5 Dishwasher-Safe Products You Can Clean in Your Appliance
Besides dishes, of course.
When you think of all the modern appliances you want in a kitchen, a dishwasher is at the top of the essentials list. You can clean up after meals in a fraction of the time versus hand washing. It's so convenient, in fact, that cookware and dinnerware are designed and labeled dishwasher safe for that particular reason. And while there's often discussion about what not to put in a dishwasher (kitchen knives are top of mind), did you know that there's a whole bunch of dishwasher-safe products around your house that you can add to your next load?
You might be surprised to know that there are several household items that you should probably clean every week that you can just pop in your dishwasher, like the splattered turntable for your microwave. (By the way, you should actually wash your dishwasher, too, to keep it in peak performance.) It can save you a ton of time and money, too, since you're not wasting empty space in your next load.
And it doesn't stop with cleaning kitchen items! "Many are also surprised to learn that various non-traditional household items can be safely cleaned in the dishwasher," notes a senior product marketing manager at Whirlpool Corporation. Start with this list here for some guidance, and then when in doubt, just check the product itself. It should be fine provided "they’re labeled dishwasher-safe." So without further ado, find out what other unique things you can wash in your dishwasher.
Keep your whole house clean:
Silicone Oven Mitts and Trivets
You might pop your silicone utensils into the dishwasher without a thought already. When a material is heat resistant up to 500 degrees, it's logical to assume it could withstand a cycle in your machine. And that goes for silicone oven mitts and trivets that might be covered in germs! It will help sanitize them. If you've got a third rack up top, they'll fit snuggly in there.
Microwave Turntable
Be honest, how many times has something splattered allover your microwave? There are several effective ways to clean your microwave. But if it's just the turntable, you can easily slide it into the dishwasher "along the perimeter of the lower rack," like other large items like cutting boards and platters, according to White. Most are made of food grade tempered glass, which is pretty sturdy and can withstand hot temperatures.
Sink Strainers and Scrub Brushes
Often the first and last line of defense from the gunk of leftovers are the scrub brushes and sink strainer you use in your drain. They deserve a thorough cleaning so they don't build up germs and possibly cross-contaminate the items they were meant to help clean in the first place. They'll both fit in the top rack of your dishwasher, and depending on the size of the brush, in the utensil bin, too.
Toothbrush Holders and Soap Dishes
What room do you think has more germs in it: the kitchen or the bathroom? You know what, don't answer that. Just make sure to clean everything, and that includes the toothbrush holder, soap dish, and anything else made of stoneware or porcelain on the sink counter. They should fit easily into the top rack with your glasses and mugs.
Kitchen Bins and Shelves
Certainly not every shelf from your fridge will fit in the dishwasher. But depending on the model, you probably have smaller door and vegetable bins and dividers that will. While it's best to check with your particular manufacturer to double check the material, most food grade plastics and tempered glass can be popped in your machine on their sides in the bottom rack.
AnnMarie Mattila is the Senior Editor for The Pioneer Woman, covering a wide range of topics from food and cooking to home, beauty, style, and more.
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