Can the Dishwasher Do the Dirty Work?
Scrubbing brushes
Scrubbing brushes or regular sponges used for washing dishes can be cleaned in the dishwasher, alongside the dirty dishes. Place them on the top rack, in between pegs, to ensure they don’t move around during the wash cycle.
Additionally, homeowners can place all types of washing brushes in the machine, as long as they don’t have wooden handles.
Brooms and Dusting Cloths
While a broom itself cannot be placed in the dishwasher, the broom head can be. Just ensure that it is placed upside down (bristles facing downwards) to avoid damage.
However, this method is only suitable for plastic brooms and not natural-fiber brooms. Additionally, mops used for sweeping and cleaning floors are also suitable for washing in the dishwasher.
Children’s Plastic Toys
Children’s toys get dirty very quickly, and the best way to clean them is by using the dishwasher, along with the kitchen utensils.
If your family has a lot of small toys that can easily be lost, you can put them in a mesh bag. But ensure that you do not place toys with batteries or charging pins, as electronic devices can be damaged or short-circuited when exposed to water.

Dishwashers can easily clean children’s plastic toys.
Flip-flops and Hard Plastic Shoes
Any type of plastic shoe, such as Crocs or flip-flops, can be effectively cleaned in the dishwasher. However, it is better to wash them separately from dishes to ensure hygiene.
It is recommended to place them on the rack, standing upright, so that dirty water does not accumulate inside the shoes.
Gardening Tools
Gardening tools and household repair tools can be placed in the dishwasher. But it is important to follow this rule: only plastic and metal tools are suitable. Tools with wooden or steel handles should never be washed in the dishwasher.
Light Covers
Light covers can get just as dirty as other items in the house. Especially those made of ceramic or glass. However, for multi-year-old items or those made of colored glass, it is not recommended to wash them in the machine, as they may break or lose their color.
Nail Clippers, Tweezers, and Toothbrushes
Items used for personal care can get very dirty due to dead skin buildup. Instead of hand-washing them, you can put them in the dishwasher, along with the dirty dishes. But it is recommended to place them in the cutlery basket to avoid losing them.
Trash Cans
Small trash cans made of flexible plastic can also be easily cleaned in the dishwasher. As long as they fit in the lower rack, they can be washed along with other items such as gardening tools and plastic shoes, saving time, water, detergent, and ensuring easy removal of bacteria without getting your hands dirty.
Potatoes
If you’re planning a hearty dinner with mashed or fried potatoes, you can put them in the dishwasher to clean them, without the need for any cleaning products.
The dishwasher effectively cleans potatoes, saving you time to prepare other dishes.
Items That Should Not Be Washed in the Dishwasher
Wooden Items: Wood tends to separate and break when exposed to water for extended periods. Therefore, it is best to avoid putting wooden spoons and cutting boards in the dishwasher.
Cast Iron Pans: These pans are usually coated with a special non-stick layer, which can be damaged by the dishwasher.
Electronic Items: Electronic devices will undoubtedly be damaged if placed in the dishwasher.
Knives: Knives are not suitable for the high temperatures and humid environment of a dishwasher. In particular, the blades and handles can be damaged. Additionally, the sharpness of the blades can cause harm to other items in the machine.