4 Unexpected Items You Can Clean in the Dishwasher

Most of us treat the dishwasher like a glorified plate washer: dishes in, buttons pushed, walk away like a domestic genius.
But that box humming in your kitchen is basically a tiny, steamy sanitizing spa and it can handle way more than yesterday’s pasta bowls.

Cleaning experts and home magazines have been quietly using the dishwasher to tackle some of the grimiest spots in the house,
from toothbrush holders to fridge bins, pet bowls, and even baseball caps.
The trick is knowing what can go in there and what needs to stay far, far away.

Before you start tossing everything you own onto the top rack, remember: not all materials are dishwasher-safe. Hot water, detergent, and high heat
can warp wood, strip finishes, or ruin delicate coatings.
But if you pick the right items, the dishwasher can save you a ton of scrubbing time while giving a deeper, more hygienic clean.

Let’s look at four unexpected things you can clean in the dishwasher plus exactly how to do it safely, step by step.

1. Toothbrush Holders and Soap Dishes: The Bathroom Germ Magnets

If there’s one place almost guaranteed to be gross, it’s the bottom of the toothbrush holder or the edge of a soap dish. Toothpaste sludge, soap scum,
hard water stains, and mystery gunk all settle there. Instead of trying to scrub those tiny corners with a cotton swab, you can send many of these pieces
straight into the dishwasher.

Why they’re perfect for the dishwasher

Home and cleaning experts often recommend running plastic or ceramic toothbrush holders and soap dishes through a normal dishwasher cycle to remove bacteria,
mildew, and buildup.
The hot water and detergent reach places your sponge just can’t, especially in tall, narrow holders.

It’s especially useful if you have kids. Their toothbrush holders tend to collect sticky, rainbow-colored toothpaste blobs that somehow defy soaking in the sink.
One run in the dishwasher, and those holders usually come out looking (and smelling) like new.

How to load bathroom accessories safely

• Disassemble what you can. If the holder or dish has multiple parts, pop everything apart so water can circulate.
• Use the top rack. Place toothbrush holders and soap dishes upside down on the top rack so they drain and don’t fill up with water.
• Choose a normal or sanitizing cycle. A standard wash is usually enough, but a sanitizing setting can be helpful during cold and flu season.
• Let them air-dry completely. Once the cycle is done, leave them out to dry fully before reassembling.

When to skip the dishwasher

Avoid putting these in the dishwasher:

• Soap dishes or holders made from wood or bamboo (they can warp and crack).
• Stone, marble, or items with delicate finishes that might etch or dull.
• Pieces with felt or adhesive pads underneath that could loosen or fall off.

2. Refrigerator Shelves and Bins: Deep-Clean Your Fridge the Lazy Way

Cleaning the refrigerator is one of those chores we avoid until something sticky mysteriously glues the pickle jar to the shelf. The good news:
many fridge shelves and bins are designed from durable glass or plastic that can handle a trip through the dishwasher.

Why the dishwasher works so well on fridge parts

Fridge shelves and drawers are magnets for spills, raw-meat drips, and produce slime. Handwashing each piece in the sink can be awkward, especially with large,
heavy glass shelves. The dishwasher solves this by:

• Providing even, thorough coverage with hot water and detergent.
• Saving time you can clean multiple pieces in one cycle.
• Improving hygiene by removing hidden bacteria and residue in corners and grooves.

How to clean fridge shelves and bins in the dishwasher

1. Bring them to room temperature first. Never move a freezing-cold glass shelf straight into hot water that’s a recipe for cracks.
2. Scrape off big messes. Remove heavy spills or dried-on food so you don’t clog the filter.
3. Load carefully. Lay glass shelves flat on the bottom rack and place plastic bins on the top rack or securely on the bottom if they’re large.
4. Use a normal cycle. Skip high-heat “extra dry” settings if the manufacturer warns against them.

Always check your fridge’s manual if you’re unsure; some brands spell out which shelves and bins are dishwasher-safe and recommend cooler settings.

When not to use the dishwasher on fridge parts

If your shelves have built-in LED lighting, electrical components, or are labeled as handwash only, stick to the sink. Also be cautious with very old fridges
older plastics may be more brittle and prone to warping.

3. Baseball Caps: Keep the Shape, Lose the Sweat

Tossing your favorite baseball cap in the washing machine is a quick way to turn it into a wrinkled, misshapen pancake. Enter: the dishwasher. It can be a surprisingly gentle way to clean caps,
as long as you follow a few rules.

Why a dishwasher is cap-friendly (most of the time)

The main problem with machine washing caps is the aggressive agitation. Dishwashers, by contrast, hold items in place while spraying water around them. With a gentle cycle and no heated dry,
you can remove sweat, sunscreen, and everyday grime without wrecking the cap’s shape.

Many modern caps have plastic brims rather than cardboard, which means they’re much better suited to moisture than older styles. That said, you always want to check care tags or brand guidelines first.

How to wash baseball caps in the dishwasher

1. Check the brim. If you suspect it’s cardboard (common in vintage caps), don’t use the dishwasher water can cause serious warping.
2. Place on the top rack. Position the cap over the prongs so it holds its natural shape. You can even use a cap washer frame if you have one.
3. Use a mild detergent. Skip dishwasher pods with bleach or heavy fragrances that might fade colors.
4. Turn off heated dry. High heat can shrink the fabric and warp the brim. Let the hat air-dry on a rounded object (like a small bowl) instead.

When to handwash instead

If the cap is:

• Vintage or collectible,
• Made from delicate fabrics (wool, suede, or leather), or
• Embroidered with metallic or specialty threads,

then handwashing with gentle soap is safer. The dishwasher is best for sturdy, everyday caps you’re not afraid to put to work at the gym, in the yard, or at the beach.

4. Vent Covers and Light Switch Plates: Tiny Details, Huge Difference

Look up at a vent cover or take a close look at a light switch plate and you’ll probably see dust, grime, fingerprints, or that special sticky film homes accumulate over time.
These items are small, but cleaning each groove by hand can be tedious. Many plastic or metal covers can go straight into you guessed it the dishwasher.

Why it works

Vent and fan covers, as well as light switch plates, often have lots of angles and tiny openings where dust settles. The dishwasher’s jets can blast away dust, grease,
and allergens far better than a quick wipe-down.

How to safely wash vent and switch covers in the dishwasher

1. Turn off power to the room. This is mainly for safety while removing plates and working around exposed switches.
2. Remove covers carefully. Unscrew switch plates and vent covers and keep the screws in a small cup so you don’t lose them.
3. Pre-dust. Give them a quick wipe or vacuum to remove thick dust layers so you don’t flood the dishwasher with debris.
4. Load on the top rack. Place smaller plates in the utensil basket or along the top rack; lay flat or stand vent covers securely so they don’t rattle around.
5. Run a normal cycle. Mild detergent is plenty no heavy-duty degreasers needed in most cases.

After washing, dry everything thoroughly and double-check that there’s no residual moisture before reinstalling. Wet covers plus electrical components is not the vibe we’re going for.

Materials to avoid

Skip the dishwasher if your covers are:

• Made of wood or wood veneer,
• Decorative metal with special finishes that might peel or tarnish, or
• Painted in a way you’re worried the detergent might strip.

Dishwasher Safety Rules So You Don’t Ruin Your Stuff

Now that you’re eyeing everything in your house like, “Can I wash this in the dishwasher?”, here are a few ground rules from consumer and cleaning experts.

Always check the material first

• Generally dishwasher-safe: Many plastics labeled “top-rack only,” stainless steel (not insulated), ceramic, glass, and silicone.
• Usually handwash-only: Cast-iron cookware, carbon steel, fine or vintage china, soft aluminum, copper pots, wood, and many nonstick pans.
• Sharp knives: They may technically survive the dishwasher, but experts warn the harsh environment can dull blades and damage handles.

Watch the rack and settings

• Top rack for delicate, plastic, or lighter items (caps, toothbrush holders, light switch covers).
• Bottom rack for sturdy glass shelves and large, heat-resistant pieces.
• Skip heated dry when you’re worried about warping, shrinking, or damaging glues and elastics.

Don’t overload your dishwasher

Packing in too many odd-shaped items can block spray arms, leaving everything dirty and forcing you to rewash. Give water and soap room to move.

Final Thoughts: Let Your Dishwasher Work Overtime

Your dishwasher is more than a dish-only appliance. Used smartly, it’s a time-saving cleaning assistant that can tackle some of the grimiest, most annoying
items in your home especially:

• Toothbrush holders and soap dishes,
• Refrigerator shelves and bins,
• Baseball caps, and
• Vent covers and light switch plates.

The key is to follow material guidelines, avoid obvious no-gos (wood, cast iron, delicate nonstick, sharp knives, fancy crystal), and use the right rack and settings.
Once you get comfortable with these four unexpected items, you’ll start spotting other dishwasher-safe candidates all over your home and your cleaning routine might
feel a lot less overwhelming.

Real-Life Experiences with Cleaning Unexpected Items in the Dishwasher

While every home is different, there are some common themes from homeowners, cleaning pros, and busy parents who’ve experimented with cleaning unexpected items
in the dishwasher. Think of this section as a collection of field notes what tends to work, what sometimes doesn’t, and how people tweak their routines over time.

The “Sunday Reset” dishwasher load

Many people find it helpful to dedicate one weekly load to “beyond the dishes” cleaning. After the dinner plates and glasses are done, they’ll run:

• Bathroom toothbrush holders and soap dishes,
• Small fridge bins or produce drawers,
• Pet bowls and a couple of sturdy pet toys, and
• Light switch plates from high-traffic areas like the kitchen and entryway.

This routine keeps bacteria-prone surfaces under control with almost no extra work. The biggest lesson people report? It’s much easier to stay on top of grime
when the dishwasher becomes part of a regular cleaning rhythm instead of a once-in-a-while experiment.

Bathroom items: noticeable hygiene upgrade

Homeowners who start running toothbrush holders and soap dishes through the dishwasher weekly often notice that they stay clearer, with less slimy buildup.
Parents of kids who are “toothpaste artists” say it’s one of the few ways to get rid of dried blobs in the corners without 20 minutes of scrubbing.

A helpful trick people share: keep a small basket or caddy in the bathroom for dishwasher-bound items. When something starts looking gross a loofah that’s still in good shape,
a facial scrub brush, or a plastic soap tray it goes into the basket. Once it’s full, everything gets a trip to the top rack, assuming the items are dishwasher-safe.

Fridge shelves: less dread, more consistency

Fridge cleaning is one of those chores people avoid because it feels like a whole event. Those who use the dishwasher for removable shelves and bins say the job feels
more manageable: instead of scrubbing awkward glass panels in the sink, they load them in the dishwasher, wipe down the interior walls while the cycle runs, and then
reinstall everything once it’s dry.

One common experience: noticing fewer “mystery smells.” When spills and sticky spots are fully removed from shelves and drawers, the fridge smells fresher, and produce
seems to spoil less quickly simply because it’s not sitting in old moisture or residue.

Baseball caps: mostly wins, with a few lessons learned

People who’ve had success cleaning caps in the dishwasher tend to follow a few unwritten rules:

• They test the method on a less sentimental hat first.
• They always turn off heated dry to avoid warping the brim.
• They reshape the cap while it’s damp and let it dry on a bowl, jar, or balled-up towel.

When problems happen, it’s usually because the cap had a cardboard brim, was washed with very hot water, or went through a high-heat dry cycle. After one “oops” moment,
most people become more careful about checking labels and using gentle settings.

Vent covers and switch plates: small change, big impact

Homeowners who remove vent covers and light switch plates for dishwasher cleaning often report that the whole room suddenly looks cleaner even though they didn’t
repaint or redecorate. Dusty vents and grimy switches quietly drag down the look of a space; once they’re bright and clean, walls and trim appear fresher too.

A common tip is to take pictures before removing a lot of covers, especially from multiple rooms, to remember which style goes where. People also recommend labeling
the back of covers with a small piece of painter’s tape if you have different designs around the house.

The big takeaway from real-world use

Across all these experiences, a few patterns stand out:

• Start with sturdy, low-risk items. Plastic bins, simple ceramic pieces, and modern caps usually tolerate the dishwasher well.
• Read labels and trust your instincts. If something looks delicate, handmade, or irreplaceable, wash it by hand.
• Use gentle settings. Turning off heated dry and avoiding the most aggressive cycles helps protect weird shapes and special materials.
• Think in “zones.” Bathroom load, fridge load, pet load treating them as themed cycles makes it easier to remember what you want to clean regularly.

Once you get comfortable, your dishwasher stops being just a dish machine and starts feeling like an all-purpose hygiene machine. With a little caution and some smart choices,
it can quietly upgrade the cleanliness of the spaces you touch every single day.