Despite being called a "dishwasher," the magical machine sitting in your kitchen isn't just for plates, cups, or silverware. It's also a secret cleaning hack that can handle way more than you might think. Not only is tossing things in the dishwasher a major time-saver compared to handwashing, but it's even more efficient, using less water and energy.
So, the dishwasher is one appliance you shouldn't underestimate, with the ability to clean things like footwear, common household fixtures, and even toys. To get you started, here are 13 items you can surprisingly plop inside for a quick clean.
Scroll to see all the surprising items you actually CAN put in the dishwasher!
1. Waterproof Shoes
Nordstrom
You might have kids who love to explore in their Crocs or dance in muddy puddles while wearing their rain boots. Or maybe you ran through a trail through the woods that really left its mark on your Cloud 5 Waterproof Running Shoes. Plus, plastic flip-flops, a staple in summer footwear, have a knack for accumulating sand, dirt, and other grime during the warmer months.
These waterproof shoes can safely go on your dishwasher's top rack! Just be wary of using detergents that have bleach, as it could lead to material damage or discoloration.
2. Plastic Hairbrushes
Amazon
Hairbrushes don't only collect stray strands of hair. They can also accumulate dead skin, grease, and other grime.
If you realize your plastic brush or comb has seen better days, put it in your dishwasher's utensil container and let it go through a "normal" cycle. Just keep in mind that brushes or combs made from natural materials aren't safe for the dishwasher.
3. Children's Toys
Target
Kids have no problem using and basically abusing their toys. They get tossed on the floor, chewed on, and even taken outside in the dirt. To get rid of germs, plastic items such as building blocks, pretend play kitchen items, bath toys, and even pacifiers and teething rings can be cleaned in your dishwasher.
However, any toys that have small pieces should be placed in a mesh bag. That way, they don't inadvertently damage your appliance.
4. Baseball Caps
Urban Outfitters
Baseball caps are great for shading your face from the harsh summer sun, but they can quickly get dirtied from sweat. Thankfully, the dishwasher can help get them looking as good as new without ruining their shape.
All you have to do is loosely place your cap in the top rack and let it air dry afterward. Or, for those very concerned about their cap's shape, you can buy a cap frame.
5. Vacuum Attachments
Amazon
From sucking up dust bunnies under our furniture to tackling crumbs between couch cushions, our vacuums (and, specifically, their attachments) go through a lot.
Instead of handwashing these often-gross items, allow your dishwasher to do the work for you. Plenty of plastic vacuum attachments tend to be dishwasher-safe, but before you throw all of your accessories in for a bath, double-check your owner's manual.
6. Toothbrush Holders
Anthropologie
It's recommended that you replace your toothbrush every three to four months to maintain hygiene. But when was the last time you actually cleaned your toothbrush holder?
Moisture and toothpaste residue can accumulate inside or outside this item over time. Just like a cup, simply turn it upside down, place it on the top rack of your dishwasher, and let it run through a normal cycle.
7. Potatoes
Target
Have you ever been tasked with making mashed potatoes or french fries for a large group only to realize just how many spuds you'd have to wash? You may be shocked to learn that you could've been saving a lot of scrub time all these years.
Potatoes can easily be placed on the top rack and washed on a rinse cycle! Never include any detergent, though.
8. Appliance Knobs
No matter how tidy of a cook you are, the knobs on your appliances, like your stove, are bound to get quite dirty after a while. They're constantly touched, often with sticky or oily fingers, and frequently forgotten about during kitchen cleaning sessions.
Give your appliances a simple refresh by disconnecting their removable plastic or metal knobs and sticking them in your dishwasher's utensil container.
9. Refrigerator Shelves
Amazon
From spilled milk (literally) to crumbs and leaking leftover containers, refrigerator shelves can get sticky, grimy, and downright gross to handwash.
Luckily, you don't have to! They can be sanitized in the bottom rack of your dishwasher, along with your other dishware, for an effortless clean.
10. Gardening Tools
Amazon
Regardless of whether you're a container gardener or prefer growing plants in garden beds, your tools are exposed to dirt, bacteria, and, sometimes, pesticides.
Those with plastic or metal handles can get sanitized on your dishwasher's top rack. Tools with wooden handles, on the other hand, should be washed manually.
11. Microwave Turntable
Amazon
Similar to refrigerator shelves, microwaves take a beating. This appliance reheats everything from bubbling soups to greasy pizza slices, but you don't want your turntable to look like a graveyard of dinners' past.
Instead of going through the hassle of washing this large, awkward item in the sink, place it in your dishwasher alongside your other plates, bowls, and cups.
12. Shower Caddy
Target
Unless you have a built-in shelf in your shower, you probably have a metal shower caddy that hangs over your shower head or door to hold your shampoo, conditioner, and other bath products.
Over time, mold and soap scum will accumulate on your caddy, giving it a dull or dirty appearance. To help this shower accessory become sparkly again, run it through your dishwasher, and remember to dry it off afterward to prevent rusting.
13. Pet Toys & Bowls
Target
Last but certainly not least are plastic pet toys and bowls. The former is constantly chewed on, dragged around your floor, and sometimes even buried in the yard. Meanwhile, the latter is exposed to the bacteria in your furry friend's mouth, kibble residue, and slobber.
Rather than forcing yourself to hand wash these pet accessories, let your dishwasher handle it. Just check the bowl and toy labels to ensure they're machine-wash-safe and don't have any hollow areas where water can get trapped and grow mold.
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