If you own a dishwasher, we have some good news for you. Aside from dishes and kitchenware, a few other things can be cleaned in a dishwasher. Yes, you read that correctly! Dishwashers are excellent cleaning companions that can save you time and money.
This post will provide you with a list of items you can stop washing by hand and instead utilize that very handy kitchen appliance. However, please bear in mind that certain items, such as wooden or copper pieces, should never be placed in a dishwasher. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s handling instructions for specific items.
Things Your Dishwasher is Capable of Cleaning
Let your dishwasher do the dirty work. Grab everything you want to wash to save time. The following is a list of items that your kitchen equipment can wash:
Kitchen Accessories
1. Kitchen Sponges and Brushes
Kitchen sponges and brushes can all be placed on the top rack or the utensil holder. Additionally, make sure to hand-sanitize brushes with wooden handles.
2. Silicone Oven Mitts and Baking Mats
Clean your silicone mitts and mats by laying them over the top rack’s prongs and weighing them down with glassware.
3. Inserts for Utensil Drawers
Utensil organizers and inserts, as long as they are not made of wood, can be rinsed on the dishwasher’s top rack.
4. Instant Pot and Accessories
Except for the electric cooker base, all parts of your instant pot can be washed in the dishwasher. Remember to put the lid on top and the remainder of the pot’s components on the bottom shelf.
Pet Accessories
5. Bowls
Given that your pet’s bowls are one of the dirtiest objects in your household, you should wash and disinfect this item at least once a week in your dishwasher.
6. Toys
Chew toys and other plastic pet toys are dishwasher safe. Place them on the top rack and thoroughly rinse them afterward to remove any soap residue.
7. Pet Collars and Leashes
You may safely wash your pet’s collars and leashes in the top rack of your dishwasher as long as they are not made of leather materials. Remember that they should not dangle or obstruct the spray arms.
Toddler Items
8. Toys
Plastic toys of all types may be washed in the dishwasher. Place miniature figurines and blocks in a mesh box or covered area of the utensil holder.
9. Teething Rings and Pacifiers
As long as it is dishwasher-safe, you may use pacifiers and teething rings in a dishwasher using a mesh box or a covered portion of the utensil holder.
Bathroom Items
10. Toothbrushes
Dentists frequently advise changing the toothbrush every three months. You can wash and sanitize them on the utensil holder in between replacements.
11. Tub Matts
Run your rubber mat in the dishwasher once a week to prevent mold from forming.
12. Shower Sponges, Brushes, and Poofs
Weekly cleaning of shower sponges, brushes, and poofs may remove body dirt and any leftover germs and mold.
13. Soap and Toothbrush Holders
If you want to keep your family safe from germs, run these in the dishwasher once a week.
14. Cover for Exhaust Fan
Wash the exhaust fan cover in your dishwasher at least once a year to eliminate dust and grease residues.
Garden Accessories
15. Garden Tools
As long as there are no wooden handles on your garden equipment, they may all be washed in the dishwasher. Put them on the top rack and let your machine do the rest.
16. Hose Spray Heads
Hard water can occasionally cause mineral deposits to form on your spray heads. You can get rid of it right away by running your dishwasher. Simply remove the silicone gasket and place your spray heads on the top rack.
17. Flower Pots
Your flower pots will undoubtedly succumb to mildew and pest, but with your dishwasher, you can clean them and avoid contamination or unclean pots..
Tips for Using Your Dishwasher to Clean Other Things
Before you throw anything in your dishwasher, here are some important things to remember to protect your things and yourself
- Choose the right dishwashing rack. Some may have a “dishwasher-safe” label, indicating they can go on either the top or bottom shelf.
- Check that all things are appropriately arranged to prevent them from turning over.
- To avoid cross-contamination that could harm you and your family, wash your kitchenware separately from non-kitchen items.
Bottomline
There are many things you never knew you could wash in your dishwasher. This highlights how adaptable and useful a dishwasher can be in your home. With this, we hope to give you an idea of what you might wash next time, saving you effort.
Having a dishwasher in your home is quite convenient. Investing in one might help you save significant money in the long run. And, as the new year arrives, there are several excellent dishwashers to choose from.
To learn everything there is to know about everyone’s favorite kitchen partner-in-crime, click here to read the definitive dishwasher guide.
