Your dishwasher can clean far more than just your dirty dishes and silverware. The dishwasher is nothing short of a miracle. Not only is hand-washing dishes a chore that most of us could live without, but the dishwasher saves time and is far more water-efficient. What if you could apply those same time- and water-saving cleaning principles to things that weren’t dishes? Even though “dish” is in its name, the dishwasher can be used to clean a whole lot more than dishes. From sponges to baseball caps, there are many household items that you can toss into the dishwasher—either alongside your plates and mugs or on their own—that will come out looking practically as good as new.
I’ve been amazed at how much my dishwasher can handle beyond the usual kitchenware. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, dishwashers can use up to 50% less water than hand-washing, which makes it a smart choice for cleaning all sorts of items. The high heat and powerful jets do a fantastic job sanitizing, too—think about how much easier it is to let the machine do the heavy lifting! Just be sure to check manufacturer guidelines for anything you’re unsure about, and avoid tossing in delicate or sentimental items without double-checking.
Toothbrush Holders
Toothpaste runoff builds up on toothbrush holders over time, but running them through the dishwasher can get them squeaky clean. “Take them apart if you can,” says Sarah McAllister, founder and CEO of GoCleanCo. “Then simply pop them in the top rack upside down and run a normal cycle.”
I’ve found that toothbrush holders can get surprisingly grimy, especially in humid bathrooms where mold loves to creep in. The dishwasher’s high-temperature rinse is great for killing bacteria—studies show that temperatures above 140°F can eliminate most germs. To make things easier, I like to soak the holder in a bit of vinegar first to loosen stubborn toothpaste gunk before popping it in. It’s a small trick that saves scrubbing time and ensures a spotless result.
Sponges
If you commonly use sponges to clean your home or your dishes, chances are they are in need of a deep cleaning as well. Fortunately, sponges hold up well on the top rack of the dishwasher, and you can just toss them in with the rest of your dishes.
Sponges are like germ magnets—research from the USDA suggests they can harbor thousands of bacteria per square inch if not cleaned regularly. I toss mine in the dishwasher every week, and it’s a game-changer. The hot water and detergent not only clean but also extend the sponge’s life, saving me from buying replacements too often. Just make sure to secure them in a mesh bag or the utensil basket so they don’t flop around and get caught in the spray arms.
Vases
The majority of decorative vases are dishwasher safe, which is particularly helpful if you have narrow vases that are difficult to clean by hand. While you should still hand wash any particularly valuable or delicate pieces, you can use the top rack for most vases.
I’ve struggled with narrow vases that a sponge just can’t reach, and the dishwasher has been a lifesaver. The high-pressure jets get into those tight spots, leaving no residue behind. For extra peace of mind, I check the base for any “hand-wash only” labels, as some glazes or paints can fade. If you’re like me and love fresh flowers, this trick keeps your vases ready for the next bouquet without the hassle.
Light Fixtures
Light fixtures need cleaning from time to time, and the dishwasher does a fantastic job. “When you can remove glass covers from the fixture, they come out sparkling in the dishwasher,” says McAllister. “If you can wear gloves when you put them back on, it will help keep fingerprints to a minimum.”
I was skeptical about this one at first, but after trying it, my glass light covers looked brand new. The dishwasher’s heat helps loosen grease and dust that accumulate from kitchen vapors or ceiling fans. A quick tip: I run a gentle cycle for delicate glass to avoid any risk of chipping. It’s so much easier than scrubbing by hand, and it saves me from balancing on a ladder with a rag!
Soap Dishes
“Items like soap dishes get grimy with soap scum and biofilm,” Berry says. “I put them on the top rack of the dishwasher for a thorough cleaning that saves me from having to stand there scrubbing them. Make sure they’re not hand-painted, though. I ruined a lovely set that wasn’t properly marked.”
Soap dishes can get nasty fast, and I’ve learned the hard way that biofilm is tougher than it looks. The dishwasher’s hot water—often reaching 150°F or more—breaks down that slimy layer better than any sponge. After Berry’s warning, I always double-check for painted designs. If you’re worried about small dishes slipping through the rack, pop them in a mesh laundry bag for extra security.
Vacuum Attachments
Believe it or not, many types of vacuum attachments are dishwasher safe, and chances are they are in desperate need of a cleaning. Stand smaller attachments up on the top rack and place larger ones on the bottom. (Just check with your owner’s manual first to ensure they don’t advise against this method.)
I was shocked at how much dust and pet hair was caked inside my vacuum attachments until I ran them through the dishwasher. The water jets blast away debris that’s hard to reach with a cloth. I’ve found that soaking them in warm water first helps loosen stubborn dirt. Always confirm with your vacuum’s manual, though—some plastic parts might not hold up to the heat.
Plastic Hairbrushes
Hair brushes and combs can get pretty gross, but fortunately, plastic ones can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Place them in the utensil basket and run a normal cycle. Remember that any natural materials, like boar bristles or wooden handles, are not dishwasher safe.
Hairbrushes collect oils, dandruff, and product buildup, and I’ve noticed mine start to smell if I don’t clean them regularly. The dishwasher makes it effortless, but I always remove loose hair first to avoid clogging the machine. For extra shine, I add a splash of vinegar to the rinse cycle—it’s a cheap trick that leaves them looking pristine.
Dust Pan and Dust Broom
Dust pans and brooms get exceptionally dirty, but instead of letting dirt and grime build up, you can throw these items in the dishwasher. Be sure to remove excess dust and hair before running the cycle.
I used to dread cleaning my dustpan—it’s amazing how much grime sticks to it! The dishwasher takes care of it in one go, leaving no trace of dirt. I shake off as much debris as possible beforehand to keep my machine happy. If you’re worried about plastic bristles melting, stick to a low-heat cycle for safety.
Metal or Plastic Floor Registers
Floor registers definitely need a good cleaning from time to time, and the dishwasher makes it easy. “Just load them in the dishwasher and run a normal cycle and they will come out looking brand new,” says McAllister.
Floor registers collect dust and pet hair like nobody’s business, and I’ve found the dishwasher restores them to a like-new shine. The high-pressure jets get into all the nooks and crannies that a vacuum can’t touch. I’ve also noticed that clean registers improve air quality in my home, especially during allergy season. Just make sure they’re securely placed to avoid rattling during the cycle.
Silicone Baking Mats
“These mats can be so difficult to clean by hand, especially when they’ve been used for sticky or greasy foods,” Berry explains. “Draping them over a row of prongs on the top rack of the dishwasher gets them squeaky clean. They come out looking good as new, saving both time and elbow grease.”
I bake a lot, and silicone mats are a pain to scrub when cookie dough or grease gets stuck. The dishwasher’s heat and detergent cut through the mess effortlessly. I’ve found that laying them flat or draping them carefully prevents warping. Plus, keeping them clean extends their lifespan, which saves me from replacing them every few months.
Flower Pots
Seasoned gardeners know how important it is to clean flower pots before planting in them to prevent new plants from picking up any plant diseases. Remove any old soil, and then run your planters and flower pots through the dishwasher to get them nice and clean before planting or repotting your plants.
I’ve lost plants to mold carried over from dirty pots, so this tip is a game-changer. The dishwasher’s sanitizing cycle kills off pathogens that could harm new plants—studies suggest that high heat can reduce fungal spores by up to 99%. I always scrape off excess soil first and use a gentle cycle for terracotta to avoid cracks. It’s so much faster than scrubbing by hand!
Pacifiers and Teething Rings
Anything babies chew on will need to be cleaned frequently, and the dishwasher can be a lifesaver for parents when it comes to pacifiers and teething rings. Place dishwasher-safe items in the covered portion of the utensil holder to give them a comprehensive cleaning.
As a parent, I can’t overstate how much time this saves. The dishwasher’s high heat sanitizes better than boiling water, which is a relief when you’re worried about germs. I use a small mesh bag to keep tiny parts from getting lost. Just check the packaging to confirm they’re dishwasher-safe—some plastics can warp if the heat’s too high.
Baseball Caps
“Baseball caps clean up nicely in the dishwasher,” McAllister says. “You can get cap frames on Amazon which you can put your hat into to protect its shape, but you can also pop it in the top rack loosely.” Allow your hat to air dry, and viola! Good as new.
I was nervous about tossing my favorite cap in the dishwasher, but it came out perfect. The cap frame is worth the small investment—it keeps the shape intact, especially for structured hats. I’ve also found that skipping the heated dry cycle prevents any shrinking. It’s a quick way to refresh hats without the risk of ruining them in the washing machine.
Golf Balls
Anyone who plays golf knows that a clean ball makes it much easier to play your best. Put your dirty golf balls in a mesh bag and run them through the dishwasher on a normal cycle. They’ll come out sparkling.
My golfing buddies were amazed when I shared this trick—clean balls really do improve your game by reducing drag. The dishwasher’s jets blast away dirt and grass stains that hand-washing often misses. I use a small mesh laundry bag to keep them contained, and I’ve noticed they come out looking brand new every time. It’s a small effort for a big payoff on the course.
Gardening Tools
To rid your garden tools of dirt, bacteria, and pesticides, place them on the top rack of your dishwasher. Just remember that any tools with wooden handles are better suited to handwashing.
I’ve been using this trick for my small metal trowels, and it’s a huge time-saver. The dishwasher removes caked-on dirt and even traces of pesticides, which can linger and harm plants. Research shows that hot water above 130°F can kill off most soil-borne bacteria. I always run a normal cycle and dry them thoroughly afterward to prevent rust. It’s so much easier than scrubbing!
Rubber Floor Mats
If you use rubber floor mats, either in your shower or your car, save yourself the chore of hand-washing them or paying to have your car detailed. Put them in the dishwasher, and they’ll come out clean as can be.
My car mats were a nightmare to clean until I tried this. The dishwasher’s jets get into the textured surfaces, removing mud and grime that a hose can’t touch. I’ve found that placing them on the bottom rack works best for larger mats. Just avoid bleach-based detergents to prevent fading, especially for colored mats.
Shower Shoes or Flip-Flops
Most shower shoes and rubber or plastic flip-flops are top-rack dishwasher safe. Just be careful not to use any detergents with bleach in them if your shoes have any fabric pieces or straps, as it could damage the material or cause discoloration.
My flip-flops get grungy fast, especially in summer, and the dishwasher makes them look brand new. The high heat kills odor-causing bacteria, which is a huge plus. I stick to a gentle cycle to be safe and air-dry them to avoid any heat damage to straps. It’s a quick fix that saves me from buying new pairs too often.
Microwave Turntables
Cleaning your microwave’s turntable in the sink can be a pain, but luckily most, if not all, of them are dishwasher safe. To get rid of the food splatter and grime, put it in the dishwasher just like you would your regular dishes.
I used to dread scrubbing my microwave turntable, but the dishwasher makes it effortless. The jets blast away stuck-on food that a sponge struggles with. I’ve noticed that running a normal cycle with a good detergent gets rid of grease better than hand-washing. Just make sure it’s secure on the bottom rack to avoid any wobbling during the cycle.
Pet Toys
“As a dog owner, I’ve noticed that my pup’s toys get grubby and I know they pick up cat hair and germs from the floor,” says Berry. “I wash her rubber or plastic toys on the top rack of the dishwasher once a week, then shake out any water well.” Keeping toys clean extends their lifespan and keeps your dog excited to play with them again and again.
My dog’s toys were a mess until I started using the dishwasher. The hot water kills germs—vets say regular cleaning can reduce bacteria like E. coli on pet toys. I pop them in a mesh bag to keep them from bouncing around, and I’ve noticed my pup seems more excited to play with them when they’re fresh. It’s a small step that makes a big difference for both of us.
Children’s Toys
Children’s toys are likely crawling with dirt and germs. “Load up the top rack with bath toys, play dishes, building blocks, squeakers, etc.,” says McAllister. “Any small parts should go in a mesh bag so that they don’t fall and wreck your machine.” Keep in mind that not all toys are dishwasher safe. “Anything that is irreplaceable, I would wash by hand.”
Kids’ toys get filthy fast, especially bath toys that can harbor mold. The dishwasher’s sanitizing cycle is a lifesaver—studies show it can eliminate up to 99.9% of bacteria. I always use a mesh bag for small pieces to avoid any mishaps, and I check for “dishwasher-safe” labels first. For sentimental toys, I stick to hand-washing to be safe, but the dishwasher handles the rest with ease.
