7 unexpected things you can clean in the dishwasher to easily refresh the hardest-working micro-elements of your home

Dishwashers can be truly game-changing in the kitchen, saving you time, effort and even water. But it's not just crockery and cups that be spotlessly cleaned with a single pass.

There are seven unexpected items experts say can be washed in this appliance, so give it a go to make the most of your space loading your dishwasher.

1. Silicone baking supplies

Any silicone items in your kitchen, from oven mitts to muffin trays, are the perfect candidate for washing in your dishwasher as they are usually made out of hardy, heat-resistant materials.

As Karina Toner, professional cleaner and operations manager at Spekless, says, 'Made from heat-resistant, non-porous silicone, these kitchen essentials can handle the high temperatures and water pressure of a dishwasher without damage.'

Karina recommends loading your dishwasher with the silicone items in the highest rack for the best clean, as well as keeping them as far away as possible from the machine's heating element. 'Place any silicone items on the top rack to avoid prolonged exposure to the heating element, which could cause warping.'

The Amazon Basics pack of three silicone mats is a great example of a silicone item that's versatile as well as dishwasher safe.

2. Refrigerator shelves and bins

The shelves and drawers in a fridge can become messy fast, whether they accumulate sauce stains, crumbs or general grime. So it's super convenient that the vast majority of them are made out of a durable plastic material that is suitable for dishwashing.

Muffetta Krueger, professional cleaner and founder of Muffetta's Housekeeping, says, 'While dishwashers are designed for kitchenware, many other kitchen-related items can benefit from a deep clean in the dishwasher. Refrigerator shelves and drawers are something this is particularly useful for, as a pass through the machine will not only help to clean up spills but also prevent bacteria buildup around your food items.'

It's recommended to regularly clean your fridge's shelving and drawer space using a microfiber cloth and an antibacterial spray safe for kitchen use, but a monthly deep clean in the dishwasher won't go amiss to combat fridge odors. The Lysol Kitchen Pro Cleaner Spray combined with their MR.SIGA Microfiber Cloths, both available at Walmart, will do the trick for a weekly wipe down.

3. Microwave turntables

Microwave turntables are another great candidate for dishwashing as they are often neglected in a kitchen's deep clean. They're typically made out of durable glass and by their nature, need to be heat resistant.

Reuven Noiman, owner of On Time Steam Cleaning, says, 'Glass microwave turntables are typically dishwasher safe and fit easily into the bottom rack with plates.'

I can't recall ever deep cleaning the turntable in my microwave, instead opting to do the best I can to scrub it by hand and give it a good wipe down, but using a dishwasher would definitely be more effective at cutting down on accumulated grease.

Make sure to stock up on some dishwasher salt and detergent like the Lemi Shine Dish Detergent and Finish Dishwasher Salt both from Walmart, both from Walmart, to ensure glass items don't come out looking cloudy and water stained.

4. Plastic and metal vent covers

Cleaning vents can be tricky as they contain lots of little nooks prone to capturing dust, mold and mildew. But Karina Toner of Spekless taught me that a simple pass through the dishwasher can help to solve these issues promptly.

'These covers are typically made from durable plastic or metal that can withstand water exposure,' says Karina. 'The dishwasher removes dust, dirt, and allergens that accumulate over time, improving air quality.'

It's recommended to do your best to clean your vents as much as possible before placing them in the dishwasher as passing a mold-infested vent through the same machine that washes your dishes isn't hygienic.

Instead, soak your vent covers in a solution of warm water and soap, then spot clean them to the best of your ability using a spray such as the Clorox Plus Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover Spray from Target. Finally, after your cycle has completed, place half a lemon in the dishwasher with the next load to help naturally sterilize the machine without the use of harsh chemicals.

5. Soap dishes

Despite soap being a cleaning product, it can still leave behind messy, slippery residue that can look unsightly in our bathroom and on our soap dishes. But a pass through your dishwasher may be able to banish it with ease, if it's made out of a compatible material.

'Plastic and ceramic soap dishes can be placed in the dishwasher for a thorough clean,' says Reuven.

It's best to place soap dishes in the top rack of your dishwasher as they tend to be on the small side and will sit better in the top basket.

6. Pet bowls

Similar to soap dishes, pet bowls made from many materials including stainless steel, ceramic or durable plastics are dishwasher-safe, and will benefit from the thorough cleaning job the best dishwashers offer.

'A dishwasher can thoroughly sanitize pet bowls without the use of harsh chemicals,' says Muffetta. 'Though if the bowls are delicate or contain glued-on decorative elements, it isn't the best idea.'

To wash your pet bowls, it's recommended to run them in their own cycle and to sanitize your dishwasher after use. 'Wash your pet's bowls separately from human dishes and use a hot water cycle for thorough cleaning,' says Karina.

'These stainless steel pet bowls from Amazon are simple, easy to clean and dishwasher-safe.'

7. Some vacuum attachments

Ever wondered how to clean a vacuum's attachments to remove the dust for good? Look no further than your dishwasher's top rack.

'Crevice tools and dusting brushes from your vacuum cleaner's attachment set can go in the top rack of your dishwasher for a thorough clean,' says Muffetta.

Doing this won't only remove bacteria and dust from your brushes, but also make the attachments more effective at cleaning your home in the future. A clean attachment won't be spreading old dirt around your home or clogging up while in use.

Likewise to pet items and vent covers, it's best to wash these items separately from kitchenware. This helps to prevent germs and dishwasher smells from cross-contaminating.

Meet the experts

Karina Toner

Karina has been a professional cleaner and operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, one of the top-rated cleaning companies in D.C, for over six years. With a strong commitment to quality, Spekless proudly serves over 10,000 customers each year across Washington, D.C., Virginia, and parts of Maryland, setting the standard for excellence in the cleaning industry.

Muffetta Krueger

Muffetta Krueger is the founder of Thorough Cleaning and Concierge (still thriving under new ownership) and the Muffetta Brand, which encompasses both a line of natural cleaning products and a renowned housekeeping service (Muffetta’s Housekeeping). She has been working in the domestic service business for over 15 years.

Reuven Noiman

Reuven Noiman is the proud owner of On Time Steam Cleaning, which has been operating for 23 years and helps around 8,000 per year with their cleaning needs. With a diverse background spanning various industries, Reuven has cultivated a unique blend of skills and expertise that he believes has been instrumental in shaping his success in premier cleaning services.

If you're wondering why your dishes still exit the dishwasher dirty, it might be because the filter is clogged up. Learning how to clean a dishwasher filter isn't a glamorous task but it's essential and truly will make all the difference to the cleanliness of your items.