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More Uses for Your Dishwasher

If you’ve ever had to live without one, you know what a time – and hand – saver a dishwasher can be. But it can help you clean a lot more than dishes, pans, and utensils. Here are 10 surprising things you also can safely clean in your dishwasher. Just be sure to double check manufacturers’ cleaning instructions to avoid damage.

Refrigerator Shelves and Bins – You can wash most glass shelves and bins on the tap rack of your dishwasher. Warm them up to room temperature before washing.

Mesh Range Hood Vent Filters – Get grease and grime off your vent filter by running it through the dishwasher and drying it completely before replacing it. However, this is not recommended for charcoal filters.

Sponges – Clean and disinfect your kitchen sponges by washing them on the top rack or in the silverware basket every two weeks.

Silicone Pot Holders – Silicone pot holders and trivets can get dingy fast, but your dishwasher can get them looking like new.

Contact Lens Cases – While you should replace your contact case every three months or so to avoid risk of infection, you can disinfect it in the dishwasher in between.

Toothbrush Holders – Remove toothpaste build-up, then place plastic or metal toothbrush holders in the dishwasher for a thorough cleaning, especially after a bout of colds or the flu.

Plastic Toys – Clean larger non-battery-operated plastic toys on the top rack of the dishwasher and place smaller pieces like Legos in a mesh laundry bag before adding them into the mix.

Dog Toys – Wash frisbees and other plastic or rubber toys in the top rack of the dishwasher, but do not use detergent.

Pet Bowls – Just like your dishes, your pet’s plates and bowls can be washed in the dishwasher – plastic dishes belong on the top rack only.

Baseball Caps – If your favorite baseball cap is looking a little tired, give it a good cleaning minus the dishes. Fit the cap inside a plastic cap form, place it on the top rack, add a little detergent, and run it through a cycle. Then hang the cap up to dry.

Who knew, right? Well, here’s something else you should know: Messmer Mechanical is well-experienced in repairing and replacing rundown dishwasher plumbing. We also can install plumbing if you’re buying your first. Contact us today for any home plumbing need with your satisfaction guaranteed.