You probably think of your dishwasher as just the place to clean plates and glasses, but it can actually handle a lot more than that. Using your dishwasher for everyday objects can save you time and effort, making your cleaning routine a bit easier.

The truth is, there are many common items around your home that you can safely clean in the dishwasher without much hassle. Knowing which items can go in there means you can keep more things fresh and clean with less work on your part.

Glass paperweights

You can clean glass paperweights in the dishwasher without worry. Just place them on the top rack to avoid any damage from high heat or pressure.

This method saves time and keeps your paperweights looking clear and shiny. It’s a simple way to freshen them up when they get dusty or smudged.

For more tips, see glass paperweights in the dishwasher.

Plastic pencil cups

You might not think about cleaning your plastic pencil cups in the dishwasher, but it works well. Just place them on the top rack to avoid warping.

The dishwasher gets rid of dust and tiny debris that hand washing might miss. It’s an easy way to freshen up your desk stuff without extra effort.

For best results, skip the high-heat drying cycle. This keeps the plastic safe and in good shape longer. More tips at Thespruce.com.

Ceramic food bowls

You can easily clean your ceramic food bowls in the dishwasher. Just make sure they’re dishwasher-safe by checking the label or manufacturer’s instructions.

Place them securely to avoid chipping or cracking during the wash cycle.

Dishwashing saves time and keeps your bowls hygienic without much effort. For more on dishwasher-safe items, see this list of surprising things you can clean in your dishwasher.

Metal food bowls

You can clean metal food bowls in the dishwasher without much hassle. Just make sure they are dishwasher-safe stainless steel to avoid damage.

Place them on the bottom rack to get a thorough wash. Avoid putting bowls with any wooden parts or coatings in the dishwasher. For more tips, check out items you can clean in the dishwasher.

Woven dog collars

You can clean woven dog collars in the dishwasher, but it’s best to place them on the top rack. This keeps them safe from high heat and harsh water pressure.

Use a gentle cycle without detergent for the best results. It’s a quick way to freshen up collars without scrubbing by hand.

For stubborn dirt, soaking in soapy water first helps before the dishwasher run. Learn more about washing collars this way here.

Synthetic leashes

You can safely toss synthetic leashes in the dishwasher. The heat and water pressure will help remove dirt and grime without damaging the material.

Just make sure to place them on the top rack to avoid any potential melting or warping. This method saves time compared to hand washing.

Using a dishwasher is a great way to keep your leash fresh without extra effort. For more details, see this guide on cleaning collars and leashes in the dishwasher.

Toothbrush holders

You can easily clean your toothbrush holders in the dishwasher. Just place them on the top rack to avoid heat damage.

Running them through a cycle helps remove soap scum and bacteria buildup. It’s a simple way to keep these everyday items fresh without much effort.

For more details, check this guide on cleaning toothbrush holders.

Kitchen sponges

You can clean your kitchen sponges in the dishwasher to help reduce bacteria. Just place them on the top rack and run a hot cycle. While it won’t replace regular sponge changes every few weeks, it can help extend their life a bit.

Spraying sponges with bleach water before washing can also freshen them up. Learn more about cleaning sponges in your dishwasher here.

Vases

You can easily clean most sturdy glass or ceramic vases in your dishwasher. Just make sure there’s no delicate paint or finishing that might get damaged.

Place them securely to avoid movement, and skip the drying cycle if the vase is fragile. This trick helps remove dirt and buildup without much effort. For more tips, check this guide on cleaning vases in the dishwasher.

Light fixtures

You can clean glass globes and shades from your light fixtures in the dishwasher. It saves time compared to washing them by hand. Just make sure they’re dishwasher-safe and remove any bulbs or metal parts first.

This method helps get rid of dust and grime without much effort. For more tips, check out this list of surprising things you can clean in your dishwasher.

Soap dishes

You might not think about cleaning your soap dish regularly, but it can collect soap scum and bacteria. Tossing it in the dishwasher is an easy way to get it clean without scrubbing.

Just place it on the top rack to avoid damage. This way, your soap dish stays fresh with minimal effort. For more on things you can clean this way, check out this list of items you can clean in the dishwasher.

Vacuum attachments

You can easily clean your vacuum attachments in the dishwasher. Just make sure they are made of plastic or metal and don’t have any electronics. Place them on the top rack for a gentle wash.

This method helps remove dust and grime without much effort. It’s a quick way to refresh parts you often overlook. For tips on cleaning vacuum attachments, check this guide on cleaning vacuum attachments.

Plastic hairbrushes

You can clean your plastic hairbrushes in the dishwasher. Just make sure to remove all hair from the bristles first.

Place the brush in the utensil holder or on the top rack. Avoid using the heated dry setting to protect the plastic.

This method works well to remove oil and dirt buildup without much effort. For more tips, check out this guide on cleaning hairbrushes in the dishwasher.

Dust pans

You can clean your dust pans in the dishwasher to get rid of dirt and debris. Just place them on the top rack to avoid any warping or damage.

It’s an easy way to freshen them up without much effort. Check if your dust pan is dishwasher safe before tossing it in. For more tips on cleaning household items, see this guide on things you can clean in your dishwasher.

Potato mashers

Your potato masher can usually go right in the dishwasher. Most models, especially stainless steel ones, are easy to clean this way.

Just make sure to rinse off any stuck-on food first, or clean it soon after use so residue doesn’t dry. Using the dishwasher saves you time and hassle.

If you want a reliable option, heavy-duty mashers with ergonomic handles work well and clean easily too. Check this potato masher on Amazon for an example.