I’m not a germaphobe, but I do like to occasionally remove germs and grime from things. I think it’s about time I give a good washing to some of those items I don’t typically include in my cleaning routine. I love hacks and shortcuts for cleaning stuff. Who doesn’t? So I’m all for making something else do the work for me. To make life easy on me and you, here are things that you can wash in the dishwasher. And I’m not talkin’ plates and forks, people. I’m talkin’ seven surprising things you can wash in the dishwasher.

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7 Surprising Things You Can Wash in the Dishwasher

Disclaimer: These are things that you can wash in the dishwasher. At least things I have been able to. If you’re unsure if your item is dishwasher safe, then do a little research before putting it through a cycle.

1. Toothbrushes

My first tip for things you can wash in the dishwasher is a hack I’ve used for a long time. Growing up, my mom used to occasionally stick our toothbrushes in the dishwasher to clean them. Now that I’ve got a toddler, I definitely use it every so often. Like when I find my little guy brushing the mirror with my toothbrush. Yep, definitely after that. Even if you don’t have a little human doing who-knows-what with your toothbrush, it’s probably a good idea to run your toothbrush through a dishwasher cycle every now and then to give it a good cleaning. Just stick your toothbrush in with the utensils, brush side up, and run your dishwasher like usual.

2. Kids Toys

Okay full disclosure: I don’t wash my kids toys very often at all. Because who’s got time for that? I don’t even like picking them up at the end of the day. But every now and then, like for spring cleaning, I can make an exception. Especially when all I’ve got to do is stick them in the dishwasher. Obviously all of your toys won’t be dishwasher safe. (Like please don’t put in toys that are battery operated, wooden, or plush. Stick to plastic toys that logically wouldn’t be damaged by water.) I recommend putting the little toys in the utensil compartment, medium-sized toys on the upper rack, and big toys on the lower rack of your dishwasher. If you can do a gentle cycle then choose that. And most importantly: NO heated dry. I’ve heard that can melt your toys.

3. Sponges

Clean sponges ain’t no thang. Unless they’re brand new. Or unless you’ve ran them through a cycle in the dishwasher. Yep, I’m talking about those kitchen sponges that we all love. My super smart sister told me that kitchen sponges are one of the most germ-filled things in your home. Makes sense because they’re always moist and cleaning other gross things. So pop that thing in the dishwasher and let it relive its clean glory days.

4. Keys

This! Take off any fob keys and keyless entry car remotes before tossing your keys in with a regular dishwasher cycle. You can stick them in the utensil compartment. If you’d rather slip the key ring around one of the plastic spikes on the top rack you can do that, just make sure your keys aren’t going to fall through and get caught in the spinner thing. (Clearly I’m not an expert in dishwasher lingo. But y’all know what I’m talking about.) And be sure to dry them off afterward so the metal doesn’t rust.

5. Fingernail Clippers

Maybe it’s just me, but I think fingernail clippers are gross. Because fingernail clippings are gross. But your fingernail clippers don’t have to be gross if you toss them in the dishwasher. Just pop them in the utensil compartment and, like with the keys, make sure you dry them afterward.

6. Hair Brushes (and Combs)

Until recently I didn’t know this was possible. But, yes. You can put your plastic hair brush in the dishwasher. You’ll want to make sure all the hair is out of it first, but then stick your hair brush in the top rack and give that puppy a good cleaning. Hair brush, thanks for always helping me out… now it’s time to treat yo’ self.

7. Tools

Our last tip for things you can wash in the dishwasher is tools! Needle nose pliers are basically mini tongs. And putty knife has “knife” in its name. So yeah, basically tools are kitchen utensil wannabes. There are a bunch of common tools that can be run through a cycle in the dishwasher. Just dry them off nicely afterward.

Well, that about wraps up my list of seven surprising things you can wash in the dishwasher. Do you know of any other awesome dishwasher hacks? I’d love to know your cleaning tricks!

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