9 Surprising Things You Can Wash in Your Dishwasher
Dishwashers aren't JUST for cleaning lasagna off your dinner plate. There is so much more you can do with this handy machine.
Let me take you inside my dishwasher to show you 9 things you can wash and sanitize in your dishwasher.
Before you start putting things other than dishes inside your dishwasher, be sure to clean out the dishwasher food trap of any leftovers.
Another helpful tip is to be sure to keep all these items on your top rack to avoid melting and damaging them.
1. Silicone Hot Pads and Oven Mitts
I don't know why I didn't think of this sooner but these silicone pot holders are a perfect match for your dishwasher to get that leftover food and germs off!
2. Kitchen Sponges + Brushes
I'm sure this isn't new to most people but the dishwasher is a great place to sanitize your sponges and brushes so you don't have to keep replacing them when they get smelly.
3. Shower Loofahs
Think about it, you rub these babies all over yourself to get you clean, but what's cleaning them? The dishwasher, that's what!
4. Makeup Brushes
Ladies, listen up. Who has the time to be constantly washing your brushes? Next time they are looking a little dirty, just pop them in the dishwasher and walk away!
5. Hair Brushes + Combs
Remove all the hair and lay your brushes and combs out on the top rack to sanitize and remove all the dead skin and product!
6. Baseball Hats
The sweat-wicking material of these hats is perfect for the dishwasher. It's also much better to wash them here instead of the dryer to keep their shape! Put a jar or can under them to help maintain their form.
Say goodbye to sweat stains and dirt!
7. Toothbrush, Holder + Shower Head
Yuck, soap scum, and germy buildup.
Throw these items on your top rack to get rid of the leftover toothpaste, hard water stains, and mildew.
Not to mention the hot water will totally sanitize your toothbrush!
8. Rubber Shoes
Flip flops and rubber boots can easily be cleaned in the dishwasher.
A long winter of salt buildup on your boots and dirt and dust on your flip-flops isn't anything your dishwasher can't handle!
9. Switch Plates
Don't feel like scrubbing off all your switch plates? Unscrew them and throw them on the top rack.
Paint splatters, dirt, dust, and dog hair be gone!
Surprising Things You Can Clean in Your Dishwasher
I know there are a million more things the dishwasher can clean and I'd love to hear what you put in your dishwasher.... other than your salad bowl. 
More Dishwasher Tips
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Comments
Join the conversation
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Toothbrush holders and soap dispensers, soap dishes all do well.
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Kids plastic toys, including Legos, wash nicely in a lingerie bag.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
What do you use to wash the hats in? I know dishwasher detergent will bleach out colors.
Wouldn't the water pressure knock the small items to the bottom of the dishwasher?
I don't know if this has already been addressed. Don't the lighter weight items get tossed about, like the makeup brushes, hair & toothbrushes? Wouldn't it be better to place them in the silverware basket? Just don't use high heat setting.