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4 Unexpected Items You Can Actually Put in the Dishwasher, According to a Pro

If you’ve ever lived without a dishwasher, then you know how truly life-changing they can be. But while a great dishwasher is a must-have for any busy household, it turns out we all might be majorly underusing our machines.

According to the team at the dishwasher detergent brand Cascade, dishwashers aren’t just for dishes. In fact, more kitchen and household items can go into your dishwasher than you probably realize. 

We recently connected with Mary Colvin, senior scientist for Procter & Gamble, who talked us through some dishwasher life hacks that are sure to change our cleaning game for good. Here's what she says we can add to our next load.

Meet the Expert

Mary Colvin is a senior scientist for Procter & Gamble with over 30 years of sanitation and cleaning experience.

Bright white kitchen with stainless steel dishwasher.

House Sprucing

Tupperware

You may have been warned against washing plastic food containers in the dishwasher—and with good reason. Plenty of these kitchen staples aren’t dishwasher safe.

However, as long as it’s clearly noted on the container, you can absolutely pop them into your next cycle—with one precaution: they need to be loaded onto the top rack of your machine to avoid overheating. 

According to Colvin, this area of your dishwasher isn’t subjected to as much heat as the bottom shelf. That area can cause a whole host of problems for your plastic containers, including warping and melting. 

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The top rack also minimizes exposure to direct water jets, which can lead to water spots and reduce the longevity of the containers, she explains.

Tip

If your plastic containers aren’t dishwasher safe, then placement won’t make a difference. Colvin says it’s key to always check labels and instructions before placing anything you’re unsure of into your dishwasher. 

Big Stainless Steel Pots and Pans

According to a press release from Cascade, many large, stainless-steel pots and pans are totally dishwasher-safe. This is a particular game-changer if you’re trying to scrub out stubborn burn marks.

If you’re worried that running your dishwasher isn’t great for the planet, rest assured. “Running the dishwasher instead of hand washing dishes saves 20 gallons of water per day,” says the brand in its release. 

Baby Items

If you have a little one at home, then you’ve probably already asked yourself how one, tiny person can possibly add so many household chores to the list. Protecting your baby from germs is key, but hand-washing all of their bottles, pacifiers, and toys can be a total time killer.

Luckily, you can pop most of these items into the dishwasher, making it much easier to remove stains, dried foods, and formula residue. 

Dishwasher in Kitchen

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Colvin says that much like Tupperware, the most important thing is to make sure the item is dishwasher safe and to keep any plastic items face down on the top rack. Best of all, baby items can run in a normal load, so there’s absolutely no need to put them on their own wash cycle. 

If you're washing baby items often, consider using a dishwasher basket or caddy designed specifically for baby items, Colvin suggests. These baskets keep small parts organized and prevent them from falling onto the dishwasher's heating element, which can cause damage.

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Sponges

This might just be our new favorite kitchen hack. According to the team at Cascade, yes, you can wash your sponges in your dishwasher. 

There’s truly nothing worse than a stinky sponge, but if you stick your sponge in your machine’s cutlery basket or on the top rack during your next cycle, consider this problem sorted.

The team at Cascade does suggest anchoring your sponges in place with clips or other kitchen utensils and forgoing the heated dryer. Sponges are better off air-dried to avoid needless wear and tear. 

Items That Should Never Go in the Dishwasher

Of course, for every great suggestion on what to stick in your dishwasher, there are plenty of things that still need to be hand-washed, and Colvin gave us a handy list.

  • Cast Iron Cookware: Dishwashers can remove the seasoning from cast iron pans and pots, leading to rust and reduced non-stick properties, says Colvin. 
  • Fine China or Delicate Glassware: Delicate or valuable china, crystal, or glassware may be damaged or chipped by the high-water pressure and heat in the dishwasher.
  • Wooden Cutting Boards: The heat and humidity inside dishwashers can cause wooden kitchen items to warp and crack.
  • Insulated Travel Mugs: Putting insulated travel mugs into the dishwasher may ruin their vacuum seal and ability to retain temperature.
  • Aluminum: Not only is aluminum prone to scratching inside a dishwasher, but it can also develop a dull finish over time.
  • Too many dishes: Colvin's biggest tip is not to overload the dishwasher. Putting too many dishes in the dishwasher can reduce the cycle’s efficiency and reduce the chance of every dish getting clean.