9 Unusual Things to Put in the Dishwasher

Household Hacks to Help You Get The Most Out of Your Dishwasher and Make Life Easier

Which is more effective, washing dishes by hand or using a dishwasher? When it comes to eliminating bacteria quickly and effectively, the dishwasher comes out on top. Most germs can only be killed when water reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which is very hot. This temperature is easy to reach in a dishwasher, but it’s almost impossible to reach in a sink because hot water heaters are usually set to 120 degrees so that people don’t get burned.

If you are one of the fortunate homeowners who has access to a dishwasher, ask yourself if you are making the most of the convenience it affords you. Take a look at these 9 surprising objects from around the house that can be cleaned in the dishwasher. If you’re ever confused about what you can put in it, look for the sign that indicates that an item may be cleaned in a dishwasher.

1. Sponges and Brushes

Is it really possible to call what you’re doing “cleaning” if you’re using unclean mops and brushes? Sponges used in the kitchen may harbor up to 10 million germs per square inch—disgusting! It is critical to maintain a consistent routine for cleaning brushes and sponges. It is suggested that you clean these tools by putting them on the top shelf of the dishwasher. Clean your sponge at least once a week, along with the container it sits in, and be sure to change it often.

2. Toothbrush Holder 

Have you ever glanced at the bottom of the cup that your toothbrushes are stored in, or the holder for your toothbrushes? There is a good chance that it is caked in many layers of dirt. Water and extra toothpaste run down toothbrushes between uses and are allowed to dry and harden at the bottom of the toothbrush. To clean a toothbrush holder, you need to flip it over and set it on the top shelf, just as you would when washing a regular cup. Cleaning a toothbrush holder is quick and straightforward.

3. Car Cup Holders

A sticky mess caused by spilled liquids can be found at the bottom of cup holders in cars, similar to the situation with toothbrush holders. especially if you have young children. The residue at the bottom of a cup holder in a moving vehicle is never an attractive sight, whether it’s from sugary pop or dark brown coffee. Never again will you have to wonder how to clean the cup holder in your car. Take out the entire contraption that holds your cups, or just the individual cup unit, and run it through the dishwasher tonight with the rest of your dishes.

4. Plastic Toys

Germ colonies thrive in the crevices and crevice fillings of children’s plastic toys. According to the findings of one study, there were 450 different bacteria colonies on a plastic giraffe that was used as a teething toy for a young child. Additionally, viruses are capable of surviving on plastic toys for up to a day. To clean them, place the plastic toys on the top rack of the dishwasher. Put the toys in a mesh bag if they are small enough that there is a possibility that they will become lost during the washing cycle.

5. Hats

On a hot day, the sweat from your forehead and hair can quickly soak through your baseball cap and cover the entire surface. If your hat does not have a cardboard brim, you can clean it in the dishwasher without worrying about damaging it. This is a fortunate option. If you want to keep the shape of a flat-brimmed hat, you can either use a cap shaper or simply lay it over a bowl. The dishwasher is a great place to clean other items related to sports, such as mouth guards and shin guards, in addition to hats.

6. Refrigerator Shelves

Cleaning up food that has been knocked over or leaked in the back of the refrigerator is time-consuming. It’s likely been able to set for a very long time. Scrubbing the shelves of the refrigerator with the door open is not the proper way to clean them. Instead, remove the shelves from the refrigerator and place them on the lowest rack of the dishwasher, just as you would a plate. This will keep your dishwasher from getting dirty. If the shelves in your refrigerator do not have enough room, you can make room by removing the top shelf from your dishwasher.

7. Vents and Exhaust Fan Covers

Have you ever removed the covers of your vents, only to discover a greasy and disgusting mess? You shouldn’t use a sponge to fight off hair, dust, and gunk. The only way to really clean the vents and fan covers in your home is to use the cleaning cycle on your dishwasher.

8. Light Fixture Covers

Have you ever wondered how to properly clean a light fixture? When you dust something, it typically just spreads the dirt around instead of eliminating it, and as soon as the light is turned on, everyone can see the streaks. Once a month, remove all of your light fixtures and clean them by running them through the dishwasher. You’re going to be blown away by how bright the room looks!

9. Pet Toys and Dishes 

People of all ages, not just children, can pick up a significant amount of bacteria from their toys. Even domesticated animals like dogs and cats are capable of leaving behind filthy disease factories on the floor of your living room. You are in luck since you can clean such toys, as well as the bowls in which your pet eats and drinks and even their collars and leashes, in the dishwasher. The clean-up process is a piece of cake!

Dishwasher Maintenance and Repair in Los Angeles

If you maintain the cleanliness of your dishwasher, it will also maintain the cleanliness of the goods in your home. You can see how beneficial your dishwasher really is now that you are aware of some of the other things, in addition to dishes, that can be cleaned in one. Get in touch with Mike Diamond Services if you experience any problems with the plumbing in the kitchen. Our Smell Good Plumbers are ready to help you with any plumbing problem and make sure that your dishwasher keeps working right.