Do you throw everything in your dishwasher with reckless abandon or are you the type to hand wash things “just in case”?

More than two-thirds of Americans own dishwashers, but there still are questions about what can and can’t go in there.

If you are new to the dishwasher world, you might wonder what to put in your new appliance. Are there some things you never thought about running through a dishwasher cycle?

If you are looking to clean your home easier and more efficiently, stick around to learn what can you put in a dishwasher that is not the usual.

What is dishwasher safe, anyway? You’ll be surprised.

What Is Dishwasher Safe? Hint: It’s Not Just Dishes

Adding other household items to your dishwasher will save you more than time. You’ll conserve water and energy as well.

1. Bathroom Items

From drawer organizers to your toothbrush holder, you can disinfect bathroom items in your dishwasher.

Is your soap dish looking a little gunky? Throw that in. Do you use a poof, sponge or brush for your shower or bath? Those can be cleaned in the dishwasher to remove skin flakes and bacteria or mold spores.

2. Toys

Kids’ bath toys and building blocks would benefit from good cleaning in the dishwasher. The high heat will kill germs and keep your kids from passing illnesses around.

Use a mesh dishwasher bag for smaller items, like game pieces, pacifiers, and teething toys.

3. Kitchen Stuff

Have you ever thought about washing Ziploc bags? If you like to reuse them, put them on the top rack of the dishwasher over a few of the prongs so the water gets in and thoroughly cleans them.

Your microwave turntable, kitchen sponge, dishwashing brush are a few of the other items that you can clean in your dishwasher.

When you’re doing a big cleaning, you can take your glass light fixtures and exhaust fan cover and run them through a dishwasher cycle.

4. Shoes

The dishwasher? Shoes? Really?! Yes! You can put shoes in the dishwasher.

Of course, not anything leather or suede or dressy shoes, but flip flops, crocs or sneakers can go in.

Clean any excess dirt off them first and take out insoles.

5. Pet Accessories

Don’t forget Fido. Give those rubber or hard plastic dog toys a good cleaning in the dishwasher.

Collars and leashes made of synthetic fibers can go in as well.

And just like your dishes, metal, plastic or ceramic feeding dishes and water bowls are dishwasher safe.

Did We Surprise You?

Now that you’ve learned what is dishwasher safe, you’ll find your cleaning routine has gotten a little easier and your home a little cleaner.

Do you know who can help you keep your home spotless? We, at Dirt Busters House Cleaning, offer everything from general cleaning to move-in and move-out services. Check out our services and pricing.