30 Surprising Things You Can Clean in Your Dishwasher

POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff

Your dishwasher isn't just for washing dishes! There are several other household items that can enjoy a cleaning alongside your plates. Make it easier on yourself, and add them in your dishwasher the next time you are doing a load. They will come out of the dishwasher sanitized as well as wonderfully clean.

  1. Range fan grills: These are probably one of the greasiest spots in your home. Remove the range fan grills, and wash them in the dishwasher. It's that easy.
  2. Keys: Toss your basic metal keys in the dishwasher for a cleaning that also leaves them sanitized. And it's safe to wash them as often as you like.
  3. Contact case: Throw your contact case in the dishwasher once a month to keep it nice and clean.
  4. Facial brush: If you use a facial brush with a removable brush, you can clean it monthly in your dishwasher.
  5. Makeup brushes: Place your makeup brushes in the silverware holder once a month for a thorough cleaning and sanitizing. Allow them to fully dry before using them.
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff
  1. Hairbrushes and combs: Remove hair and add them to your dishwasher, which removes buildup and bacteria.
  2. Eyebrow brush: Give it a quick cleaning and de-clumping of makeup, and add it to the silverware holder of the dishwasher once a month.
  3. Nail clippers: A smart way to sanitize and clean your clippers. Add the clippers to your silverware holder and dry it after washing to prevent rusting.
  4. Tweezers: Tweezers are also safe to clean in your dishwasher.
  5. Plastic child toys: If you have a little one, you should know that plastic toys are safe to wash on the top rack of your dishwasher. It will leave them free of germs and grime.
  6. Duster: Have a fabric removable duster head? It's safe to toss in the dishwasher. And this way, it doesn't get lost in the washing machine.
  7. Cabinet knobs: Most ceramic and metal cabinet knobs are safe to wash in the dishwasher.
  8. Dog toys: Toss your pup's plastic chew toys on the top rack of your dishwasher to clean off all that slobber.
  9. Razor: Give your razor a deep cleaning, and add it to the silverware tray of your dishwasher.
  10. Hair ties: Your hair ties will be fresh and free of buildup, ready to hold your hair with style.
  11. Removable cup holders: Your cup holders in your car? If they're removable, they are safe to wash in the dishwasher.
  12. Mop covers: Mop covers can also get a quick cleaning in the dishwasher, cleaning without tons of twisting and tumbling in the washing machine, which cuts its life span.
  13. Sponges: Make your sponges last longer and toss them in the dishwasher for a sanitizing clean.
POPSUGAR Photography | Sarah Lipoff
  1. Refrigerator shelves: The shelves of your fridge are also dishwasher safe. If they fit, add them to your load.
  2. Range knobs: Remove the knobs from your range, and give them a deep cleaning in the dishwasher.
  3. Soap dishes: Soap dishes in the bathroom or kitchen are also safe to wash in the dishwasher. If they are plastic, they should be kept on the top rack.
  4. Toothbrushes and toothbrush holders: Your toothbrush is safe to add to your next load of dishes. And ceramic or plastic holders can be washed on the top rack.
  5. Light switch plates: Your light switch plates could use a good cleaning. Remove them and add them to your next load of dishes.
  6. Baseball caps: Keep your baseball hats clean. Place them on the top rack of your dishwasher. They won't get bent like in the washing machine. Air-dry, and your cap is ready to wear.
  7. Pet dishes: Keep your pets happy, and wash their dishes in the dishwasher.
  8. Flip-flops: Place plastic flip-flops on the top rack of the dishwasher for a cleaning, but avoid washing Crocs or sandals with leather straps.
  9. Mouth guards: Teeth and mouth guards are safe to clean in the dishwasher, leaving them bacteria-free.
  10. Small window screens: If they fit, washing window screens in the dishwasher is an easy cleaning solution.
  11. Showerhead: If you have a removable showerhead, add them to your dishwasher every three months for a deep cleaning that also breaks up hard-water buildup.
  12. Desk organizers: Your metal desk organizers can also get added to your next load of dishes. Place them on the top rack and run your dishwasher.