Cleaning Beyond Plates: Surprising Items You Can Wash in Your Dishwasher

When you think of a dishwasher, the first thing that probably comes to mind is plates, glasses, and silverware. But did you know that your dishwasher can clean a lot more than just your dining ware? From household items to personal hygiene tools, your dishwasher can be an unexpected but effective cleaning tool. Let's explore some surprising items you can wash in your dishwasher.

Household Items

• Plastic Toys: If you have young children, you probably know that plastic toys can get pretty dirty pretty quickly. Instead of spending hours scrubbing them down, simply place them in the dishwasher's top rack and run a cycle on a low heat setting. Your child's toys will come out looking as good as new.

• Pet Bowls: Your furry friend's food and water bowls can harbor bacteria and germs, which can be harmful to both your pet and your family. To keep them clean and safe, toss them in the dishwasher regularly. Make sure to use a high heat setting to kill any germs or bacteria.

• Oven Mitts and Pot Holders: Oven mitts and pot holders can quickly become stained with food and grease. To keep them looking and smelling fresh, simply throw them in the dishwasher with your regular load of dishes.

• Showerheads: Over time, mineral buildup can clog your showerhead, reducing water pressure and making it less effective. To clean it, simply remove the showerhead and place it in the dishwasher on the top rack. Use a low heat setting and avoid using detergent.

• Kitchen Sponges: Kitchen sponges can harbor bacteria and germs, making them a potential health hazard. To keep them clean, toss them in the dishwasher regularly. Make sure to use a high heat setting to kill any germs or bacteria.

Personal Hygiene Tools

• Hairbrushes and Combs: Hairbrushes and combs can quickly accumulate hair, dirt, and oil, making them difficult to clean. Instead of spending hours scrubbing them down, simply place them in the dishwasher's silverware holder and run a cycle on a low heat setting.

• Makeup Brushes: Makeup brushes can harbor bacteria and germs, which can cause breakouts and other skin problems. To keep them clean, toss them in the dishwasher regularly. Make sure to use a low heat setting to avoid damaging the brushes.

• Toothbrushes and Retainers: Toothbrushes and retainers can harbor bacteria and germs, which can cause oral health problems. To keep them clean, simply toss them in the dishwasher on the top rack. Make sure to use a low heat setting to avoid damaging the bristles or plastic.

• Nail Clippers and Tweezers: Nail clippers and tweezers can quickly become dull and dirty, making them less effective. To keep them sharp and clean, toss them in the dishwasher regularly. Make sure to use a low heat setting to avoid damaging the blades.

Conclusion

Your dishwasher can be a versatile cleaning tool beyond just your plates and utensils. From household items to personal hygiene tools, outdoor and sporting items, and even pet bowls, there are many surprising items you can wash in your dishwasher. Remember to use the appropriate settings and avoid damaging any delicate parts. With a little creativity, you can save time and effort on cleaning various items in your home.