The best dishwashers not only save you time and effort but also conserve water and energy. Plus, with features like automatic detergent dispensing and Microban-treated parts, they ensure your dishes come out sparkling clean and help keep your machine bacteria-free.
Turns out, the power of a dishwasher isn’t just limited to the usual suspects: dinnerware, cookware, this appliance is a quick and easy cleaning solution for all sorts of household items, from kids’ toys to gardening tools.
You can use this versatile machine to clean hard plastics, metals, and glass items like brushes with plastic handles, pet bowls, and even nail tools in a jiffy.
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Plastic Toys
Small plastic toys like bath boats and building blocks can go on the top rack of your dishwasher. Place any small toys in a mesh bag to prevent them from falling through the tines. Never put any toys with internal components or electronics in the dishwasher. Also, make sure to thoroughly air-dry toys before putting them away to prevent mold growth.
Plastic-Handled Brushes
Place these cleaning tools on the top rack of your dishwasher to freshen them up and give them a good clean.
Toothbrush Holders
Get rid of all the gunk at the bottom of your toothbrush holder by turning it upside down and placing it in the top rack of your dishwasher – in the compartment meant for cups.
Plastic and Acrylic Trays
Remove crumb buildup or large debris from sturdy plastic trays — can holders, toolboxes, or even shoe boxes — then place them on the top rack of your dishwasher for a thorough cleaning.
Glass Microwave Turntables
First, check the manufacturer’s instructions. If it’s dishwasher-safe, take the turntable out of the microwave and place it on the lower rack of your dishwasher like a plate. Just make sure the turntable isn’t so large that it touches or blocks the spray arm in the center.
Ceramic Pots
Plant pots, berry baskets, and other ceramic pots can be safely washed on the top rack of your dishwasher. However, if they’re particularly ornate, hand-painted, or delicate, it’s best to wash them by hand to avoid color fading or other damage.
Phone Cases
Plastic and silicone phone cases are usually dishwasher-safe if placed face down on the top rack, but avoid washing any cases with accessories like faux gems or other attachments as they might get damaged or fall off during the wash.
Small Gardening Tools with Plastic Handles
Shovels, buckets, and other small metal or plastic gardening tools can be quickly refreshed in the dishwasher. After removing excess dirt, place these tools on the top or bottom rack, depending on their size and material. Plastics are ideally placed on the top rack, while metals can withstand the stronger spray of the lower rack.
Cup Holders
If your car — or your child’s car seat — has removable cup holders, dump out any large crumbs or food debris, then place them in the top rack of your dishwasher to wash like glassware.
Sponges
Ideally, you should replace kitchen sponges every two to three weeks, but in a pinch, your dishwasher can help extend the life of this trusty kitchen tool. Just place a sturdy sponge in the top rack when running a load with regular detergent, using the “heated dry” setting.
