just put the flip flops in the top sections and the boots on the bottom.
22. Tools
If you have a toolbox you know things in there can get greasy and grimy. Washing metal looks like hammers and wrenches in the dishwasher will degrease them easily. Just make sure to run the dishwasher on high and do an empty cycle afterwards before you use it for your dishes.
