Wait, You Can Wash That in a Dishwasher?!
Okay, real talk for a second: when you think “dishwasher,” your brain probably flashes to plates, glasses, and maybe the occasional rogue fork, right? Totally fair. But what if I told you that magical machine humming away in your kitchen could actually do way more than just tackle last night’s lasagna pan?
Yep — your dishwasher is basically an unsung hero for cleaning all kinds of stuff you probably didn’t even think about.
Curious?
Maybe a little skeptical?
Perfect. Let’s dive into the wild (and surprisingly useful) world of what you can wash in your dishwasher — besides dishes, of course.
1. Kitchen Items You Didn’t Know Were Dishwasher-Safe
Let’s start with some low-hanging fruit—things already living in your kitchen drawers and cabinets.
- Sponges & Scrub Brushes: Feeling grossed out by a funky sponge? Toss it in the top rack! A hot cycle kills off the bacteria like a boss.
- Microwave Turntables: Those awkward glass plates always end up splattered with whatever exploded yesterday. Pop ’em right in.
- Fridge Shelves & Bins: Instead of wiping them down one by one, load them up and let your dishwasher do the scrubbing.
- Dish Drying Racks: Ironic, right? But yes, you can actually clean your drying rack inside your other cleaning machine.
Imagine cutting your kitchen-cleaning time in half just by tossing these bad boys in while your dinner plates are getting scrubbed!
Next up? Let’s think outside the kitchen…
2. Surprising Household Items You Can Wash in a Dishwasher
Dishwashers aren’t just for plates and cups — they can actually tackle a whole bunch of household items that you might never have guessed. Ready for a few? Here we go:
- Shoes (Yes, Really!)
As long as they’re made of plastic or rubber, throw them in the top rack for a quick clean. Think of it as a spa day for your sneakers. Just make sure they don’t have leather or fabric parts that could get ruined. And for the love of your dishwasher, remove the insoles! - Vent Covers & Air Vents
Those dusty, grimy vent covers are a pain to clean by hand, right? Pop them in the dishwasher, and boom, spotless vents in minutes. The heat and water pressure work wonders on built-up grime. - Shower Caddies & Bath Toys
The buildup of soap scum on your shower caddy? Gone. The rubber bath toys that have been hiding inside moldy grime? Outta here! A quick rinse in the dishwasher can bring these items back to their shiny best. - Garden Tools
Okay, hear me out: after a long gardening day, you can throw your smaller plastic and metal tools into the dishwasher. It’ll clean the dirt off and leave them looking fresh. Just be sure to remove any big soil chunks before you load them in. - Pet Toys
Furry friends are cute, but they can be messy. Toss their plastic and rubber toys into the dishwasher for a deep clean. (Just skip the plush ones – they’ll get ruined!)
3. Seasonal Items You Never Thought You’d Wash
Certain items that only make an appearance seasonally deserve a cleaning as much as your everyday dishes do. Your dishwasher is ready to help. Here’s what to consider:
- Christmas Tree Decorations
Delicate glass ornaments can be a pain to clean, but a quick rinse in the dishwasher will leave them sparkling. Just make sure they’re dishwasher-safe, and don’t overdo it with the delicate ones — you don’t want to risk breaking them. - Plastic Snow Globes
If your snow globe is looking more dusty than magical, toss it in the dishwasher on a gentle cycle. No water inside? You’re good to go! Just make sure to remove any labels or glued-on decorations that might get damaged. - Barbecue Grill Grates
If you’ve got a greasy grill grate situation, it’s time to let the dishwasher work its magic. As long as the grates fit in, you can use that hot cycle to get rid of leftover food and grease, no scrubbing needed.
4. Tips and Tricks for Maximum Dishwasher Efficiency
Now that you’ve got a bunch of ideas on what you can throw in the dishwasher, let’s talk a bit about how to make the most out of this cleaning powerhouse.
- Avoid Overloading
This one’s simple: if you overload the dishwasher, water won’t reach everything properly, and some items won’t get clean. Spread everything out to get the best results. - Use the Right Cycle
If you’re washing something that doesn’t need a full power wash (like your shoes or a plastic garden tool), opt for a lower cycle. It’s gentler, uses less energy, and still gets the job done. - Avoid Using Harsh Detergent
Items like rubber bath toys and plastic items can get a little iffy if you use too much detergent. Stick to a gentle detergent and consider using a rinse aid to avoid any residue. - Don’t Forget to Air Dry
For items that don’t do well with extreme heat (like delicate plastics), air drying is your best option. Many dishwashers have an air dry setting — use it!
5. What You Should Never Put in a Dishwasher
Before you get too carried away, let’s cover a couple of “no-no’s” for your dishwasher:
- Wooden Items
Wood doesn’t play nice with the dishwasher. It can warp, crack, or even lose its finish over time. - Non-Dishwasher-Safe Plastics
Anything that’s labeled as “hand wash only” should stay out of the dishwasher. Some plastics can warp or melt under the high heat and water pressure. - Cast Iron & Nonstick Cookware
While it might seem tempting to throw your cast iron pan or nonstick pots in there, it’s best to hand wash these items. The dishwasher can strip their seasoning or damage the coating.
The Dishwasher — Your New Favorite Tool
Who knew your dishwasher could do so much more than wash dishes, right? From cleaning your shoes to giving your garden tools a makeover, this appliance is a powerhouse in the home. Just be sure to follow the tips, avoid the items that shouldn’t go in, and get creative with your cleaning routine.
So next time you look at your dishwasher, think of it as a magic box of possibilities. What will you clean next? The options are endless!