5 Unusual Items to Clean In Your Dishwasher

Dishwashers are an incredibly helpful appliance to have available, but did you know they're not just for dishes? There's a whole other world of items that can be cleaned in a dishwasher, and let's be honest: Some of them could probably use a thorough washing! The convenience of simply loading a dishwasher and pushing a button makes cleaning easier for a variety of household objects, and we're here to share a few. As long as you place them in the dishwasher's top rack - some materials may melt or warp if they get too close to the dryer's heat source - they are fair game to be cleaned in your dishwasher!

Phone Cases

We all know how smudgy a phone case can get after countless hours of calls, games, and social media scrolling. If your phone case is rubber or plastic, and doesn't have any extra decorations attached, feel free to pop it off of your phone and drop it in the top rack of your dishwasher. While it's removed, take the opportunity to give your bare phone a swabbing with an alcohol wipe for a thoroughly clean phone.

Dog Toys

Of course you love your fuzzy family members, but it's not unreasonable to grow a little tired of finding grimy chew toys around the house or in the yard. Let your dishwasher come to the rescue! Any pet toy made of rubber or nylon can be cleaned in the dishwasher, but make sure to err on the side of caution and run the cycle without detergent. While we can't guarantee how long the toys will stay clean, it'll be nice while it lasts!

Kid Toys

Post-playtime cleanup is easier than ever when you've got a dishwasher. Get a mesh bag and throw in any small toys made of rubber or plastic to make them dishwasher-ready. This includes items like building blocks, bath toys, or action figures. If you've got the room, you can also wash plastic cars or trucks. As long as the toy doesn't have lights, speakers or a battery, it's A-OK for a dishwasher cycle.

Cleaning Tools

It's such a satisfying feeling to enjoy a tidy house after a marathon cleaning session, and the best way to cap off a day of housecleaning is to clean the tools themselves. Scrub brushes, dustpans, and vacuum attachments - as long as they're plastic rather than wood - can go into dishwashers. When they're called upon once again, they'll be in peak cleaning condition.

Bathroom Accessories

Why not bring bathroom gear on a little field trip into the kitchen for a good cleaning? Your dishwasher can easily accommodate soap dishes, toothbrush holders, and personal care items like plastic combs, nail clippers, metal scissors and tweezers. Just be sure to remove metal items immediately after the cycle and dry them off to avoid rust.

With these tips, you'll be able to make the most of an appliance you've already got in your kitchen, and make other cleaning tasks easier than ever!