20 Surprising Things You Can Clean in Your Dishwasher, From Flower Pots to Sponges

Your dishwasher can clean far more than just your dirty dishes and silverware.

By 

Nina Derwin

Published on November 7, 2024

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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. Ahead, we spoke to cleaning experts to learn what you can clean with just the push of a button.

• Sarah McAllister, founder and CEO of GoCleanCo
• Katie Berry, author and cleaning expert, Housewife How-Tos

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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.”

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.¹

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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.

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.”

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.”

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.)

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.

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.

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.

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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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.”