Along with dishes, there are many other
super-dirty things that your dishwasher will clean and shine. Your dishwasher
can do so much more than wash dishes. This super-hot washing machine can clean,
sanitize and deodorize anything that won't melt in high -- typically 130-170
degrees -- temperatures. If you're not
sure if a dirty item likes it hot, place it on the top rack, start the
dishwasher, and check mid-cycle. Of course, let the steam clear before sticking
your face in the cavity to check.
So, 25 very dirty things that your dishwasher will clean and shine.
Baseball Hats: Hats keep their shape when you place them on the top rack
for cleaning and deodorizing. Put a small cup of white vinegar on the bottom
rack for extra deodorizing power.
Cabinet Hardware: Your spring cleaning should include thoroughly cleaning
cabinet pulls and knobs. If you're dirt obsessed, place them in a mesh bag or
in the cutlery tray, and send through the wash cycle.
Computer Keyboards: Proceed at your own risk, because placing computer
keyboards in the dishwasher sounds risky to us. But some tech geeks swear it
works. Test with an old keyboard you can do without.
Cup Holders: When they become encrusted with spilled coffee and soda,
pop cup holders into the dishwasher for a thorough cleaning.
Desk Accessories: Pen and pencil cups, sticky note holders, and in-out trays
get dirty and dusty. Clean plastic accessories in the dishwasher.
Faux Flowers: They look even more faux when covered with dust. Place
plastic flowers on the dishwasher's top rack, and press the short cycle button.
Garden Tools: Garden tools can spread fungal infections from plant to
plant. To sanitize, clean weeders, shears and trowels in the dishwasher. Rinse
off soil, first.
Hairbrushes and Combs: Remove hair and place plastic combs and brushes in the
cutlery tray and wash. Don't put products with wood handles in the dishwasher:
Wood doesn't like hot water scrubbings.
Hub Caps: To make them really shine, place in dishwasher along with
a cup of white vinegar. If you want to clean lug nuts, too, place them in a
mesh bag first.
Kitchen Brushes: After slopping sauce on ribs, clean and sanitize basting
brushes in the dishwasher..
Light Fixture Covers; Place glass and plastic fixture covers in the dishwasher
on the gentle cycle. Dead bugs, grime and dust will disappear.
Makeup Brushes: Regularly sanitize these brushes that touch your eyes and
face. Place them in the cutlery tray, and let the dishwasher blast away dried
makeup and dust.
Plastic Broom Heads and Brushes: Remove clumps of hair and dust that could clog the drain,
then run through the dishwasher.
Potatoes and Root Vegetables: When you harvest potatoes, beets and turnips from your
garden, place them in the top rack and run through a short dishwasher cycle
without soap. To cook same veggies, wrap tightly in aluminum foil, and wash
again.
Refrigerator Shelves and Drawers: Save time cleaning the fridge by placing glass and plastic
shelves and drawers in the dishwasher. Say goodbye to sticky messes
Scrub Brushes: Let your dishwasher scrub your scrub and bottle brushes.
Shoes:
If you can wear the shoes in rain – rubber boots, flip-flops, pool shoes -- you
can pop them into the dishwasher for a good scrubbing. Make sure to remove
liners and orthopedic inserts.
Soap and Toothbrush Holders: Gather all holders, and let your dishwasher scrub off
caked on toothpaste and dish detergent.
Sporting Equipment: Place plastic shin guards, balls and helmets in the
dishwasher for cleaning, sanitizing and deodorizing.
Sponges: Not only clean but sterilize as well. With 100% germ and
virus removal.
Stove Knobs: Pop off and place in dishwasher, which quickly will remove
grease and grime.
Switch Plates and Outlet Covers: Dust typically covers the backsides of switch plates and
outlet covers, which doesn't help allergy sufferers. Unscrew and place plates
and covers in the dishwasher, which will clean and sanitize them.
Toys: Metal and plastic toys will sparkle after going through a
dishwasher cycle. Place in the cutlery tray or a mesh bag, first.
Trash Can Lids: If they fit, place those gross-smelling lids in the
dishwasher. They'll look and smell better after going through a complete cycle.
Vent Covers and Grilles: When they become filthy with dust and grime, place metal
covers and grilles on the bottom rack of the dishwasher. Grooves will shine.
Window Screens: Clean screens will let more sun shine through to warm your
home in winter and cut energy costs. If they fit, pop them in the dishwasher.
Live happy, save money and have fun!
- Bird
