Dishwashers aren’t just for dishes anymore. According to experts, a wide range of kitchen and household items can benefit from a thorough cleaning in your dishwasher. Here are some surprising items that are actually dishwasher-safe:

Tupperware

Contrary to popular belief, many plastic food containers are dishwasher-safe. Look for the dishwasher-safe symbol on the container and place them on the top rack to avoid overheating and potential warping or melting.

Large Stainless Steel Pots and Pans

Many large, stainless-steel pots and pans can handle the heat of a dishwasher cycle. This is especially helpful for removing stubborn burn marks.

Baby Items

Most baby bottles, pacifiers, and toys can be safely cleaned in the dishwasher. Place them on the top rack, face down, to ensure they get properly cleaned and sanitized. Consider using a dishwasher basket or caddy to keep small parts organized and prevent them from falling onto the heating element.

Sponges

Yes, you can wash your sponges in the dishwasher! Place them in the cutlery basket or on the top rack during your next cycle. Anchor them in place with clips or other kitchen utensils to prevent them from moving around. Skip the heated dryer cycle and let your sponges air-dry to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.

Items to Avoid Putting in the Dishwasher

While many items can go in the dishwasher, there are still some that should be hand-washed to prevent damage. These include:

• Cast iron cookware (can lose seasoning and become rusty)
• Fine china or delicate glassware (can chip or break)
• Wooden cutting boards (can warp and crack)
• Insulated travel mugs (can lose vacuum seal and ability to retain temperature)
• Aluminum (can scratch and develop a dull finish)
• Overloading the dishwasher (can reduce cleaning efficiency)

Tips for Optimal Dishwasher Use

• Check labels and instructions: Always verify if an item is dishwasher-safe before placing it in the machine.
• Use the top rack: Plastic items and baby items should be placed on the top rack to minimize exposure to heat and water jets.
• Anchor sponges: Secure sponges in place to prevent them from falling onto the heating element.
• Avoid overloading: Don’t cram too many dishes into the dishwasher, as this can hinder cleaning effectiveness.
• Consider using a dishwasher basket: This can help organize small items and prevent them from getting lost or damaged.
• Skip the heated dryer: Air-drying sponges and other items can extend their lifespan.

Water Conservation with Dishwashers

Running a dishwasher instead of hand-washing dishes can actually save water. According to Cascade, using a dishwasher can save up to 20 gallons of water per day. This is because dishwashers use a more efficient spray system and recycle water during the cycle.

By incorporating these dishwasher life hacks into your cleaning routine, you can save time, effort, and water while keeping your kitchen and household items sparkling clean.

Declutter and Organize Your Home in 10-Minute Chunks

Home organization can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By breaking down large projects into smaller, 10-minute tasks, you can make a significant impact on the organization of your home.

Here are 58 quick and easy home organization projects that you can accomplish in just 10 minutes each:

Kitchen Organization

• Declutter and organize under the sink.
• Inventory and organize toiletries.
• Vacuum your car and throw away any large pieces of trash.
• Install hooks in your garage to hang beach chairs, tools, or bikes.

Bathroom Organization

• Declutter the top drawer of your night table.
• Create a fitness drawer in your dresser for workout gear.
• Gather and store light bulbs, batteries, and stamps in one spot.
• Organize business cards and addresses in your contacts list.
• Go through one file drawer and declutter old papers and credit card statements.

Bedroom Organization

• Purge any shirts with holes from your T-shirt drawer.
• Organize your socks and set aside any single socks.
• Create a spot for incoming mail.
• Label cables behind your entertainment console.
• Delete old shows and movies from streaming platforms.

Living Room Organization

• Declutter and rearrange throw pillows and blankets.
• Organize your remote controls and label them with the corresponding device.
• Face your books in the same direction for a neat and organized look.
• Measure the inside of each closet and store the dimensions for future reference when buying storage accessories.

Office Organization

• Edit your web browser bookmarks.
• Unsubscribe from blogs and emails you no longer read.
• Declutter your email inbox.
• Create a designated place for your keys.
• Gather mail from around the house and divide it into action, recycle, and shred piles.

Other Organization Tips

• Identify a bin or container for “outgoing” items that need to leave the house.
• Take an inventory of paper products to see if you need to restock.
• Pull five items out of your closet that you haven’t worn in two years and donate them if you don’t need them.
• Create a checklist for everything you need for your next vacation.
• Find and store all of your reusable grocery bags in one spot.
• Shred or recycle any mail or paper clutter sitting around.

By implementing these quick and easy home organization projects, you can make a significant difference in the organization of your living spaces in just a short amount of time. Remember, 10 minutes is more than enough to start making a positive impact on your home organization journey.