Clean what in your dishwasher?

Josephine Cochrane, a proper 19th Century Shelbyville, Illinois socialite and inventor of the automatic dishwasher, would be deeply disappointed if she knew what people are washing in today’s dishwashers.

Originally invented to wash Josephine’s fine china after large dinner parties at her estate (Josephine didn’t care for the way her servants did the dishes), today’s dishwasher is used in ways that Josephine would not dare consider.

While most homeowners use their dishwasher to clean dishes, cutlery, pots and pans, some are pushing the envelope and asking far more of their dishwashers.

Turn your dishwasher into a household cleaning machine!

Car hubcaps and wheel covers

Hubcaps and wheel covers come squeaky clean when washed in the dishwasher. Use the pots and pans wash cycle for a deep cleaning.

Baseball hats

Place the hat on the top rack (this will help retain its shape). Use the normal wash cycle to clean the surface of the hat.

Keyboards

Pop off the keys and put them in the utensil container. Wrap the USB connector end in plastic to keep it dry. Lay the keyboard face down on the top rack. Use the normal wash cycle and let the keyboard dry before putting the keys back on. The keyboard will be squeaky clean and germ free.

Child/pet toys

Any toy made of hard plastic and not battery operated is dishwasher safe. Use the normal wash cycle to rid the toys of dirt and germs.

Plastic flip flops, rubber boots, and even Crocs

All types of plastic and rubber footwear is dishwasher safe and can be cleaned using the pots and pans wash cycle. Adding baking soda to the detergent dispenser will boost the cleaning power of your dishwasher.

Sporting equipment

Hockey pads, kneepads and shin guards can be cleaned and sterilized in the dishwasher. Use the normal wash cycle but do not use detergent or the dry cycle.

Plastic, metal and glass wall shelving, refrigerator shelving and storage bins

All are dishwasher safe and can be cleaned using the normal wash cycle.

Hand tools and garden tools

Providing that there is no rust or too much dirt buildup on the tools, they can be washed using the normal wash cycle. Prevent surface rust buildup by drying the tools when the wash cycle is complete.

Broom head and dustpan

All plastic types are dishwasher safe and will be revived after being washed on the normal cycle.

Household fans

Remove the faceplate/grill from the fan and lay it on the bottom shelf. Use the normal wash cycle. Dry off the faceplate/grill when the cycle is complete and the fan will be clean and dust free.

Despite Josephine’s original intentions for her wonderful invention, you have to agree that dishwashers are far more versatile than anyone imagined. If it is plastic, metal or non-porous you can clean it in your dishwasher!

Happy Dishwashing!

Load your dishwasher with these items and it becomes a household cleaning machine.

Josephine Cochrane invented the automatic dishwasher in 1886.

A drawing of Josephine's invention.