In my house, it's not just a dishwasher. It's a high-tech disinfecting MACHINE. And I know, that's probably not exactly what the manufacturer had in mind, but I happen to live in a large family where a good deal of disinfecting is required. That water gets all steamy hot in there, and I just can't resist using it for non-dish things. Here is some of what I regularly wash in there:
Toothbrushes (especially after a virus)
Kitchen scrub brush and sponges
Soccer shin guards
Baseball caps
Hair bows
Hair brushes (after pulling off all the gunky stuff)
Swim goggles
Any number of plastic toys (especially bath toys)
Soap dispenser
Reusable cleaning spray bottlesPaintbrushes (after the paint is washed off)(Bad idea, my art-teacher friend E has written to tell me--oh well, live and learn)
Earrings (those that aren't too delicate to handle the heat)
Hammers and screwdrivers (those things just start looking nasty after a while)
A whole bunch of other things I can't remember right now.
In case you're wonder, I don't wash the gross stuff with our dishes, so I don't have to worry about finding hairbrush residue or smelly soccer sweat in my clean dishes (Yum! Want to come over for dinner?) Additionally, I frequently run it empty with a cup of bleach poured in the bottom, to kill whatever germs the super-hot water might have missed.
Do you have any creative uses for your dishwasher? I'd love to hear your ideas.
(This probably goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway--proceed carefully. Everyone's particular dishwasher is different, as are the items you might want to wash in there. Don't ruin stuff!)
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Please remember that next Wednesday, November 5th, is a themed edition of WFMW. It's the Toys Worth Buying Edition, in which we'll all share favorite and tested toys that you'd recommend to your friends. Please share your favorite toy suggestions, and save us all from buying gifts that are going to be relegated to the garage or attic after two weeks!
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No one left a comment yet? Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday : )
Posted by: Rebeckah | Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 10:42 PM
Now I really wish I had a dishwasher. :)
You really wash your hammers and screwdrivers? Man, you're amazing. :)
Posted by: Blue Castle | Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 10:43 PM
I don't have a dishwasher, so unfortunately I don't have any creative uses for it. I just so happened to write my WFMW post about HAND-washing dishes today! I think I came up with the best way to do it.
Posted by: Rebecca (Green Baby Guide) | Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 10:44 PM
Hats...hadn't thought of that one! Great idea! Thanks Shannon!
Erin
Posted by: $5 Dinner Mom | Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 10:45 PM
I wash our combs and Dawgs in ours. I never thought of toothbrushes - I'll have to remember that when we're over the current bug of the week. Awesome tip!
Posted by: Andrea@Under Grace & Over Coffee | Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 10:45 PM
I've used of those ideas, but I don't think I would have ever thought of putting tools in the dishwasher! I'll see what my husband thinks of that one. Thanks for the ideas. I'll definitely try a couple.
Posted by: Linda | Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 10:49 PM
I thought I was the only one that used my "dish" washer to wash just about everything else I could think of! But, your tip gave me some extra inspiration for a few other items that need a quick spin in my dishwasher!
Posted by: Jenna | Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Wow. I'm amazed. I've had my own built-in maid all this time and I've only been letting her do the dishes!
Posted by: We are THAT family | Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 10:50 PM
Crocs man, you forgot the Crocs.
I think that is the only thing I put in there that you didn't mention.
Posted by: Molly | Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 10:53 PM
I like to put my flower vases in, especially when they get all green and stinky.
Didn't think of the shin guards, but I'm on it now! Thanks!
Posted by: Raise Them Up | Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 10:55 PM
Thank you, Shannon. I used to pour in some vinegar before starting it because I had heard that was a good rinse agent. Then, my dishwasher repair guy told me I was just pouring it down the drain. He said vinegar is an excellent rinse agent, but to put a full cup in the bottom so it would overflow during the cycle. Apparently before pressing the start button, everything just drains right out.
Posted by: Smockity Frocks | Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 10:58 PM
I want a dishwasher SO BAD.
Posted by: Miss Wisabus | Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 11:02 PM
We put in covers to our lighting fixtures. You can't believe how dirty they really are.
Posted by: Cheri | Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 11:05 PM
I already have been told that I'm one of those people that needs therpy because I hand wash my dishes before I put them in the diswasher. I thought that when I got a new fandangled one, it would do the job, but it is the same as all the rest....good for disinfecting...not washing. Obviously I'm lucky if I get my dishes in there.
Posted by: Luanne | Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 11:06 PM
I put the lid to the kitchen trash can in the dishwasher. I put in most of the things you listed, but I hadn't thought of the shin guards. Thanks!
Posted by: Staci at Writing and Living | Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 11:09 PM
Just thought you'd laugh to know:mMy BFF every chapter (#21) and I spent our evening of no-kid girl talk hitting the refresh button over and over again so we could post this. And our husbands think we're crazy. But we're crazy together! And we LOVE wfmw. We're addicted. Hmm, maybe that's sad.
Posted by: Jen | Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 11:10 PM
Never thought of hair brushes in there! Great idea!
Posted by: Kirsty | Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 11:14 PM
be honest... you have at least thought of putting a sticky kid in there more than once.
My neighbors have a creative use for a dishwasher... lawn ornament. It makes for a very chic statement, what with the Lazy-Boy on the porch and all. (the first two months I lived here I just thought they had garage sales really often) Gotta love Kansas...
Posted by: Heather | Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 11:24 PM
I keep a spray bottle with diluted bleach under the sink. Every few days I spritz the dishwasher inside to remove any odors or residue left behind.
Posted by: Melanie | Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 11:25 PM
I too use mine to clean toothbrushes and various other paraphanelia...I've gotten quite brave with my dishwasher. Or so I thought...until I read your post!!! :-)
Posted by: Faerylandmom | Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 11:30 PM
Yep! I use ours for toothbrushes and the sink scrub brushes and all that. The high-chair tray, stuff like that. I just usually throw out the bath toys when they get black inside (ew).
Oh - hairbows, I wash those in my lingerie bag in with my clothes. That's what the Hairbow Man at the mall said to do (but NOT put them in the dryer).
Posted by: Moriah @ Please Pass the Salt | Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 11:38 PM
Great tips. I had not thought to wash some of those items in the dishwasher. Thanks for the ideas.
Posted by: Lisa@blessedwithgrace | Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 11:39 PM
Thanks for the great tips. I had not thought about putting some of those items in the dishwasher.
Posted by: Lisa@blessedwithgrace | Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 11:40 PM
Thanks for hosting. I appreciate your creative dishwasher use. :~D
Posted by: e-Mom | Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 11:40 PM
Those are great ideas for the dishwasher. Do we always have to post on the same thing you do or can we write whatever works for us?
Posted by: Organizing Mommy | Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 11:43 PM
Sadly I can not wash anything plastic in my dishwasher due to super hard water. Someday (said with a wistful voice).
Posted by: Amber Broda | Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 11:48 PM
the dishwasher is great for flip-flops & crocs!
Posted by: deanna | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 12:11 AM
Wow, what great ideas! I can't wait to clean my screwdrivers. ;-)
Posted by: Gayle | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 12:35 AM
Here is one you may like.
I wash my keyboard every so often.
I put it keys down on the top rack and let it have a go.
When it is done I THOROUGHLY let it try before plugging it into the computer.
nothing like a freshly washed keyboard.
Word of warning, you don't let it dry, you'll kill your keyboard.
Posted by: Terry | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 12:44 AM
Awesome list! I should really try a few of these.
Posted by: Heidi @ Blue Eyed Blessings | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 01:13 AM
And all I have been putting into my dishwasher have been dishes. How boring of me!
Posted by: Kitty | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 01:16 AM
Wow - love the bath toys idea. I am going to extend this to the baby toys that are constantly being gummed and passed around!
Posted by: Sasha @ Cherished Moments | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 01:24 AM
cool!!
Posted by: Emily | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 01:29 AM
Hey, I'm #81. That's as good as first, right?
I pre-wash my dishes and consider the dishwasher a disinfectant. I'm glad to know I can use it for shin guards and hair bows. It's important that they be sterilized.
Posted by: Tricia (Life in the Highlands) | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 01:45 AM
Those are some crazy dishwasher ideas - very creative!
Posted by: Lisa @ Stop and Smell the Chocolates | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 02:44 AM
I am AMAZED by all that stuff you put in! Very tempted to give it a go myself now :)
Thanks and have a wonderful wednesday
Posted by: JanMary, N Ireland | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 03:34 AM
Just dishes man! Just dishes. :)
Posted by: Reading Rosie | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 04:30 AM
Two things
In the rules: the data are not right anymore.
I don't understand how some items survive the dishwasher.
Caps, paintbrushes contain glue that dissolves when a certain temperature is reached.
And the plastic of the swimgoggles hardens.
Or not?
In that case: what kind of dishwasher is it?
Have a nice day!
Posted by: laane | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 04:48 AM
What a great idea. Toothbrushes I've done, but the others are new to me.
Posted by: Tree Climbing Adventures | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 05:24 AM
LOVE this idea of using the dishwasher for other things!!! Love it! Thanks! Have a great day...
Posted by: Kim @ My Journey | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 05:28 AM
Great tip, Shannon! Thanks again for hosting this carnival. It's a little bit scary how excited I get when I realize it's Wednesday and all the tips will be up! :-)
Posted by: Llama Momma | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 05:50 AM
I actually have two "active" sponges at all times...one is in the dishwasher waiting for the next wash while I use the other one. Then after the wash, I switch them! They never get smelly! Have a great day!
Posted by: Chel's Leaving a Legacy | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 05:58 AM
I'm digging your new look! And, of course I like your ideas, too. I had used the dishwasher for a few unconventional ideas, but now I'm ready to really put it to work!
Posted by: Amy @ MomsToolbox | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 06:06 AM
Mine even has a sanitize setting - I love that!! I've used them for ball caps many a times, and I think I might actually use them fro cloth diapers. (Already washed of course!!!) Just sometimes they need to get extra hot to kill rash causing bacteria and the clothes washer just doesn't get hot enough. Sure I could use bleach - but I don't buy it w/ a septic system and all. :-)
Posted by: Donielle @ Naturally Knocked Up | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 06:09 AM
Thanks for hosting Works For Me Wednesday. I always enjoy it. Great tips about the dishwasher also.
Posted by: Debbie J. | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 06:10 AM
Potatoes. If you need to wash a bunch of potatoes for, like, a baked potato party, send 'em through with no soap.
This art teacher I know :) tells me that paintbrushes should not be washed in hot water. But she's kind of picky, ha.
Posted by: Elizabeth | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 06:12 AM
Oh, and no soap. No soap on the potatoes, no soap on the paintbrushes:)
Posted by: Elizabeth | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 06:13 AM
Brilliant!
I will wash the bath toys this afternoon instead of soaking them in bleachy water like I was planning on.
Posted by: warillever | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 06:16 AM
I use my dishwasher for lots of the same things - and the reuseable ice packs we use in the coolers on camping trips that get all gunky in the bottom of the cooler at the end of the trip!
Posted by: A Frugal Housewife | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 06:46 AM
CROCS! Yep, I've washed them in there! And I love the bleach idea - for when it gets a little not-so-fresh-funky-smelling!
Posted by: Kim H. | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 06:57 AM
My favorite thing to put in is candle holders and they come out all sparkly. I try to get as much wax off as possible, but I don't know what it is doing to the machine...
Posted by: kburklin | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 07:02 AM
Today is my very first WFMW post! Come over and see what I made to help me get a shower when Li'l Empress is wide awake and raring to go :)
Posted by: The Gang's All Here! | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 07:07 AM
I am looking forward to utilizing my dishwasher on a new level after reading your post. Thanks for the terrific ideas.
Posted by: Kathy | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 07:09 AM
I do many of the same! I also put my small bathroom trash cans and my kitchen trash can lid - all plastic - in the dishwasher. If it gets dirty and I can fit it in the dishwasher... it goes in there!
Posted by: Carey | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 07:09 AM
I use my dishwasher in the same way--about once a week I run a load of non-dish items. Mostly toys, hair ribbons, and such.
Posted by: Amy | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 07:13 AM
You are a Genius! Do you leave all those things in for the drying cycle too? Or take them out when the wash is done? Genius! I'm really looking forward to next week's theme!
Blessings, Whitney
Posted by: Whitney @ Baby Tunnel Exodus | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 08:00 AM
I'm with Kim H.- I say CROCS! And FlipFlops. NOT beach toys! I tried that. Sand floated around for a good long while...:-)
Posted by: Kristycho | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 08:06 AM
I've done toothbrush travel holders but hadn't thought about doing the actual toothbrush - good tip!
Posted by: Mary | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Great ideas! Thanks!
Posted by: MamaHenClucks | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 08:25 AM
My husband will occasionally run the bath toys through the dishwasher to clean them. I think it's kind of gross... :)
Amy @ http://prettybabies.blogspot.com
Posted by: Amy | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 08:32 AM
I've never thought about toothbrushes! I do use it for toys, scrub brushes, pet dishes that look horrible, and anything I think that wouldn't get ruined in the dishwasher!
Posted by: Annabelle@Christian Momma | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 08:33 AM
I love the idea about the hair brushes! Mine need cleaning, and I never even considered the dishwasher.
The only "alternative" item I clean in the dishwasher is a kitchen sponge.
Posted by: Alison @ Wholesome Goodness | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 08:41 AM
LOVE the soccer shin guards and baseball caps. I'll have to try those.
Posted by: Pam at BeyondJustMom | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 08:44 AM
Oh man, I thought this week was the themed wfmw when I wrote my post last night-I guess I will just put it up again next week? hmmm. Maybe I'll just republish an old one for this week. Sorry I got it mixed up!
Posted by: Miche | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 08:45 AM
I've only put the kitchen brushes in there. Can you wash any kind of shin guard?
Posted by: Kirstin | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 08:47 AM
I just decided to do a "part two" to my list next week for the theme since there are some great toys I didn't get in this list.
And I love the idea of sanitizing tooth brushes after colds!
Posted by: Miche | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 08:49 AM
I don't have the luxury of owning one right this moment..but I may take this as right of aide..I never thought that it would wash just as well or better then anything else..hunh?
Posted by: Dawn | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 08:50 AM
Great idea! I use it for the toys that get moldy in the shower oh so quickly here in Florida, with plenty of bleach (and not with dishes LOL).
Posted by: Mama Duck | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 08:51 AM
My mom always washed our ballcaps in the dishwasher when I was growing up. I think they even make molds that are made for that, so that the hats keep their shape. I will have to try some of these other things next time they need cleaning.
Posted by: Kara | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 09:12 AM
Great topic. This is my 1st wfmw. My post is on cleaning cast iron skillets. (not so dishwasher friendly)
Posted by: Carole | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 09:14 AM
Never sure what kind of comment you want. About our post or yours or both or either?
Posted by: Christina Z | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 09:28 AM
We use our dishwasher as a sanitizer also. But I'd never thought about soccer shin gaurds!! Brilliant!!!
Posted by: Amblin | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 09:29 AM
Doctors' offices do this all the time! My husband's a pediatrician, and he always used the office dishwasher mostly for all the plastic toys! No sense passing germs around...
Visit To Love, Honor and Vacuum today!
Posted by: SheilaG | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Can't believe no one has said this yet, but I have used the dw to wash the potty training seat (the one that goes on the floor) and the potty ring that goes on the toilet itself. Obviously not with any dishes in there......but it really works!
Posted by: Heather | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 10:44 AM
I know of someone who used it to defrost her meat. And someone else used it to wash her lettuce. Obviously, no soap and I would imagine they didn't use the heat cycle on the lettuce. Personally, I wouldn't do either of those (I have a microwave and a salad spinner) but I thought it was funny. BTW, you can spin your lettuce in the dryer if you don't have a salad spinner, or just let it drain.
Posted by: momstheword | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 10:48 AM
What a great idea, we will definitely try this! :)
We have done ball caps, sponges and bath toys in the past.
Have a great rest of the week!
Steph
Posted by: Steph @ Problem Solvin Mom | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Now if only I had a dishwasher....
Posted by: CcsMomma | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 10:50 AM
I meant you can spin your lettuce dry on the spin cycle in the washing machine. I would not recommend putting in the dryer!
Posted by: momstheword | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Stuffed animals if they need a real good cleaning. I paint gourds so they go in there sometimes(before I paint them).
Posted by: Territory Mom | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 10:53 AM
We wash things by hand at out house. The dishwasher that we have is rarely used. I am surprised to see that you use it for so many things. Never thought of it that way.
Posted by: 5tidbits | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 10:57 AM
I pretty much stick to dishes including the pets' dishes. Although now that I think about it, we've run the little cup holders and removable holders in the vehicles. They come out looking so good.
Thanks for hosting.
Posted by: Heather | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 11:11 AM
WOW! I'm stoked about this. I wonder if my new dishwasher has a sanitize setting? I'm going to have to look later today. Even if it doesn't this just makes SENSE to wash non-dish items in there. And then the tip about bleach in the bottom every so often, that's perfect. I'm going to do it later today.
Posted by: Molly | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Soccer Shin Guards? Brilliant!!! I never thought of that! The boys' shin guards smell so incredibly nasty that I dry heave in the car on the way home when they're taking them off. I wonder if this works for goalie gloves, too?
Posted by: angela =^) | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 11:16 AM
So love this and WFMW! Check out my site to see what's ahead.
Posted by: Ginger | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Hey, had to leave another note. Don't get to try tennis shoes! (My title is not showing on the linky list??)
Posted by: Ginger | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 11:21 AM
Great ideas for your Dishwasher. I'm concerned too about the glue and plastic melting. Do you place some (or all) things on top rack to minimize the chances of damage?
Posted by: Anna | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 11:21 AM
I also use it for light fixture globes as someone else mentioned before.
Posted by: AF | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 11:38 AM
I really wish I had a dishwasher now! Can't believe I forgot to get my post linked up till now.... :P
Posted by: Elisa | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 11:40 AM
I put my light fixtures in the dishwasher to get them extra sparkly. Also the toothbrush holders, soap dispensers and Crocs. If you buy Crocs that are a little big or yours have stretched out the dishwasher will shrink them a little bit but they do go restretch.
Posted by: MrsCoach | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 11:41 AM
I put a lot of stuff in our dishwasher, too, but I haven't tried some of those. :)
Like you, I don't wash the gross stuff with the dishes. I've washed:
The bathroom soap dish & toothbrush holder
Sponges & scrub brushes
Hairbows, Clips, Brushes, Combs & Toothbrushes
Plastic toys, bath toys
The potty training chair (which comes apart in pieces)
Pacifiers, Teething rings, etc.
Plastic storage containers & baskets
Posted by: Amber (BGH) | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 12:06 PM
I was going to say Crocs and other flip flops come out super!
Posted by: Audrey | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 12:11 PM
By the way, for all the people talking about smelly sports equipment, you should really try some Odoban if you haven't already - for in between washings. It comes in a spray bottle from Wal-Mart or in an undiluted jug at Costco or Sams. It really works and it smells like Eucalyptus. If it can remove kid pee smell out of sheets and mattresses and cat pee smell off of,... whatever... I'm sure it will work on stinky sports stuff. The spray bottle you can just spray right inside of stinky sneakers, etc, and the smell is gone.
Posted by: Amber (BGH) | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 12:11 PM
I do this too! When the kids were smaller and had those potty training seats that would fit on the regular toilet seat, we would put them in the dishwasher (without dishes of course) to get them nice and clean.
I still put scrub brushes in there all the time!
Posted by: Carrie | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 12:26 PM
I had not thought to put non-kitchen items in my dishwasher. I'll definitely consider that the next time I have to run my dishwasher. Thanks!
Posted by: Trish | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Your "don't miss" arrow ... love it, love it, love it! I *ALWAYS* miss! Thank you for making it pop out at us and scream "pay attention, girls!" :)
Posted by: Col @ gigablonde :: things to do in ny when you're [alive] | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Doesn't the dishwasher get a kind of rubber or plastic smell from some of those items. I know someone who cleaned there clogs, or Crocks in it. ick. But it does dissinfect, so that's good!
Posted by: Crayl | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 12:49 PM
I am guessing you guys dont dry your crocs? Crocs will actually shrink f they get too hot! We live in Texas and my daughter left hers in the car in the summer & they actually shrunk! The Croc Folks said that happens because of the material they are made of. Be careful!!
Posted by: mzzterry | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 01:33 PM
When I was single, and lived in apartments suited for sardines, I used my dishwasher for storage.
Now? If it's not nailed down, it goes in the dishwasher. I've even put the kitchen trash lid in (alone) and gotten it clean, whereas it had never been that clean before.
I've got to try that bleach trick.
Posted by: Fiddledeedee | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 01:40 PM
I do some of these, but I've never thought to do baseball caps. I'll have to give it a trial run with my husband's grungiest!
Posted by: M Kaiserman | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Ya know, if you ever wanted to start another blog you could call it "Rocks In My Dishwasher" LOL
Posted by: Rebecca | Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 02:25 PM