Genius Dishwasher Hacks That Go Beyond Cleaning Plates
We tend to think of dishwashers as a one-trick appliance, they clean our dishes and that’s it, but the truth is they’re far more useful than most of us realize. With a little creativity and the right know-how, your dishwasher can handle a lot more than plates and forks. Here are some clever ways to make the most of it.
1. Disinfect Kids’ Toys
Hard plastic children’s toys are often touched, dropped, and chewed on. When they start to feel sticky or sporting mystery stains, place them in the dishwasher for a deep clean. Use the top rack or a mesh bag for smaller pieces and skip the heated dry to avoid melting anything. Make sure no electronics are involved too, this is just for basic toys. It’s much faster than scrubbing them all by hand and helps keep germs to a minimum.
2. Clean Garden Tools and Planters
If you’ve been planting or potting, your small tools and plastic planters could use a wash. A quick trip through the dishwasher can knock off dirt and bacteria very easily, just avoid putting anything rusty or with wooden handles inside. It’s a helpful trick during spring prep or when you’re cleaning up after repotting plants indoors. Remember that the top rack is safest for lighter items (like plastic pots).
3. De-Grease Vent Covers and Light Fixture Covers
Dust and grease build up on vent covers, fan covers, and some light fixtures covers over time. If they’re made of metal or durable plastic, run them through the dishwasher to remove that buildup. This works especially well for kitchen vents that are tricky to clean by hand. Make sure to dry them thoroughly afterward so moisture doesn’t lead to rust or mildew.
4. Refresh Flip-Flops and Rubber Shoes
Shoes like flip-flops, Crocs, or rubber gardening clogs can go right on the bottom rack of your dishwasher. Run a quick cycle with just water or a very small amount of mild detergent, it’ll freshen them up and clear away stuck-on dirt, especially after summer use. Don’t try this with shoes that have glue or fabric though, it’s strictly for rubber-based ones that can handle the moisture and heat.
5. Steam Vegetables in a Pinch
It’s certainly not conventional, but the high heat and steam inside a dishwasher can be used to cook food, especially if your stove is full or you’re trying to multitask. Wrap vegetables like asparagus or green beans in foil with some butter and seasoning, and run a hot cycle without detergent. They’ll come out lightly steamed and tender. This isn’t designed for daily cooking, but handy when you’re in a bind (such as dealing with a broken stove unit).
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A dishwasher really is more versatile than it seems. With the right precautions and a bit of imagination, it can save time on more than just dinner cleanup. Like any tool, it’s about knowing its limits and using it wisely. Try a few of these ideas and see how much more your dishwasher can do!
Daniel Mitchell
