It’s time to say goodbye to scrubbing hard-to-remove grime of household items. There’s a magic box called dishwasher sitting in your kitchen than can do the cleaning for you. And you don’t have to stand over the sink for a second.
Yes, that’s correct, the dishwasher can get sparkling clean a hell of a lot more than just the dishes.
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While there are few items you should avoid throwing in the dishwasher – think fragile, wooden, cast iron, copper and such – there are many you can.
There are three general rules of thumb:
- First up, as dishwasher safe materials include glass, pots, pans, metal and plastic items, just take a look around the house and get creative. Make sure they’re dishwasher safe before popping them in.
- The second rule is, remember to be cautious and follow manufacturer care tips on specific items and if in doubt, don’t pop in.
- The last rule is to keep in mind that the top rack is safest to load these items (never put them in the bottom rack) into as it is farther away from the heating element when drying.
Lastly, don’t forget that as some of these items can be quite grimy, you might want to put them in a separate load to your dishes and put the dishwasher on cleaning mode in between washes.
Pro tip: It’s true that dishwasher consumes lots of energy. If you want to cut down your energy consumption, we recommend not using the heating option on your dishwasher. When the load has finished washing, turn the dishwasher off and open the door a crack to let the dishes dry. This keeps available heat inside but allows the dishes to air dry.
1. Kitchen sponges and brushes
A great way to keep them cleaner for longer (and will make things easy to clean with your sponges).
2. Most kitchen exhaust fans and covers
Because who wants to scrub off all that grime by hand?
3. Silicone oven mitts and trivets
Doing this about once a month should be more than enough.
4. Refrigerator shelves and bins
From top-shelf to the bottom, this is sure to make sure your fridge shelves are in pristine condition at all time.
5. Vases and glass candle holders
A great way to get smudgy finger marks out.
6. Soap dishes and toothbrush holders
Because no one wants to deal with what lies at the bottom of the toothbrush holder.
7. Rubber bath mats
No more scrubbing required.
8. Shower poufs (loofah), sponges, and brushes
They will come out like new.
9. Drawer organisers (think cutlery and bathroom drawer organisers)
It’s time to rid the dust hiding in those drawer organisers.
10. Plastic hairbrushes and combs
With all of that product build-up, this is a great way to make them like new. Remember to remove hair from the brush before you put it in.
11. Manicure and pedicure tools
This is also a great way to ensure they are bacteria-free.
12. Bath toys
It’s a good idea to clean bath toys at least once per month.
13. Plastic toys
From blocks to small plastic figurines, this is a great way to clean away grime, dust and even saliva from little ones putting things in their mouths.
14. Garden tools
Be sure to rinse these guys off before popping them in the dishwasher.
15. Rubber flip flops
A great way to make your favourite pair of slippers like new again.
16. Keys
Obviously not the electrical ones with keyless entry to the car. Because go everywhere – who knows what they’ve picked up along the way.
17. Small plastic bins
This is another job you can cross off the don’t-want-to-clean list.
18. Pet dishes
Simply rinse and throw in the dishwasher. You’ll never look back.
19. Dustpans
This isn’t even an item people think to clean. A quick run through the dishwasher and it will sparkle.
20. Mop bucket
The mop and bucket are notorious for being hard-to-keep-clean items. Simply put the bucket through the dishwasher and it will help keep your floors cleaner too thanks to less grime and grit living in the bottom of the bucket.
21. Removable car cup holders
Have you ever even cleaned yours?
22. Vacuum cleaner attachments
Say goodbye to that build-up of dust!
23. Oven knobs
Are yours covered in food and oil? We thought so.
24. Sink strainer
Because who wants to clean this one?
25. Golf balls
Believe it or not, it’s possible to pop golf balls into the dishwasher. Just don’t wash dishes at the same time.
26. Light fixtures
Yes, your dishwasher can even help you clean your light fixtures. Be warned, only plain glass items are allowed. Don’t place any metal or wooden items in or it will be damaged by the hot water.
This article was originally published as 24 surprising things you can clean in the dishwasher by realestate.com.au written by Alexandra O’Brien. Additional content by Stephanie Yap.