Key Takeaways
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Dish brushes clean more thoroughly in the dishwasher than by hand.
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Silicone items like baking mats and oven mitts are dishwasher-safe.
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Pet bowls need the dishwasher’s heat and detergent for a truly hygienic clean.
Many of our assumptions about dishwashers haven’t kept up with what modern machines can actually do. According to Becky Fletcher, Digital Media Coordinator and Cleaning Expert at GoCleanCo, “Most people avoid [washing certain items in the dishwasher] because they’re worried about damaging something, which is fair,” because many “of us grew up hearing ‘don’t put that in the dishwasher.'”
Fortunately, many washable items are more durable than we think, and the combination of heat, detergent, and strong water pressure breaks down grease and residue more consistently than a quick wash by hand.
Fletcher’s advice? “As long as you’re mindful of heat, detergent, and material, the dishwasher can actually be the easier and more consistent option.” With that in mind, here are four surprising items Fletcher says you should be putting in the dishwasher.
1. Dish Brushes and Sponges
Your plastic or metal dish brush—the thing you’re using to clean everything else—probably isn’t as clean as you think it is. “It gets used constantly and doesn’t always get fully clean,” says Fletcher. A quick rinse at the sink isn’t enough. “The hot water, detergent, and high-powered jets give them a more thorough clean than hand-washing,” and “it’s an easy way to refresh something you’re using every day,” she explains.
The good news: The dishwasher can do the heavy lifting. Place them on the top rack, and skip the heated dry cycle if they’re delicate. Otherwise, go ahead and run them through regularly—right along with your dishes. Skip the dishwasher if the brush handle is made of wood, which will crack and warp in the heat.
2. Silicone Kitchen Tools
Silicone items can go in the dishwasher. Whether it’s baking mats, oven mitts, or trivets, these “hold onto grease more than people realize,” says Fletcher. “Dishwasher detergent is designed to break down oils, so it does a better job cutting through residue.”
Make sure they’re positioned so water can circulate around them properly, Fletcher advises, and don’t overcrowd the rack so everything gets fully clean.
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3. Glass Light Fixture Covers
Out of sight, out of mind, kitchen glass light fixture covers are easy to forget about. But as Fletcher points out, they’re “up there collecting grease and dust like it’s their job,” and most people haven’t touched them since move-in day. The dishwasher is a great option to clean them, since “the heat and detergent cut through kitchen grease easily.”
Plus, the dishwasher also provides an “even, streak-free clean without the scrubbing,” she says. Even so, “don’t just toss them in and hope for the best.” Instead, Fletcher advises making sure they’re “secure and not knocking around,” and “skip anything delicate or decorative.”
4. Pet Food Dishes
It’s not the most comfortable thing to think about, but Fletcher doesn’t mince words: “If it’s got yesterday’s kibble slime or wet food residue, it needs more than a quick rinse. Sorry. The high heat gives a more thorough clean than a quick hand-wash, which is important for anything your pets are eating from daily.”
That’s where the dishwasher comes in. Not only is this essential for your pet’s health, but it also helps keep that grimy residue from spreading around your home with every sniff and lick.
What Should Stay Out of the Dishwasher
There are certain items that should never go in the dishwasher. When you’re unsure, Fletcher’s simple gut-check questions are:
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Is detergent going to strip?
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Is water going to get trapped inside and stay gross?
If the answer is no, it’s probably fair game for the dishwasher. It’s always worth rethinking what really needs hand-washing. However, embracing the dishwasher for overlooked items can save you time, effort, and a whole lot of unnecessary scrubbing.
Read the original article on Simply Recipes