Your Dishwasher Could Be More Useful Than You Think

Your Dishwasher Could Be More Useful Than You Think

Your dishwashing machine is probably one of best time saving appliances in your home.   After all, the last thing anyone wants to do is wash the mountain of plates, pots and glasses resulting from last night’s dinner party. Fortunately, these days, it’s a simple case of bunging it all in the dishwasher, popping a tablet in the detergent compartment and running the most appropriate cycle.

But, did you know that dirty dishes aren’t the only thing that your dishwasher can do? The internal layout, gently cleaning action and high temperatures in your dishwasher makes the appliance ideal for a lot of grimy jobs that you simply can’t be bothered with. Here are a few:

 

Kids’ toys – Plastic toys can attract all sorts of filth and germs when they’re lying around the home or garden. Throwing them in the dishwasher every so often will clean and sterilise, allowing your little ones to play safely. Just make sure you don’t put toys with electrical parts in the machine.

 

Crocs and wellies – Plastic and rubber footwear, such as plastic sandals, crocs and wellington boots shouldn’t go in a conventional washing machine, but they’ll be just fine in the dishwasher. Even canvas shoes will come out of the dishwasher pristine and de-odorised. Laces can go in a muslin bag tied to one of the upper racks.

 

Tools – DIY enthusiasts will be pleased to know that oily spanners, hammers and wrenches will appear glistening after an hour in the pots and pans cycle.

 

Dustpan – Your kitchen dustpan doesn’t just pick up spills, it collects germs and dirt too. Fortunately, your dishwasher doubles as a steriliser.

 

Grooming accessories – Likewise, hairbrushes, make-up brushes, hairgrips and toothbrushes can be cleaned and sterilised in the dishwasher. Soap dishes should toothbrush holders can go in alongside them while you’re at it.

 

Glass and plastic lampshades – Sometimes dusting isn’t enough to remove grim and dirt from lampshades. As long as you avoid delicate, antique, enamel or painted surfaces, your dishwasher will give glass and plastic lampshades a new lease of life.

 

Spuds – If you hate the messy job of scrubbing potatoes before microwaving or baking, try putting a few in with the dishes next time you use the dishwasher. They’ll come out fully prepared and even parboiled for popping in the oven.

 

Sporting equipment – Even though your football kit and other sports clothing should go in the traditional washing machine, gear with plastic parts such as shin guards or knee protectors should go in the dishwasher.

 

Kitchen items – When you do a kitchen spring clean, make sure you give plastic storage container, salt shakers, pepper mills, sugar bowls, spice jars and the like a good going over in the dishwasher.