I recently came across a young man’s article on creative ways to use a dishwasher, and I was amazed at how these simple changes can make household chores so much easier.
1. Wash Fruits and Vegetables
Using the dishwasher to clean fruits and vegetables is a brilliant idea, and it saves you from the hassle of buying a separate vegetable washer. Whether it’s muddy turnips and potatoes or corn and leafy greens, the dishwasher can get them sparkling clean.
I usually put my groceries straight into the dishwasher for a pre-wash, then let them air dry before storing them in the fridge. When it’s time to cook, I just take them out, and they’re ready to use, or I give them a quick rinse, freeing up my time for other tasks.
2. Clean Small Toys
Parents can breathe a sigh of relief when it comes to cleaning their children’s toys. Hard plastic toys without metallic paint can be safely cleaned and sanitized in the dishwasher. This method not only removes dirt but also effectively kills germs.
However, it’s important to avoid using the drying function afterward. Instead, let the toys air dry naturally. Most modern dishwashers have a feature that automatically opens the door after the cycle, aiding in natural drying. Once the toys are dry, simply put them away.
3. Clean Electric Fans
After a long summer of use, electric fan blades and air conditioner filters can become caked with dust and fabric lint. Their intricate mesh structure makes cleaning a challenge, but the dishwasher comes to the rescue.
As long as your dishwasher is large enough (usually the built-in type that accommodates 10 or more place settings and can fit pots), you can easily clean fan blades and AC filters. Just be sure not to use high-temperature settings, as the plastic parts can degrade with excessive heat.
4. Wash Seafood
Did you know that crabs, shrimp, and other seafood can be cleaned in the dishwasher? It may come as a surprise, but it’s true! Manually cleaning these delicate foods, especially hairy crabs and large prawns, can be time-consuming, especially when it comes to scrubbing away the mud.
However, by simply placing them in a basket and running the dishwasher at the standard water temperature for about 15 minutes, you’ll find them just as clean as if you’d scrubbed them by hand, saving you time and effort.
5. Clean Range Hood Filters and Grease Trays
According to experts, the greasy mess on range hood filters, grease trays, and other oily kitchen utensils can be easily tackled with the help of a dishwasher. This method saves time and effort.
For light grease, the standard wash cycle will do the trick. But if you’re dealing with heavy buildup, opt for a stronger wash or higher temperature setting. Pop in a regular dishwasher tablet, and by the end of the cycle, you’ll find that the grease has practically disappeared.
6. Crystal Chandelier and Glassware
Cleaning crystal chandeliers can be a tedious task, as they tend to gather dust over time, but the dishwasher has made this chore a little less daunting. The individual parts of the chandelier can be easily detached and placed in the dishwasher along with glassware like cups and vases.
A quick wash cycle will remove the dust and grime, restoring their shine. It’s evident that using a dishwasher is far more convenient and effective than traditional hand washing.
7. Baseball Caps
Believe it or not, you can even use the dishwasher to clean baseball caps. This may sound surprising, but it’s an effective way to get them cleaner than a traditional washing machine. The stiff brim of the cap can create a lot of noise in a front-loading washer and may not get thoroughly cleaned.
On the other hand, a standard wash cycle in the dishwasher will leave your caps looking brand new. This is a great solution for those with a collection of caps to maintain.
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