Surprising Items You Can Safely Clean in a Dishwasher

A dishwasher can clean more than plates, glasses, and cookware. Many durable household items made from hard plastic, metal, ceramic, or glass may also be dishwasher-safe, provided the manufacturer permits machine washing and the item contains no electronics, adhesives, delicate finishes, or heat-sensitive parts.

Important safety checks before using the dishwasher

• Read the manufacturer's care instructions before placing an unfamiliar item in the machine.
• Keep heat-sensitive plastic on the top rack, away from the heating element.
• Never wash electronics, battery-powered toys, glued decorations, or items with internal components.
• Remove loose dirt, food, and debris before starting the cycle.
• Dry hollow items completely to reduce the risk of trapped moisture and mold.

Household items that may be dishwasher-safe

Plastic toys

Small bath toys and solid plastic building pieces can often be placed on the top rack. Put very small pieces in a mesh dishwasher bag so they cannot fall through the rack. Do not machine-wash toys with electronics or inaccessible hollow spaces that cannot dry fully.

Scrub brushes with plastic handles

Dish brushes and other sturdy cleaning tools can usually be refreshed on the top rack. Remove hair, string, and large debris first.

Toothbrush holders

Place a dishwasher-safe toothbrush holder upside down on the top rack so water can reach the residue inside. Avoid holders with hand-painted finishes, glued decorations, or delicate metallic trim.

Plastic and acrylic organizers

Sturdy can holders, utensil bins, and similar organizers may be cleaned on the top rack after crumbs and loose debris are removed.

Glass microwave turntables

Check the microwave manual first. When the glass tray is labeled dishwasher-safe, place it securely on the lower rack like a large plate and make sure it does not block the spray arm.

Ceramic plant pots

Plain, sturdy ceramic pots may be washed on the top rack. Hand-painted, antique, porous, or highly decorative pieces should be washed by hand to prevent fading or damage.

Phone cases

Some plain silicone and hard-plastic phone cases can be cleaned face down on the top rack. Remove the phone first, and avoid cases with magnets, electronic components, rhinestones, adhesive decorations, leather, or fabric.

Small garden tools

Compact shovels, buckets, and durable metal or plastic tools may be cleaned after excess soil is removed. Place heat-sensitive plastic on the top rack and corrosion-resistant metal on the lower rack only when the manufacturer allows it.

Removable cup holders

Dishwasher-safe cup holders from a vehicle or child seat can often go on the top rack after crumbs and food particles are removed. Check the product manual because some inserts contain foam, rubber, or adhesives.

Kitchen sponges

A hot dishwasher cycle may help clean a sponge temporarily, but it does not replace regular disposal. Replace kitchen sponges frequently, especially when they smell, break down, or remain visibly dirty.