Include these bathroom and hygiene items in your next dishwasher cycle for an effortless cleaning and sanitization process.
Don’t be misled by the name; a dishwasher isn’t just for dishes.
It can clean much more than just dishes.
This useful gadget can cleanse various household objects that aren’t just from your kitchen cabinets. Toothbrush holders and bath toys are among the things you can disinfect and clean using your dishwasher. It turns out that numerous surprising items commonly found in bathrooms can go into the dishwasher for cleaning. Below are 10 such bathroom essentials you may not have known could be cleaned in this way.
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1. Soap Dish
Rapid accumulation of soap residue occurs on frequently used soap dishes. Besides leftover bits of old soap bars, these containers also harbor significant amounts of bacteria. It is crucial to keep soap dishes free from dirt and germs to ensure that hands, mouths, and faces remain clean as well. Fortunately, most soap dishes are safe for use in the dishwasher unless they’re crafted from wood; wooden ones must instead be washed by hand. Always verify the material composition before choosing appropriate washing temperatures and spray options.
2. Toothbrush Holder
Toothbrush holders can be breeding grounds for germs, bacteria, and leftover toothpaste residue. Many toothbrush holders are designed to withstand dishwashers since they’re typically crafted from materials like ceramic or sturdy plastics. For those models, you should have no qualms about placing them in a hot-water wash with gentle soap. Should your holder consist of detachable parts, take it apart and position these components on the upper rack during an ordinary washing cycle. In case your toothbrush holder is solid without removable sections, let it soak initially in warm soapy water to remove stubborn residues before loading it onto the top rack under standard settings. However, wooden toothbrush holders ought not go into the dishwasher as this could damage their finish.
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3. Shower Caddy
Soap residue, mildew, and germs can likewise accumulate on a surface.
shower storage caddy
Although big shower caddies may not be suitable for the dishwasher, you can place smaller ones on either the top or bottom rack. Once the dishwasher has completed its usual cycle, make sure to wipe down the caddy with a towel to avoid rust formation.
4. Equipment for Manicures and Pedicures
Metal implements used for manicures and pedicures can be sanitized using a dishwasher cycle. This includes nail clippers, metal files, cuticle pushers, and more; they are generally safe for dishwashers. However, these smaller tools might slip through the regular racks, so make sure to find an appropriate spot for them within the machine.
utensil container or cutlery holder
on a regular cycle.
5. Exhaust Fan Covers
A significant amount of dust and particles can covertly build up on an object.
exhaust fan cover
It tends to slip our minds when cleaning, but detachable covers from your bathroom exhaust fans can easily go through a thorough wash in the dishwasher. Before placing them inside for a standard washing cycle, make sure you remove any visible grime or debris first. Both metal and plastic components are typically safe for dishwashers; however, avoid using this method for aluminum parts since they might get damaged by the detergents and intense temperatures, leading to corrosion or color changes.
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6. Hairbrushes, Clasps, and Accoutrements
Both plastic and metal hairbrushes and combs can be sanitized using your dishwasher. First, remove any trapped hairs before placing them face-down on the upper rack of the appliance. Ensure you either rinse them under cold water directly from the tap or select a cool wash setting to stop them from deforming. Similarly, plastic or metallic hair clips and similar tools may also go into the dishwasher but remember to clean off any residual moisture post-cycle so as not to invite rust formation. For optimal cleaning, position smaller articles such as these within the top section or inside the cutlery holder. On the flip side, grooming implements featuring wooden parts must only undergo manual washing since dishwashers could harm their structure.
7. Bath Toys
It’s a good idea to wash your kids’ bath toys—even though they’re soaking in soapy water, they can still pick up all the germs left behind after bathing. Rubber and plastic toys can be sterilized safely in the dishwasher. Put toys on the top rack and start a normal cycle with regular dishwasher detergent and hot water. If you’re unsure whether a toy is dishwasher-safe, check the manufacturer’s website.
8. Loofahs, Sponge Pads, and Brush Sets
Regular cleaning of these exfoliating tools is essential, and you can rely on your dishwasher for this job. Position loofahs and sponges on the upper shelf of the dishwasher during a standard cycle with hot water. Additionally, brushes crafted from synthetic materials or non-wood components can also be sanitized in the dishwasher safely.
9. Facial Scrub Brushes
Similar to shower brushes, many facial scrub brushes can also go into the dishwasher. Plastic-made brushes are typically safe for dishwashers; place them on the upper rack with bristles downwards during an ordinary wash cycle. Nonetheless, wooden or naturally fiber-based brushes might get damaged or warped due to high temperatures. When in doubt, avoid using the dishwasher. Instead, clean these delicate brushes manually: fill a basin with warm, soapy water and gently hand-wash the brush.
10. Drawer Organizers
Drawer organizers tend to accumulate dirt from regular usage but seldom receive thorough cleaning. Provided they aren’t made of wood or acrylic, these organizers can go into the dishwasher. Take apart the components and load them onto the upper rack for a standard wash cycle.
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