10 surprising things you can clean in the dishwasher
For anyone who has one, the dishwasher is an essential part of their kitchen and has removed the monotony of cleaning dishes, cups and glasses, giving you time to relax instead of slogging over the sink.
While this is great, it needn’t stop there and you may be surprised by how versatile your dishwasher can be. So here are ten unexpected things you can clean in your dishwasher which will expand your free time even further!
Children’s Toys
Chewed, covered in food or rolled across the floor, your grandchild’s favourite toys can pick up dirt from just about anywhere. Plastic toys like lego wash especially well in a dishwasher – just put smaller pieces in the cutlery tray to ensure they don’t get lost.
Sponges
A sponge’s damp surface is the perfect way for nasty bacteria to develop and as easy as it is to throw them out and buy a new set, the heat of the dishwasher will kill off any unwanted guests, saving you from buying more too often.
Extractor fan filter
Recommended to be taken down and cleaned every couple of months. The inevitable build-up of grease can be a messy job to clean however the high temperature of your dishwasher coupled with a strong powder should remove most of the grease leaving you very little to rinse off in your sink.
Parts of your kitchen appliances
From the knobs and burners on your range, microwave trays and even the plugs from your sinks, a lot of the small parts of your kitchen can be safely and easily cleaned and can make a real difference in giving your kitchen a shine.
Bathroom items
Toothbrush holders, soap dishes, shower racks and the rest of your bathroom items can be a pain to scrub clean but a quick run through your dishwasher will have them sparkling in no time.
Wellington Boots
Dirty wellies can be a pain to clean and very rarely look brand new after a few trips out in the rain but you may be surprised by the results after you put them through your washer. You’re best to remove any lining and insoles before so you’re not waiting too long for them to dry.
Fruit and Vegetables
Throwing your fruit and veg in your dishwasher may seem like a recipe for disaster but it’s a simple and effective way of batch cleaning them all at once. Packing all available space, so there’s no movement and using no detergent and on a cold rinse and you’ll be amazed at how well your veggies come up. It saves a lot of water that you would use cleaning them under the tap so it’s great for the environment too!
Car parts
You’ll still need to go to the carwash for the most part but your hub caps, tire covers and floor mats can easily be put through your dishwasher.
Tools
Check that they are rust-free and without wooden handles before you begin, but most tools including the ones used for gardening can really benefit from a spin through the dishwasher. Many of these tools will have been in contact with dirt and pesticides, so don’t wash them without any other dishes and also run a sanitising cycle before you clean anything else.
Hats and caps
Brimmed hats and sports caps are notoriously difficult to wash because of their shape. A dishwasher can help with that, though it’s best to use something milder than your standard washing liquid.
Do you have any dishwasher tips?
Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor
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