Once you experience the convenience of a dishwasher, it’s nearly impossible to look back. The best dishwashers not only save you time and effort, but are also more water- and energy-efficient. Not to mention, they keep with features like auto dispense detergent and Microban-treated parts, they get your dishes squeaky clean and can even help keep itself germ-free.
And, as it turns out, a dishwasher’s prowess doesn’t end with the usual suspects: dinnerware, flatware and cookware. Carolyn Forté, Home Care and Cleaning Lab Executive Director and a consumer products expert with over 40 years of experience evaluating cleaning products and appliances for Good Housekeeping, knows a thing or two about dishwashers, and says the appliance is a quick and easy cleaning solution for all kinds of items in your home, from kids’ toys to gardening tools.
Forté doesn’t recommend washing fabrics or soft items, like hats, plus cautions against washing shoes and flip-flops for sanitary reasons. Instead, look to the humble appliance to help clean hard plastics, metal and glass items like scrub brushes with plastic handles, pet toys and bowls and even manicure tools in a flash.
Just don’t forget: In general, you should always check the manufacturer guidance on whether a product is dishwasher-safe, and choose a quick, express or delicate cycle. And if anything is particularly filthy, you should wash it by hand.
Ready to speed through your cleaning checklist? Read on to learn more about the surprising items you can deep clean in your dishwasher.
Plastic toys
Small kids’ toys like plastic boats for the bath and plastic building blocks should go on the top rack of the dishwasher. Put anything particularly small in a mesh bag to prevent them from dropping through the racks. Never put any toys with internal or electronic parts in the dishwasher. You also want to make sure toys are thoroughlydry inside to prevent mold growth.
Scrub brushes with plastic handles
Put these cleaning tools in the top rack of your dishwasher to freshen and clean them.
Toothbrush holder
Remove all of that gunk and grime from the bottom of your toothbrush holder by placing it in the upper rack of your dishwasher, where you put glasses.
Plastic and acrylic organizers
Clear any large crumbs or debris from plastic organizers — can holders, utensil caddies or even shoe bins — then pop them onto the upper rack of your dishwasher to thoroughly clean them.
Glass microwave turntable
First, check the manufacture’s instructions. If it says it’s dishwasher safe, remove the turntable from the microwave, then load it into the lower rack of the dishwasher like a plate. Just make sure it not too tall that it hits or block the middle spray arm.
Shower pouf
This bathroom accessory can safely be put in the upper rack of the dishwasher.
Pacifiers
Rubber and silicone pacifiers do well in the utensil rack or caddy of your dishwasher. Many are even sturdy enough for a sanitize cycle, but we recommend checking manufacturer instructions first.
Sold plastic dustpan/vacuum attachments
Clean your cleaning supplies — plastic or metal dust pans, vacuum attachments and washable filters, for example — in the dishwasher. Place smaller items, like vacuum attachments (but not brushes or tools with fabric attached), upright on the top rack. Larger items, like a dustpan, can go face down on the top rack; some, depending on the material, will do just fine on the lower rack if extra space is needed.
Nail clippers/tweezers
Manicure and grooming tools, including nail clippers, cuticle clippers and tweezers, can go on the upper rack of your dishwasher like utensils. Alternatively, you can place these tools in the utensil caddy.
Combs
Combs and other plastic hair brushes (avoid putting boar bristle brushes in the dishwasher) should be placed on the upper rack of the dishwasher, bristle-side down.
Pets toys/bowls
Metal, ceramic or plastic pet toys and bowls tend to be dishwasher-safe. Place plastic items, like chew toys, on the upper rack; metal and ceramic items, including bowls, go on the bottom rack. You can also send protective rubber floor mats through the dishwasher by placing them in the main compartment of the dishwasher like a plate, avoiding the spray arms.
Ceramic pots
Planters, berry baskets and other ceramic pots can safely go in the upper drawer of the dishwasher. However, if the item is particularly special, handpainted or delicate, it’s recommended to handwash it to avoid possible fading or other damage.
Phone cases
Plastic and silicone phone cases are generally dishwasher-safe face down on the top rack, but avoid washing any cases with accessories like rhinestones or other attachments that could be damaged or even fall off during a cycle.
Small garden tools with plastic handles
Shovels, pails and other small metal or plastic gardening tools can get a quick refresh in the dishwasher. After you remove excess dirt, place these tools in the upper or lower rack, depending on size and material. Ideally, plastic should go on the top rack, while metal can withstand a spin on the lower.
Cupholders
If your car — or your child’s car seat — has removable cupholders, tap any debris or larger food crumbs out into the garbage, then send them for a spin in the upper rack of the machine like glassware.
Sponges
You should, ideally, replace your kitchen sponge every two to three weeks, but in a pinch, the dishwasher may help extend the life of your trusty kitchen tool. Simply tuck your sponge securely into the top rack in a regular load, using the “heated dry” setting.
Refrigerator bins and glass shelves
Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. If it’s dishwasher safe, after you’ve cleared any food crumbs and debris from drawers and glass shelves, these items can take a spin in the dishwasher — space permitting. We do, however, recommend allowing these items to come to room temperature before washing to prevent cracking, and do not put shelves with LED lighting in the dishwasher.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
