Did You Know? 7 Things You Can Wash In The Dishwasher

Don’t let its name fool you, dishwashers are useful for cleaning a variety of different items, only one of which are dishes. The combination of hot water and soapy detergent makes it an incredibly versatile cleaning device. Check out some of the different items that a dishwasher can clean listed below.

Potatoes

Planning a meal for the family that includes potatoes as a side dish? Rather than hand-scrubbing the dirt and debris off each potato, try tossing them on the top rack of your dishwasher and running it on a short cycle without any detergent. The hot water will make quick work of even the dirtiest potatoes, leaving you with a clean potato that’s ready to cook. Note: this can be done with most any root vegetable.

Baseball Cap

Toss your old baseball cap in the dishwasher to clean away any dirt and discoloration. Unlike the washing machine, the dishwasher won’t flatten or otherwise disturb your hat’s original shape. Simply place it on the top rack and wash it with a small amount of borax instead of standard dish detergent. When it’s finished washing, place it outside on a small upside down bowl to preserve its shape while it dries.

Pet Food & Water Dishes

When was the last time you cleaned your pet’s food and water dishes? Veterinarians recommend doing this at minimum once a week, as it discourages the growth of bacteria and bad germs. Assuming they are dishwasher-safe, the easiest way to clean your pet’s food and water dishes is by running them through the dishwasher with a small amount of detergent.

Stove Drip Pans and Knobs

The dishwasher can also be used to clean stove drip pans and knobs. Remove the drip pans by pulling the burning element out and lifting up on the pan. Knobs are typically removed by either popping them off or unscrewing them with a small screwdriver. Place both of these items on the top shelf of your dishwasher and run it on a normal cycle with regular detergent.

Grill Brushes

Grill brushes are prone to developing grease and grime. You can always toss it in the trash and replace it with a new one when this happens, or you can clean it by running it through the dishwasher. It’s a quick and easy way to clean the grime off your grill brushes, tongs, forks and other grilling accessories. Just remember to leave out the meat thermometer.