40 Surprising Things You Can Clean in Your Dishwasher: Your Ultimate Cleaning Hack Guide

When it comes to keeping your home spic and span, your dishwasher is a powerful tool that can do much more than just wash dishes. The magic box in your kitchen that turns dirty dishes into clean ones can be utilized to clean a plethora of items around your house. If you take a closer look at what you’re currently putting in that dishwasher, you’ll realize that most of the items are made of materials like glass, plastic, or metal. This means there are numerous other dishwasher-safe items in your home waiting to be cleaned efficiently.

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It’s important to note that while the dishwasher can handle a lot, there are some items that should never find their way into its depths. Wooden pieces, cast iron, and copper are just a few examples of items that should not go in the dishwasher. Always be mindful of manufacturer care tips for specific items to avoid any mishaps. Additionally, the top rack of your dishwasher is generally considered the safest spot for loading items since it is farther away from the heating element during the drying cycle. Oh, and if you decide to toss in your flip flops or rubber boots for a clean-up, it might be a good idea to give your dishwasher a thorough cleaning before running your next load of dinner dishes!

Let’s dive into the world of unexpected items that can be cleaned in your dishwasher. Here’s a comprehensive list based on recommendations from cleaning experts and enthusiasts. Get ready to be amazed at the wide range of things your dishwasher can tackle!

Kitchen Tools

Exhaust Fan Filters and Covers: Over time, these can accumulate a buildup of grease and grime. Pop them in the dishwasher for a thorough cleaning.
Kitchen Sponges and Brushes: Keep these cleaning essentials fresh and germ-free by running them through a dishwasher cycle regularly.
Silicone Oven Mitts and Trivets: These heat-resistant items can collect spills and stains. Give them a deep clean in the dishwasher to maintain their functionality.
Microwave Turntables: The constant use of the microwave can leave the turntable dirty. Let your dishwasher take care of the grime.
Refrigerator Shelves and Bins: Spills and leaks in your refrigerator can create a mess. Remove the shelves and bins for a dishwasher cycle to keep them clean.
Cabinet and Drawer Hardware: Handles and knobs can get greasy and grimy. Remove them and give them a spin in the dishwasher for a sparkling finish.

Home Decor

Vases: Often neglected, vases can collect dust and residue. Give them a fresh start by running them in the dishwasher.
Light Fixtures: Glass light fixtures can be cleaned effectively in the dishwasher, saving you time and effort.
Switch Plates and Outlet Covers: These high-touch items can harbor germs. Keep them clean and sanitized with a dishwasher cycle.
HVAC Vent Grates: A quick and easy way to clean dusty vent grates is by letting the dishwasher do the work.
Desk Accessories: Keep your workspace clutter-free and sanitary by tossing desk accessories in the dishwasher.

Bathroom Accessories

Soap Dishes and Toothbrush Holders: These items can collect soap scum and bacteria. Run them through the dishwasher to maintain cleanliness.
Rubber Tub Mats: Keep your tub mat fresh and free of mold and mildew with a dishwasher cycle.
Shower Poofs, Sponges, and Brushes: Bathroom essentials like these can benefit from a deep clean in the dishwasher.
Drawer Organizers: Clear out clutter and grime from drawer organizers by giving them a run through the dishwasher.
Exhaust Fan Covers: Keep your bathroom ventilation system running smoothly by cleaning the covers in the dishwasher.

Grooming Tools

Hairbrushes and Combs: Hair tools can accumulate hair, dust, and product buildup. Keep them clean by running them through the dishwasher.
Facial Scrub Brushes: Ensure your facial brushes are free of germs and bacteria by cleaning them in the dishwasher.
Manicure and Pedicure Tools: Nail tools like clippers and files can easily be sanitized in the dishwasher.

Kids’ Toys

Bath Toys: Keep bath time fun and safe by regularly cleaning bath toys in the dishwasher.
Plastic Toys and Building Blocks: Kids’ toys are germ magnets. Keep them clean with a quick cycle in the dishwasher.
Pacifiers and Teething Rings: Sanitize baby items like pacifiers and teething rings in the dishwasher for peace of mind.

Pet Accessories

Pet Toys: Keep your furry friend’s toys clean and germ-free by running them through the dishwasher.
Food Bowls: Pet food residue can build up in bowls. Keep them clean and fresh with a dishwasher cycle.
Collars and Leashes: Keep your pet’s accessories clean and odor-free by regularly washing them in the dishwasher.

Sports Equipment

Shin Guards: Remove sweat and odor from shin guards by washing them in the dishwasher.
Mouth Guards: Keep mouth guards clean and ready for use with a cycle in the dishwasher.
Golf Balls: Revitalize dirty and scuffed golf balls by running them through a dishwasher cycle.
Yard Toys: Outdoor toys can get dirty quickly. Easily clean them in the dishwasher for hours of safe play.
Baseball Caps: Say goodbye to sweat stains on baseball caps by tossing them in the dishwasher for a thorough cleaning.

Outside Tools and Accessories

Garden Tools: Keep your gardening tools free of dirt and debris by cleaning them in the dishwasher.
Flower Pots: Dirty flower pots can harbor bacteria. Clean them in the dishwasher for a fresh start.
Grill Grates: Greasy grill grates can be a hassle to clean. Let the dishwasher handle the hard work for you.
Rubber Boots: Did you know you can clean footwear in the dishwasher? Give your rubber boots a wash for a fresh start.
Flip Flops: Sand, dirt, and sweat can accumulate on flip flops. Keep them clean by running them through a dishwasher cycle.

Tools and Car Accessories

Tools: Keep your hand tools clean and rust-free by washing them in the dishwasher.
Keys: Yes, you can clean your keys in the dishwasher! Say goodbye to grimy keys with a quick cycle.
Hubcaps: Keep your vehicle looking sharp by cleaning hubcaps in the dishwasher.
Rubber Floor Mats: Remove dirt and grime from rubber floor mats with a cycle in the dishwasher.
Cup Holders: Keep cup holders free of spills and stains by running them through the dishwasher.

Clean and Disinfect Gardening Tools and Containers

If you’re a garden enthusiast, your dishwasher can be a game-changer when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting gardening tools and containers. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, using your dishwasher to clean gardening tools and containers is an effective way to prevent the spread of diseases in your garden. Simply load your tools and containers into the dishwasher and run a cycle with detergent to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.

In conclusion, your dishwasher is a versatile cleaning tool that can tackle a wide range of items beyond just dishes. By utilizing it to clean various household items, you can save time and effort while ensuring a germ-free and sanitized home. Remember to always check manufacturer care tips and avoid putting unsuitable items in the dishwasher to prevent damage. So, the next time you’re looking to give your home a deep clean, consider the unexpected items that can benefit from a cycle in the dishwasher. Happy cleaning!