9 Surprising Items You Had No Idea You Could Put in the Dishwasher

Most people use their dishwasher only to wash kitchenware and rarely to wash other household items. It’s time that changed, since you can place a variety of other things in the dishwasher and clean them in no time. However, you should also be aware of some of the things you should never be put in the machine because they will be severely damaged.

Bright Side is all about smart hacks that save you time and effort, and washing things in the dishwasher will definitely make your life easier.

1. Dish sponges

Regular dish sponges can easily be cleaned in the dishwasher along with the rest of your dirty dishes. You can place it on the top rack standing between the pegs, so it won’t be moving around during the washing process. You can throw in any scrubbing brushes as well, as long as they don’t have wooden handles.

2. Brooms and dustpans

Obviously, the entire broom won’t be able to fit inside the dishwasher, but the bristle head can easily be placed in there. Just make sure to put them upside down, so they don’t get damaged. Also, let it be noted that this hack will work for plastic bristles only and not for natural ones. Dustpans and mops are also perfect for washing in the dishwasher.

3. Plastic toys and legos

Kids’ toys get dirty very fast, and the easiest and fastest way to wash them is to place them in the dishwasher along with the dishes. If you have many small toys, like Legos, that might get lost, you can place all of them in a mesh bag. Make sure that you aren’t putting anything with batteries in there, since the electronics will be ruined.

4. Flip-flops and hard plastic shoes

Any plastic footwear, like crocs, flip-flops, and wellies, can be put in the dishwasher for more efficient cleaning. However, in their case, they should be washed alone without any other items since they might make everything else dirtier. It’s better to place them on the upper shelf facing downwards, so the water reaches the inside of them as well.

5. Gardening tools

Gardening tools and any other tools you use around your home can be put in the dishwasher. There is only one important rule: they have to be plastic and metal. Tools with wooden handles and made of steel should be kept away from the dishwasher, since the machine will do more harm than good. Make sure to wash them on their own without any dishes or cutlery.

6. Lighting fixture covers

Your light fixtures get dirty like everything else in your house, and if they are glass, you can easily place them in the dishwasher. You can wash them along with everything else, plates, glasses, and cutlery. However, you should keep antiques and stained-glass fixtures away from the dishwasher since they might get damaged.

7. Nail clippers, tweezers, and brushes.

Items you use for your personal grooming get a lot dirtier than you realize because dead skin sticks on them. Instead of scrubbing them by hand, you can pop them in the dishwasher along with your usual dirty dishes. Make sure to put them in the cutlery compartment, and when the wash cycle is over they will be as good as new.

8. Waste bins

Plastic waste bins, either the ones we have in our bathrooms or any other room of the house, can be washed in the dishwasher. As long as they are small and can fit on the bottom shelf, you can run the gentle cycle with them and maybe other stuff, like gardening tools and plastic footwear. It is just the fastest and easiest way to get rid of all the germs without getting your hands dirty.

9. Potatoes

If you have planned a big dinner and mashed or baked potatoes are on the menu, you can put all of them in the dishwasher. You can place them on the top rack and run a short and gentle cycle without any detergent. That will clean your potatoes efficiently and give you time to prepare your other dishes.

BONUS: What not to put in the dishwasher

• Wooden stuff: when wood is exposed to water, the protective finishes are removed and the wood itself splits. So, refrain from putting anything wooden like spoons to cutting boards in the dishwasher.
• Cast iron pans: iron needs the multiple layers of oil in order to cook well and keep its non-stick properties. So, putting iron pans in the dishwasher will remove these oils and probably worsen their quality.
• Electronic items: sometimes things aren’t obvious to everyone, so let us remind you that electronic stuff won’t survive the dishwasher cycle.
• Knives: they don’t like the heat or the wet environment of a dishwasher. Both the steel and the handle of your knives will get damaged, and the sharpness of the blades might cause damage to other things in the machine.

Had you been washing any of the items above in the dishwasher and if not, will you start throwing them in there?