Did you know that besides washing dishes and regular kitchen utensils, your dishwasher can also clean many other items that may surprise you? Let’s explore these surprising items that can be washed in the dishwasher!
1 Plastic Children’s Toys, Baby Bottles, and Pacifiers
While the traditional method of hand washing is effective in killing bacteria and cleaning toys, it may not be the ideal choice for sanitizing your child’s belongings.
Plastic Children’s Toys
It’s best to place these items in the dishwasher and select a special cycle designed for this purpose, often labeled as “Hygiene” or “Baby Protect.” The Hygiene Plus setting ensures a higher temperature in the chamber for an extended period, effectively eliminating any lingering bacteria. Additionally, special bottle-holders for baby bottles are available to keep them secure during the wash cycle.
2 Plastic Hairbrushes
Plastic Hairbrushes
A clean hairbrush is essential for a healthy scalp and tangle-free hair. To keep your hairbrush “squeaky clean,” free from dandruff, and save time on detangling, give it a refresh in the dishwasher by selecting an appropriate wash cycle.
However, ensure that all hair strands are completely removed before placing the brush in the dishwasher, as hair can cause clogs and tangles in the machine’s filter.
3 Oven Knobs
Oven Knobs
Your dishwasher can safely remove grease and odors from oven knobs. However, some people worry that the dishwasher may degrade the glue holding the knobs together. So, before placing them in the dishwasher, inspect the knobs for any signs of looseness.
4 Toothbrush Holder and Soap Dish
Toothbrush Holder and Soap Dish
Toothbrush holders and soap dishes, especially those with multiple compartments, can be breeding grounds for bacteria and are often challenging to clean by hand. Using the dishwasher simplifies this tedious task, as the powerful water jets effectively remove dirt and grease.
5 Makeup Brushes
Whether natural or synthetic, makeup brushes need to be cleaned before their initial use and after each subsequent use. Instead of laboriously washing them by hand, you can now simply place them in the dishwasher, and voilà—clean brushes!
Makeup Brushes
Place your makeup brushes in a cup, with the bristles facing upward, and put it in the top rack of the dishwasher. Then, press start. The top rack is ideal because it has lower water pressure and a milder temperature, ensuring the bristles stay soft and intact.
6 Potatoes and Carrots
Fresh Potatoes and Carrots
Surprisingly, you can also wash potatoes and carrots in your dishwasher! Each wash cycle can clean a large quantity of vegetables with a minimal amount of water, ranging from 3 to 4.5 liters. It efficiently removes dirt and gently scrubs the peels, making it a highly productive method.
Of course, for a small quantity of vegetables, it’s not practical to use the dishwasher. However, when preparing for a large gathering or facing a mountain of veggies, you can use it to clean various root vegetables, including potatoes, turnips, and carrots, in no time.
7 Vacuum Cleaner Attachments
Vacuum Cleaner Attachments
Vacuum cleaners are a homemaker’s trusted allies in keeping the house clean. But when they become clogged with dirt and their performance declines, the best way to clean them is in the dishwasher.
Vacuum cleaner attachments can be intricate and cumbersome to clean by hand. Simply place these non-electric attachments on the upper rack of the dishwasher and select a cycle with low temperatures and minimal detergents. High temperatures can deform the plastic and damage the attachments.
Note: Only clean non-electric vacuum cleaner attachments in the dishwasher.
8 Artificial Flowers
Artificial Flowers
Over time, artificial flowers can become dusty and dull. To refresh and clean them, you can give them a rinse in the dishwasher using cold water. Choose the Eco or Delicate cycle, which will also help them dry quickly, preventing the petals from falling off.
9 Refrigerator Shelves and Drawers
Refrigerator Shelves and Drawers
Cleaning refrigerator shelves and drawers can be a daunting task due to their size and bulkiness. However, you can place these items in the dishwasher to ensure they emerge spotless after a 30-minute wash cycle.
There you have it—a list of surprising items that can be washed in the dishwasher! We hope you found this information helpful.