Cleaning is a real pain in the neck. It’s a never-ending cycle that dries out my hands and strains my back, and I’m always looking for the latest shortcut to cut down the amount of time I spend scrubbing and sweeping. I was surprised to learn that there’s an overabundance of unconventional items that can be cleaned in the dishwasher. While most people cringe at the thought of washing sweaty shoes with forks, it’s actually extremely hygienic as the heat and soap of the dishwasher kill any lingering bacteria. Though most of us use this appliance solely for washing dishes, that spray of hot water with soap can be used to clean so much more.
1. Baseball Hats
Baseball hats can get extremely smelly. When run through the clothes washer, they lose their shape. However, placed on the top rack of your dishwasher they’ll come out stink-free and perfectly in shape.
2. Kitchen Sponges
I’ll never be able to explain why or what that revolting smell is in kitchen sponges after only a week of use. Instead of tossing them into the trash, though, throw them in with your dishes to get another week or two of use.
4. Kids’ Toys
From Legos to rubber duckies, all of your children’s toys can be run through your dishwasher to kill germs and bacteria. (There are some unimaginably nasty things growing on some of those GI Joes …)
5. Garden Tools
Shovels, shears, pruners, and hoes are meant to get dirty. However, a routine cleaning will ensure your garden tools last a lifetime.
6. Pets’ Toys
Man’s best friend deserves a germ-free plastic hot dog to chomp on. Run your pet’s chew toys through the dishwasher to ensure your pet (and floor) have exemplary hygiene.
7. Flip Flops, Wellies, and Crocs
Your rubber shoes could probably use a good cleaning. Run a wash with a little baking soda added to clean your tootsie-wear and simultaneously get rid of any residual gunk in your dishwasher.
8. Hubcaps and Wheel Covers
Forget ruining your manicure scrubbing away at road grime and tire oil. Run your hubcaps and wheel covers in the dishwasher on the pots-and-pans cycle for shiny rims.
