Surprising Things You Can Clean in the Dishwasher

Makeup brushes to licence plates – the unusual items you can put in the dishwasher

Dishwashers have become a staple of the modern kitchen, helping to lighten the daily cleaning load. However, the dishwasher can actually be used effectively for items not just found in the kitchen.

When it comes to dishwasher repair, it’s essential to address issues promptly to keep this kitchen essential running smoothly.

From minor malfunctions like a clogged drain or a broken latch to more significant problems like a malfunctioning pump or heating element, these repair services can quickly restore your dishwasher’s functionality. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the filter and checking for leaks, can also prevent costly repairs down the line.

Whether you’re dealing with a simple fix or a more complex issue, professional repair services can efficiently diagnose and resolve problems, ensuring that your dishwasher remains a reliable asset in your home.

Below, Ian Palmer-Smith, appliance expert at UK’s leading specialist warranty provider Domestic & Generalreveals the items you can safely clean in the dishwasher – and you may be surprised…

1. Hair and makeup brushes

Ian says: “This may surprise some, but it is perfectly safe to put your hair and makeup brushes in your dishwasher to give them a good clean. Make sure you place them in the cutlery basket with the heads facing upwards. 

The hot water will help to sanitise the brushes leaving them much cleaner than before. Just don’t forget to remove any hair from your hairbrush otherwise this could end up clogging the dishwasher.”

2. Shoes

Ian explains: “It is quite common for people to wash their shoes in the washing machine, but dishwashers are also a great alternative if you’re worried about canvas shoes becoming torn during a spin cycle.

“With your dishwasher, canvas shoes, flip flops, jelly shoes – even wellies – can be placed into the machine for a thorough cleaning. Just remember to remove any shoe liners before washing!”

3. Car parts

Ian advises: “Whether you manually wash your car or take it to the garage for a professional clean, there are often still spots that could do with an extra touch of care, which is where the dishwasher comes in handy.

“Wheel trims can hold onto dirt even post clean so carefully place these into the dishwasher for a deeper clean. Licence plates and cup holders can also be put into the machine, allowing your car to feel sparkly clean. Be careful to avoid putting any aluminium parts in as this could cause damage.”

4. Vegetables

Ian says: “If you’re needing to wash a lot of vegetables before chopping and cooking them, a dishwasher could give you a helping hand. Place the vegetables in the top tray of the dishwasher and stick it on a quick cold rinse – making sure you go soap free.” 

Krysta Jakson

Krysta is an experienced blogger, writing blogs on lifestyle, fashion, beauty and travel. She wonderfully describes the latest trends on these topics, making the articles interesting for all the readers.