In our apartments, there are always a bunch of items that we know we should clean, but we really don’t want to. So we never do.
But though the sad fact is that’s gross, the dishwasher (aka man’s and woman’s best friend) has made cleaning these unconventional items sooo much easier. So be gone with the grime, and use these ____ tips for cleaning random stuff from around the house without any hassle at all!
Tools: Get the grease and oil off of your wrenches, screwdrivers and pliers by putting them in the dishwasher and running its hottest cycle with regular dishwasher detergent.
Toys and figurines: Rather than dusting or attempting to wash and dry plastic toys and figurines, pop them in the dishwasher on a gentle cycle. However, we’d recommend skipping putting anything highly valuable or highly fragile in the DW, though, just in case.
Flip flops: Get the summer’s sand and nasty foot germs out of your flip flops with the dishwasher. Opt for the top rack.
Rubber boots: How else would you clean inside those smelly things? Put them upside down on the bottom rack to give them a wash. Probably best for the health of your dishwasher if you remove any bigger chunks of mud or debris before putting them in.
Hubcaps: Make them shiny and new-looking again by adding a cup of white vinegar to your detergent and run the cycle.
Hairbrushes and combs: It’s quite revolting how infrequently girls – and guys – clean their hairbrushes and combs. Remove any hair first into the garbage, then stand it in the forks-and-knives holder for the cycle. For combs especially, make sure they’re heat safe before washing.
Nail clippers: Another really nasty grooming tool that doesn’t get cleaned often enough. Dry clippers thoroughly after the cycle so they don’t rust.
Toothbrushes and toothbrush holders: The dishwasher is a great way to sanitize your toothbrush and its holder from time to time. Use the top rack.
Ball caps: The sweat ring forming at the base of the brim isn’t sexy. Wash ball caps in the dishwasher with a detergent that doesn’t contain bleach. Use a bowl inside the cap to help it keep its shape.
Kitchen sponges, rags and brushes: Keep them in place by placing them in the silverware holder.
Keys: We touch our keys dozens of times a day; meanwhile they sometimes fall on the ground or on public bathroom floors. You can wash them in the dishwasher as often as necessary.
Mouth guards: Kill bacteria by washing mouth guards in the dishwasher. Only put them on the top rack.
Dog collars and leashes: These things get disgusting after walks, especially at this time of year. Put them on the top rack and run them through a cycle with bleach-free detergent so they look great again.
Sources: CNet, Popsugar