Cleaning and Organization
12+ Surprising Things You Can and Cannot Wash in Your Dishwasher
December 22, 2020
If deciding who’s going to do the washing up after a meal tends to lead to war in your household, getting a dishwasher is an obvious solution. Even if you don’t really mind doing the dishes, though, a dishwasher will come in handy. To prevent it from becoming a very expensive white elephant, you just need to learn how to make the most of it. For starters, find out what you can use it for other than simply the dishes. Here are twelve surprising things you can wash in your dishwasher – and three things you can’t.
Cleaning and Organization
12+ Surprising Things You Can and Cannot Wash in Your Dishwasher
December 22, 2020
If deciding who’s going to do the washing up after a meal tends to lead to war in your household, getting a dishwasher is an obvious solution. Even if you don’t really mind doing the dishes, though, a dishwasher will come in handy. To prevent it from becoming a very expensive white elephant, you just need to learn how to make the most of it. For starters, find out what you can use it for other than simply the dishes. Here are twelve surprising things you can wash in your dishwasher – and three things you can’t.
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Kitchen Sponges and Brushes
1/15Kitchen Sponges and Brushes
1/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
Kitchen sponges are useful when you need to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/clean-dishwasher-other-dirty-things-1940420/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">clean a dishwasher</a> but you can make the relationship between sponge and dishwasher a tit-for-tat one. Kitchen sponges and even reusable towels like the ones made of bamboo can go in the top rack while you place brushes for cleaning in the utensil holder. Just make sure that the brushes aren’t made of wood or have natural bristles.Cleaning and Organization12+ Surprising Things You Can and Cannot Wash in Your DishwasherKitchen Sponges and Brushes
PHOTO 1 of 15READ LESS -Kitchen sponges are useful when you need to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/clean-dishwasher-other-dirty-things-1940420/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">clean a dishwasher</a> but you can make the relationship between sponge and dishwasher a tit-for-tat one. Kitchen sponges and even reusable towels like the ones made of bamboo can go in the top rack while you place brushes for cleaning in the utensil holder. Just make sure that the brushes aren’t made of wood or have natural bristles.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Exhaust Fan Filters and Covers
2/15Exhaust Fan Filters and Covers
2/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
Every six months or so, you need to thoroughly clean all the exhaust fan filters and covers in your home to get rid of grease and grime and improve the system’s efficiency. You can save yourself a lot of time and effort if you simply pop them in the dishwasher. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/range-hood-design-ideas-1908300/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15 Range Hood Design Ideas That are Anything but Eyesores</a>Cleaning and Organization12+ Surprising Things You Can and Cannot Wash in Your DishwasherExhaust Fan Filters and Covers
PHOTO 2 of 15READ LESS -Every six months or so, you need to thoroughly clean all the exhaust fan filters and covers in your home to get rid of grease and grime and improve the system’s efficiency. You can save yourself a lot of time and effort if you simply pop them in the dishwasher. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/range-hood-design-ideas-1908300/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15 Range Hood Design Ideas That are Anything but Eyesores</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Silicone Oven Mitts
3/15Silicone Oven Mitts
3/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
You decided that your old oven mitts were <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/7-kitchen-items-to-toss-and-7-to-buy-instead-1926155/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">things to toss from your kitchen</a> and you replaced them with silicone oven mitts instead. How do you wash these when they get covered in grease and food residue? You place them on the top rack and let the dishwasher clean them for you.Cleaning and Organization12+ Surprising Things You Can and Cannot Wash in Your DishwasherSilicone Oven Mitts
PHOTO 3 of 15READ LESS -You decided that your old oven mitts were <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/7-kitchen-items-to-toss-and-7-to-buy-instead-1926155/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">things to toss from your kitchen</a> and you replaced them with silicone oven mitts instead. How do you wash these when they get covered in grease and food residue? You place them on the top rack and let the dishwasher clean them for you.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Microwave Turntable
4/15Microwave Turntable
4/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
Want to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/quick-and-easy-hacks-to-clean-your-microwave-in-minutes-1925540/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">clean your microwave in minutes</a>? It varies by manufacturer but in general, you can place your microwave turntable on the bottom rack and run it through the dishwasher instead of scrubbing it.Cleaning and Organization12+ Surprising Things You Can and Cannot Wash in Your DishwasherMicrowave Turntable
PHOTO 4 of 15READ LESS -Want to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/quick-and-easy-hacks-to-clean-your-microwave-in-minutes-1925540/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">clean your microwave in minutes</a>? It varies by manufacturer but in general, you can place your microwave turntable on the bottom rack and run it through the dishwasher instead of scrubbing it.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Refrigerator Shelves and Drawers
5/15Refrigerator Shelves and Drawers
5/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
When you clean out the fridge, there’s no reason why you should embark on the battle of trying to fit the shelves and drawers in the sink to wash them. You only need to take out the top shelf of your dishwasher to create space and put the fridge shelves and drawers through a regular (not too hot) wash cycle. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/kitchen-appliances-splurge-and-save-1930029/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kitchen Appliances 101: Where to Splurge and Where to Save</a>Cleaning and Organization12+ Surprising Things You Can and Cannot Wash in Your DishwasherRefrigerator Shelves and Drawers
PHOTO 5 of 15READ LESS -When you clean out the fridge, there’s no reason why you should embark on the battle of trying to fit the shelves and drawers in the sink to wash them. You only need to take out the top shelf of your dishwasher to create space and put the fridge shelves and drawers through a regular (not too hot) wash cycle. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/kitchen-appliances-splurge-and-save-1930029/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kitchen Appliances 101: Where to Splurge and Where to Save</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Potatoes
6/15Potatoes
6/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
If you have to wash a whole lot of potatoes, you can save yourself the elbow grease by placing them in a single layer in the top rack of your dishwasher and running them through a rinse cycle. Just make sure first that there’s no detergent or rinse agent in the dispensers or you might end up with soapy poutine.Cleaning and Organization12+ Surprising Things You Can and Cannot Wash in Your DishwasherPotatoes
PHOTO 6 of 15READ LESS -If you have to wash a whole lot of potatoes, you can save yourself the elbow grease by placing them in a single layer in the top rack of your dishwasher and running them through a rinse cycle. Just make sure first that there’s no detergent or rinse agent in the dispensers or you might end up with soapy poutine.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Toothbrushes and Toothbrush Holders
7/15Toothbrushes and Toothbrush Holders
7/15Photo Credit: UnsplashSource: unsplash.com
Your dishwasher can come in very handy when you’re trying to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/the-ultimate-guide-to-disinfecting-every-surface-of-your-house-1942793/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">disinfect every surface in your house</a>. For example, the heat from a regular cycle will get rid of the bacteria that collect on toothbrushes and in toothbrush holders.Cleaning and Organization12+ Surprising Things You Can and Cannot Wash in Your DishwasherToothbrushes and Toothbrush Holders
PHOTO 7 of 15READ LESS -Your dishwasher can come in very handy when you’re trying to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/the-ultimate-guide-to-disinfecting-every-surface-of-your-house-1942793/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">disinfect every surface in your house</a>. For example, the heat from a regular cycle will get rid of the bacteria that collect on toothbrushes and in toothbrush holders.Photo Credit: UnsplashSource: unsplash.com
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Hairbrushes and Combs
8/15Hairbrushes and Combs
8/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
The dishwasher is an easy way to get rid of grime in hairbrushes, as long as the brushes aren’t made of wood and/or natural bristles. First remove the hair still stuck in the brush – use a wide-tooth comb for this – and then place both the brush and the comb in the utensil holder.Cleaning and Organization12+ Surprising Things You Can and Cannot Wash in Your DishwasherHairbrushes and Combs
PHOTO 8 of 15READ LESS -The dishwasher is an easy way to get rid of grime in hairbrushes, as long as the brushes aren’t made of wood and/or natural bristles. First remove the hair still stuck in the brush – use a wide-tooth comb for this – and then place both the brush and the comb in the utensil holder.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Makeup Brushes
9/15Makeup Brushes
9/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
Running your makeup brushes through the dishwasher not only cleans them but also helps to get rid of bacteria that can cause breakouts and skin infections. Be sure that you use a low setting so that the heat won’t melt the glue that holds the brushes together. Unfortunately, if your makeup brushes are made of wood and/or have natural bristles, you’ll need to stick to hand-washing them. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/sick-of-sanitizing-house-stay-clean-longer-1938057/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sick of Sanitizing? Here's How to Make Your House Stay Clean for Longer</a>Cleaning and Organization12+ Surprising Things You Can and Cannot Wash in Your DishwasherMakeup Brushes
PHOTO 9 of 15READ LESS -Running your makeup brushes through the dishwasher not only cleans them but also helps to get rid of bacteria that can cause breakouts and skin infections. Be sure that you use a low setting so that the heat won’t melt the glue that holds the brushes together. Unfortunately, if your makeup brushes are made of wood and/or have natural bristles, you’ll need to stick to hand-washing them. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/sick-of-sanitizing-house-stay-clean-longer-1938057/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sick of Sanitizing? Here's How to Make Your House Stay Clean for Longer</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Plastic Toys
10/15Plastic Toys
10/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
If you want to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/baby-proofing-puppy-proofing-renos-home-safe-kids-pets-1941735/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">make your home safer for kids and pets</a>, you need to regularly clean their toys, especially if said toys tend to end up in little mouths where they get covered in slobber. Most plastic toys are dishwasher safe as long as they’re not battery operated. Place small toys or toy parts in a mesh bag first. Then run a light-wash cycle, avoiding settings with too much heat that can melt toys.Cleaning and Organization12+ Surprising Things You Can and Cannot Wash in Your DishwasherPlastic Toys
PHOTO 10 of 15READ LESS -If you want to <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/baby-proofing-puppy-proofing-renos-home-safe-kids-pets-1941735/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">make your home safer for kids and pets</a>, you need to regularly clean their toys, especially if said toys tend to end up in little mouths where they get covered in slobber. Most plastic toys are dishwasher safe as long as they’re not battery operated. Place small toys or toy parts in a mesh bag first. Then run a light-wash cycle, avoiding settings with too much heat that can melt toys.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Flip-flops and Rubber Boots
11/15Flip-flops and Rubber Boots
11/15Photo Credit: UnsplashSource: unsplash.com
Flip-flops – which tend to be made of plastic and/or rubber – and rubber boots can look shiny and new after a cycle in the dishwasher. First wipe or rinse off the worst of the mud and dirt. Then place flip-flops on the top shelf and place rubber boots upside-down on the bottom shelf before running them through a cycle. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/sarah-baeumlers-five-minutes-to-clean-mastering-the-mudroom-1908485/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sarah Baeumler’s Five Minutes to Clean: Mastering the Mudroom</a>Cleaning and Organization12+ Surprising Things You Can and Cannot Wash in Your DishwasherFlip-flops and Rubber Boots
PHOTO 11 of 15READ LESS -Flip-flops – which tend to be made of plastic and/or rubber – and rubber boots can look shiny and new after a cycle in the dishwasher. First wipe or rinse off the worst of the mud and dirt. Then place flip-flops on the top shelf and place rubber boots upside-down on the bottom shelf before running them through a cycle. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/cleaning-and-organization/photos/sarah-baeumlers-five-minutes-to-clean-mastering-the-mudroom-1908485/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sarah Baeumler’s Five Minutes to Clean: Mastering the Mudroom</a>Photo Credit: UnsplashSource: unsplash.com
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Mouth and Shin Guards
12/15Mouth and Shin Guards
12/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
After the game, mouth and shin guards are nasty. A round through the dishwasher will make them less so and will also help sanitize them. Place mouth guards in the utensil holder or in a mesh bag for safety.Cleaning and Organization12+ Surprising Things You Can and Cannot Wash in Your DishwasherMouth and Shin Guards
PHOTO 12 of 15READ LESS -After the game, mouth and shin guards are nasty. A round through the dishwasher will make them less so and will also help sanitize them. Place mouth guards in the utensil holder or in a mesh bag for safety.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Dishwasher Don’t: Anything Wooden
13/15Dishwasher Don’t: Anything Wooden
13/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
Wooden utensils, cutting boards and brushes contain natural oils. Harsh dishwasher detergents strip these oils, so that the wood dries out and cracks. It’s best to hand-wash wooden items in warm water with a mild detergent, without soaking them. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/use-reclaimed-wood-kitchen-design-1938970/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Ways to Use Reclaimed Wood in Your Kitchen Design</a>Cleaning and Organization12+ Surprising Things You Can and Cannot Wash in Your DishwasherDishwasher Don’t: Anything Wooden
PHOTO 13 of 15READ LESS -Wooden utensils, cutting boards and brushes contain natural oils. Harsh dishwasher detergents strip these oils, so that the wood dries out and cracks. It’s best to hand-wash wooden items in warm water with a mild detergent, without soaking them. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/use-reclaimed-wood-kitchen-design-1938970/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Ways to Use Reclaimed Wood in Your Kitchen Design</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Dishwasher Don’t: Cast-iron Cookware
14/15Dishwasher Don’t: Cast-iron Cookware
14/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
Cast-iron cookware last so long that they can be passed down from one generation to the next. The secret to why they’re such a dream to cook with is that they’re seasoned with oil. Dishwasher detergents are harsh, though, and can strip that oil, making the cookware susceptible to rust and causing food to stick to it more easily.Cleaning and Organization12+ Surprising Things You Can and Cannot Wash in Your DishwasherDishwasher Don’t: Cast-iron Cookware
PHOTO 14 of 15READ LESS -Cast-iron cookware last so long that they can be passed down from one generation to the next. The secret to why they’re such a dream to cook with is that they’re seasoned with oil. Dishwasher detergents are harsh, though, and can strip that oil, making the cookware susceptible to rust and causing food to stick to it more easily.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Dishwasher Don’t: Kitchen Knives
15/15Dishwasher Don’t: Kitchen Knives
15/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
There are three reasons why you should never put sharp kitchen knives in the dishwasher but should wash them in the sink instead. The first is that you can cut yourself as you’re unloading the dishwasher. The second is that the knives can nick the protective coating in the dishwasher and make the machine more vulnerable to rust. The third – which is the most important if you’re serious about cooking – is that dishwasher detergent can dull the blades. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/standout-kitchen-sinks-1943651/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Standout Kitchen Sinks That Will Make You Want to Rethink Your Counters</a>Cleaning and Organization12+ Surprising Things You Can and Cannot Wash in Your DishwasherDishwasher Don’t: Kitchen Knives
PHOTO 15 of 15READ LESS -There are three reasons why you should never put sharp kitchen knives in the dishwasher but should wash them in the sink instead. The first is that you can cut yourself as you’re unloading the dishwasher. The second is that the knives can nick the protective coating in the dishwasher and make the machine more vulnerable to rust. The third – which is the most important if you’re serious about cooking – is that dishwasher detergent can dull the blades. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/kitchens/photos/standout-kitchen-sinks-1943651/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Standout Kitchen Sinks That Will Make You Want to Rethink Your Counters</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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