The dishwasher is one of the most versatile appliances in your home. Sure, its primary function is washing dishes, but did you know that there are other things you can clean in your dishwasher? From sports equipment to car parts, your dishwasher can handle it all—and we’re here to show you how. So without further ado, here are nine unusual (but useful!) things to put in the dishwasher.
1. Sports Equipment
Your dishwasher can clean any sports equipment, from hockey sticks to baseball gloves. Remember to pop everything into a mesh bag before putting it on the top rack. That way, small parts won’t fall through and get lost.
2. Pet Toys
Your pet’s toys can get pretty grubby—and if they’re made of rope or fabric, they can start to mildew if they’re not cleaned regularly. Toss them in the washer on the gentle cycle with some laundry detergent, and they’ll come out good as new.
3. Car Parts
Small car parts like hubcaps and floor mats can be washed in your dishwasher—make sure to put them on the top rack. This is a great way to remove built-up dirt and grime that’s tough to remove with a hose or brush alone.
4. Light Fixtures
Ceiling fixtures and lampshades can be washed in your dishwasher too! Again, put them on the top rack—otherwise, they might bang around and break during the cycle.
5. Refrigerator Shelves and Drawers
If your fridge shelves and drawers are starting to look grungy, give them a good scrub in the dishwasher. This is a great way to disinfect them without harsh chemicals—plus, it’ll save you from having to do a deep clean by hand.
6. Swiffer Pads
Ditch those expensive Swiffer pads and wash your existing ones in the dishwasher instead! Just Pop them on the top rack (without detergent) and let ‘er rip—they’ll come out good as new.
7. VillaWare Pizza Stone
If your pizza stone looks a little worse for wear, don’t fret—the dishwasher can help! Wash it on the delicate cycle with detergent, then let it air dry thoroughly before using it again.
8. Plastic Food Storage Containers
Plastic food storage containers are notorious for holding onto stains and smells—but not if you wash them in the dishwasher! Just make sure to put them on the top rack, as heat can cause warping over time.
9. Car Seat Covers
Whether you’ve got leather or cloth seats, chances are they could use a good cleaning now and then—and what better way to do it than in the dishwasher? Just be sure to use cold water and hang them up to air dry afterward, so they don’t shrink in the dryer.
Conclusion:
Who knew that your trusty dishwasher could do so much? Next time something needs a good cleaning, but you don’t want to break out the hose or scrub brush, just pop it in the washer and let it cycle! From sports equipment to light fixtures, there’s nothing this appliance can’t handle—and we hope this list has inspired you to think outside the box (or should we say outside the sink?) next time something needs cleaning in your home.
