Dishwashers aren’t just for dishes. Modern appliances are a lifesaver when it comes to saving time and a great way to sanitize our kitchen dishes, silverware, and utensils. However, your dishwasher can also clean a multitude of items that otherwise are really hard to get clean.
Here are some things you can clean in your dishwasher, and they aren’t dishes.
Other things around the Kitchen
- Microwave turntables
- Refrigerator shelves and bins (if they fit)
- Kitchen sponges and brushes – top rack or tray and scrubbing brushes in utensil holder.
- Exhaust Fan Filters and covers.
Bathroom items
- Rubber tub mats
- Shower poof, sponges and brushes – top rack
- Soap dishes and toothbrush holders
- Exhaust Fan Covers
- Manicure and pedicure tools
Pet items
- Hard plastic or rubber dog toys
- Food bowls – should be done weekly
- Collars and leashes (never leather) on top rack
Outside items
- Grill grates
- Rubber boots – unlined and rinse off dirt before
- Bird feeders
- Garden tools – but not those with wooden handles
Misc items
- Car cup holders on top rack
- Sport items
- Golf balls placed in mesh bag
- Kids Toys
- If you have a lot of toys around for the grandkids, here’s a great way to keep them clean.
- Bath toys on top rack
- Plastic toys and building blocks placed in mesh bag and on top rack
- Pacifiers and teething rings put in mesh box or covered part of utensil holder.
Here is what you CAN’T PUT IN THE DISHWASHER
- Aluminum
- Knives – wood handle or ceramic
- Cast iron
- Copper cookware
- Lead Crystal
- Silver
- Non-stick pans
- Pewter
- Pizza Stones
- Wood spoons
- Hand painted ceramics
And speaking of dishwashers, it’s better than washing all your dishes by hand. Dishwashers use less than 4 gallons of water per load in an ENERGY STAR-rated dishwasher, while washing by hand can actually use up to 27 gallons of water.