The dishwasher is often seen as a simple kitchen helper — load it, press start, and let it take care of the mess. But this everyday appliance is far more powerful and versatile than most people realize. With a bit of imagination, your dishwasher can take on cleaning tasks throughout your entire home, saving you both time and effort.

From sanitizing toys to giving new life to garden tools, here are ten unexpected but surprisingly effective ways to put your dishwasher to work.

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1. Give Toys a Germ-Free Clean

Children’s toys attract dirt and bacteria quickly. Luckily, many hard plastic or rubber toys can safely go on the top rack of your dishwasher. Remember to remove batteries or electronics first, and place small pieces in a mesh bag to keep them from slipping through. Use a mild, kid-safe detergent and a gentle cycle for a thorough, residue-free clean.

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2. Wash Dusty Vent Covers

Air vents accumulate dust fast, affecting airflow and indoor air quality. Remove the covers and place them on the top rack. Run a normal cycle with a mild detergent. Avoid high heat if the covers are plastic. This method replaces the tedious job of hand-scrubbing and leaves your vents looking spotless.

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3. Sanitize Your Flip-Flops

Flip-flops pick up grime, odors, and bacteria. To refresh them, set them on the top rack and run a regular cycle with a little dish soap. Skip the heated dry to prevent warping — just let them air dry afterward. You’ll end up with cleaner, fresher footwear in minutes.

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4. Steam Vegetables While You Clean

Yes, it sounds bizarre — but it works. Wrap veggies like asparagus, carrots, or broccoli tightly in aluminum foil. Place the packets on the top rack, run a hot cycle with no detergent, and let the steam cook them. It’s an unconventional but fun way to multitask in the kitchen.

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5. Clean Baseball Caps Without Ruining Their Shape

Washing caps in a machine can distort their shape. A dishwasher offers a gentler alternative. Put the cap on the top rack (use a hat frame if you have one), choose a gentle cold-water cycle, and avoid the heated dry. Air-dry afterward to keep it looking crisp and structured.

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6. Wash Makeup Brushes Hands-Free

Makeup brushes hold oils, pigment, and bacteria. Lay them flat on the top rack, spaced apart. Use a mild cycle and gentle detergent, avoiding high heat to protect the bristles. Once clean, reshape and air dry. It’s a time-saving trick for keeping your beauty tools sanitary.

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7. Clean Small Garden Tools

Hand tools like pruners or trowels often end up coated in dirt and rust. Place them in the dishwasher and run a normal cycle without high heat. Afterward, dry them thoroughly with a towel to prevent rust. This method keeps your garden tools well-maintained with minimal effort.

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8. Sterilize Pet Items

Bowls, plastic toys, and grooming tools used by pets can harbor bacteria. Many of these items can safely go into the dishwasher. Place them on the top rack and wash on a hot cycle using a pet-safe detergent. Avoid heated drying for plastic items. Regular washing helps keep your pet’s environment cleaner and healthier.

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9. Deodorize Stinky Sponges

Kitchen sponges quickly become smelly and full of germs. To revive them, place them on the top rack and choose a high-temperature cycle with a little detergent. The heat and water pressure sanitize the sponge and eliminate odors, helping it last longer.

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10. Clean Refrigerator Shelves

Fridge shelves can get sticky from spills. Remove them and load them into your dishwasher if they fit securely. Use a gentle or normal cycle with mild detergent and skip the high heat for plastic or tempered glass. It’s much faster and more effective than scrubbing by hand.

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11. Restore Candle Holders

Candle wax and soot can make holders look dull. Put them on the top rack and run a warm cycle with standard detergent. The dishwasher melts away wax and lifts soot, saving you from scraping and soaking.