20 Things You Can Wash in the Dishwasher You Wish You’d Known About
The dishwasher is one of the most underappreciated inventions in modern homes. For most of us, it has a single job description: plates in, glasses in, press a button, walk away. But what if your dishwasher could do much more than just handle dinner dishes?
Hidden behind that stainless-steel door is a powerful combination of hot water, steam, detergent, and time—a cleaning system far more effective than most people realize. For decades, professional cleaners, busy parents, and savvy homeowners have quietly been using their dishwashers to clean items most people would never think to put inside.
Once you learn what can safely go in the dishwasher, you’ll save time, reduce effort, sanitize more effectively, and possibly even extend the life of household items.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 20 surprising things you can wash in the dishwasher—things you probably own right now and wish you’d known about sooner. We’ll also cover safety tips, placement advice, and common mistakes to avoid.
Before We Begin: A Few Dishwasher Safety Rules
Before tossing everything inside, keep these guidelines in mind:
Use the top rack for non-dish items whenever possible
Avoid items made of wood, cast iron, aluminum, or delicate finishes
Skip heated drying for plastics
Use a gentle or normal cycle, not heavy-duty
Avoid items with glued components unless dishwasher-safe
With that in mind, let’s dive in.
1. Plastic Toys (Yes, Really)
Why It Works
Children’s toys collect germs fast—especially bath toys and anything that ends up in mouths.
How to Do It
Place small plastic toys in a mesh laundry bag
Use the top rack
Skip heated drying
Why You’ll Love It
They come out sanitized, grease-free, and smelling clean—without scrubbing.
2. Toothbrush Holders and Soap Dishes
The Problem
They collect toothpaste sludge, soap residue, and bacteria.
Dishwasher Solution
Place them upright on the top rack and run a normal cycle.
Bonus
Much more hygienic than hand-washing.
3. Hairbrushes and Combs (Plastic Only)
Why This Is Life-Changing
Hairbrushes trap oils, skin cells, and product buildup.
How to Wash
Remove hair first
Place on top rack
Use gentle cycle
You’ll be shocked at how clean they come out.
4. Makeup Brushes (With Caution)
What Works
Synthetic brushes with no wooden handles.
What Doesn’t
Natural hair brushes or brushes with glued ferrules.
Pro Tip
Use a short cycle and air dry.
5. Baseball Caps (Plastic Brim Only)
Why Handwashing Fails
They lose shape or never fully clean.
Dishwasher Hack
Place on top rack or cap cage
No heated dry
Mild detergent
Your hats keep their shape and look brand new.
6. Flip-Flops and Plastic Sandals
Why They’re Gross
Sweat, dirt, and bacteria build up quickly.
Dishwasher Method
Top rack only
Cold or warm cycle
No heat dry
Perfect for summer refreshes.
7. Oven Knobs and Stove Grates (Check First)
Why This Matters
Knobs collect grease you don’t even see.
Dishwasher Tip
Remove knobs and wash on top rack. For grates, check manufacturer instructions.
8. Refrigerator Shelves and Drawers
Why This Is Genius
They’re bulky and annoying to handwash.
How to Do It
If they fit, place them in the dishwasher for a deep clean.
Result
Crystal-clear plastic with zero effort.
9. Light Fixture Covers and Lamp Shades (Plastic or Glass)
Why This Works
Dust and grease build up over time.
Dishwasher Tip
Top rack, gentle cycle, no heat dry.
10. Vent Covers and Register Grilles
Why They’re Overlooked
They collect dust, hair, and allergens.
Dishwasher Cleaning
Remove, rinse loose debris, then dishwasher-clean for a deep refresh.
11. Sponges and Silicone Scrubbers
Why You Should
Sponges harbor bacteria faster than almost anything else.
Dishwasher Trick
Place them on the top rack and run a hot cycle.
Result
Sanitized and deodorized.
12. Microwave Turntables
Why Handwashing Isn’t Enough
Grease splatter builds up invisibly.
Dishwasher Safe?
Yes—most are tempered glass and dishwasher-safe.
13. Pet Bowls and Toys
Why It’s Important
Pet saliva carries bacteria.
Dishwasher Tips
Bowls: bottom rack
Toys: top rack, mesh bag
Skip rubber toys that degrade in heat.
14. Refrigerator Magnets (Plastic Only)
Why You’d Never Think of This
They collect kitchen grease and dust.
Dishwasher Hack
Top rack, short cycle, air dry.
15. Keyboard Keycaps (Advanced Users Only)
Why It’s Surprising
Keyboards are some of the dirtiest items in homes.
How to Do It Safely
Remove keycaps
Use a mesh bag
Gentle cycle, air dry for 24+ hours
Never wash the keyboard itself.
16. Gardening Tools (Plastic Handles Only)
Why It Works
Removes dirt, bacteria, and plant residue.
Dishwasher Tip
Top rack, quick cycle, dry immediately.
17. Shower Caddies and Soap Trays
Why They Need It
Soap scum and mildew buildup.
Dishwasher Advantage
Hot water breaks down residue better than scrubbing.
18. Trash Can Lids and Small Bins
Why This Is a Game-Changer
They’re touched constantly and rarely cleaned.
Dishwasher Method
If it fits, top rack, normal cycle.
19. Kitchen Sink Strainers and Drain Covers
Why You Should
They trap food residue and bacteria.
Dishwasher Tip
Bottom rack is fine—these are tough items.
20. Silicone Baking Mats and Oven Mitts
Why They’re Perfect
Silicone is heat-resistant and dishwasher-safe.
Result
No grease residue, no smell, no scrubbing.
Why the Dishwasher Is So Effective
The dishwasher cleans so well because it combines:
Consistent high temperatures
Pressurized water jets
Detergents designed to break down grease
Long exposure times
This makes it more effective—and often more sanitary—than handwashing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Washing wooden items
Using heat dry on plastics
Overcrowding non-dish items
Ignoring manufacturer guidelines
When in doubt, test on a low-risk item first.
Why Most People Never Learn This
Manufacturers don’t advertise these uses because:
Liability concerns
Fear of misuse
Traditional assumptions
But with care and common sense, your dishwasher can safely clean far more than dishes.
How This Saves Time and Energy
Less scrubbing
Fewer cleaning products
Better sanitation
Reduced mental load
Once you start using your dishwasher this way, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Turning Your Dishwasher Into a Cleaning Ally
Think of your dishwasher not as a single-purpose appliance, but as:
A sanitizing station
A deep-cleaning tool
A time-saving assistant
Used wisely, it becomes one of the most powerful cleaning tools in your home.
Conclusion: Rethinking the Dishwasher
The dishwasher isn’t just for plates—it’s for possibility.
From toys and tools to hats and household accessories, it quietly offers a level of cleaning most of us never tap into. Learning what you can wash safely doesn’t just make life easier—it makes your home cleaner, healthier, and more efficient.
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