7 things you can actually wash in the dishwasher

A dishwasher can help you tidy your kitchen by cleaning more than just dishes and cookware. If you’ve had a spillover in your microwave, you may be able to give the turntable a proper clean by adding it to your load of dishes. Silicone trivets with food splatters and stains can also be added to your dishwasher if stated on the product’s packaging.

It’s also possible to give your kitchen’s cleaning tools a quick spruce-up with the help of your dishwasher. Scrub brushes used to clean your dishes can be added to the utensil holder of your dishwasher. To freshen up kitchen sponges, you can put the sponges in the microwave or add them to the top rack of your dishwasher. Select Whirlpool^® dishwashers like the Quiet Dishwasher with 3rd Rack offer 35%¹ more rack space so you can fit your family’s dishes along with your other kitchen tools in one load.

The accessories in your bathroom might need some cleaning after every day wear-and-tear and may benefit from a dishwasher cycle. Many toothbrush holders, soap dispensers and soap dishes are top-rack dishwasher safe and can be added in along with a load of dishes. You can also put small plastic shower caddies in your dishwasher to help temporarily remove mildew growth.

You may be able to give your child’s favorite sippy cups, placemats and even some plastic toys a thorough cleaning by running them through the dishwasher. Toys made with thick plastic like bath toys are typically dishwasher safe and can be added to the top rack along with a load of dishes. Never place toys with electronic components in the dishwasher. Always check product labels to ensure that these items are safe to clean in your dishwasher.

The Whirlpool^® 51 dBA Quiet Dishwasher with 3rd Rack offers an Adjustable 2nd Rack to accommodate tall or unusually shaped items, like childrens’ toys, and a 3rd Rack that allows you to load smaller or hard-to-fit items so you can get more of your dishes and utensils clean in a single cycle.

There are many home decor items that you can possibly clean inside your dishwasher. Light fixtures, vases, candle holders, outlet covers, pencil cups and even small trash cans may benefit from a proper dishwasher clean depending on their material. Wood, non-stainless steel, some plastics, thin glass and painted items should never be washed in a dishwasher. You should always consult the product’s label or website to see if an item is dishwasher safe before loading it into your appliance.

Depending on the material of your pet’s toys and food bowls, you may be able to wash them in the dishwasher. Pet toys made of hard plastic and rubber are typically dishwasher safe and can be loaded into your dishwasher on the top rack. You can also use your dishwasher to wash treat canisters and food bowls made of ceramic, stainless steel or certain types of plastic. To avoid any cross-contamination, you may choose to wash pet items separately from your family’s dishes.

The Fingerprint Resistant Dishwasher with 3rd Rack & Large Capacity from Whirlpool brand offers a 3rd Rack with Extra Wash Action that provides targeted cleaning for items loaded on the upper racks.

From mouth guards to golf balls, you may be able to clean your family’s sports equipment in the dishwasher. Items like athletic cups, shin guards, mouth guards and golf balls might benefit from being cleaned through a dishwasher cycle. You may want to separate plastic or rubber pieces from any foam or fabric before cleaning them in a dishwasher as it is not recommended to use a dishwasher to wash fabric items. Since these items come into contact with sweat, dirt and mud, you may want to wash them separately from your dishes to avoid cross-contamination.

Always remember to check care labels and product websites to ensure that these items are safe to clean in your dishwasher.

Hair brushes and combs can collect buildup from your hair products, which may leave you wondering how to get them clean. Plastic brushes and combs can be washed in the dishwasher separately from your dishes after you have cleared them of any remaining hair. Your dishwasher can also help you clean your metal manicure and pedicure tools to help keep your nail care supplies sanitary. Grooming tools with wooden handles or natural bristles should never be washed in a dishwasher. 

Select Whirlpool^® dishwashers offer the Sani Rinse Option that is certified to eliminate 99.999% of food soil bacteria by reaching a final rinse temperature above 150ºF to sanitize dishes.