12 Surprising Items You Probably Didn't Know You Could Put In Your Dishwasher
Including fridge shelves, microwave plates and your Instant Pot lid!
The Good Brigade
The dishwasher is one of the most helpful kitchen tools, but it can do a lot more than you think! In order to make the most out of your dishwasher, it is important to know all of the items you can throw in. Whether you are deep cleaning your kitchen or tidying up around the house, there is so much your dishwasher can help with. Check out the list we have complied of surprise items to toss in your dishwasher next time they are dirty.
Silicone Oven Mitts
Throwing your silicone oven mitts in the dishwasher is the perfect solution to keeping them clean. Roll up your mitts and throw them on the top shelf to remove all oils and grease as well as smells from food.
Kitchen Sponges
Mari Nelson / EyeEm
Kitchen sponges may be a surprising option, but the dishwasher is the perfect way to keep your sponge clean and sanitized. By consistently throwing it in the dishwasher, it will help your sponge do its best job — after all, a clean sponge means clean dishes.
Instant Pot Lid
Besides the cooker base, all parts of the Instant Pot are dishwasher safe. The cooker base must be kept dry and can be wiped down, but to keep your Instant Pot nice and clean all the other pieces can be popped in the dishwasher.
Air Fryer Pan, Tray and Basket
Air Fryers have recently become a kitchen staple, perfect for making so many crispy and crunchy snacks and meals in a matter of minutes. Luckily for fans of this countertop appliance, cleaning an air fryer can be just as easy. Next time your air fryer needs a clean, pop out these removable pieces and put them in the dishwasher.
Fridge Shelves/Drawers
Karen Moskowitz
Every once in a while, deep cleaning your fridge is necessary for a true kitchen refresh! While you're throwing away all of your expired and unused products, make sure to throw those empty fridge shelves and drawers in the dishwasher. That’s right — no more fumbling in the sink or settling for sticky shelves.
Microwave Plate
Edwin Tan
It’s easy to forget about cleaning the plate in your microwave, but it is essential. Lots of soups and other microwavable foods can bubble over, creating a mess that should not be overlooked. Luckily, cleaning the plate is as easy as popping it in the dishwasher with all of your other plates. It will look good as new!
Stove Knobs
Tetra Images
It can be easy for stove knobs to pick up grease and other food remnants after long days in the kitchen. Next time they are looking dirty, you can either pop them off or unscrew them with a screwdriver and run them through a cycle in the dishwasher.
Gardening Tools
Westend61
The dishwasher doesn’t have to be all about dishes! It is also a great way to clean your favorite gardening tools after a long day planting flowers or working on your yard. Just throw them in on the top rack.
Vacuum Attachments
Barbara Eddowes
Vacuums keep your home clean, so it is important to frequently clean your vacuum as well. All of your vacuum parts and attachments can be tossed in the dishwasher to remove them of dust, dirt, hair and other buildup.
Sink Strainers
deepblue4you
Sink strainers get dirty and clogged quickly with all the food and soap that goes down your drain. Throw your sink strainer on the top rack of your dishwasher to leave your strainer clean and smelling good.
Hair and Makeup Brushes
Guido Mieth
Finally, moving beyond kitchen gear once again, you can wash your hair and makeup brushes in the dishwasher to remove bacteria, makeup and buildup.
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