Saving time, saving money and finding new uses for what we already have around the house makes us happy. Who can argue with a simple shortcut to help keep a home clean and sanitized? These days, everyone seems to be doing double duty and the home dishwasher can, too.
Because the water in a dishwasher is usually above 130 degrees, items get sanitized. This makes for simpler cleaning and creates peace of mind. At The Maids, we especially like these ideas:- Teethers, pacifiers and some small toys for infants and toddlers can be washed and sterilized in the dishwasher. Simply place the items securely on the top rack, turn off “heat dry,” and run the dish load as usual.
- To get a baseball cap clean, put it in the dishwasher on the top rack. While still wet, stretch it and reshape the bill or brim, and put it over a pan or bowl to air dry.
- Dried soap and shampoo on shower caddies and soap dishes disappear after running them through the dishwasher.
- Disinfect and clean toothbrushes and toothbrush holders in the dishwasher, especially after battling illness.
- Tuck and secure kitchen sponges on the top rack during every load. The heat of the water will help kill the mold, bacteria and germs.
- When doing top-to-bottom cleaning, put glass light fixtures in the dishwasher to get rid of the dust and bugs instead of washing by hand.
- Add the Downy™ Ball or similar product, or the washing machine’s detachable fabric softener or bleach dispenser, to the dishwasher load to help easily remove scum and grime.
Just make sure items are dishwasher safe and secure on the racks away from the heat source.
What else can a dishwasher do? We’d love to hear other tricks.
