Unusual Dishwasher Cleaning Tips From Your Local Plumber | Bedford, TX

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Most homes have a dishwasher that they use on a daily basis to do the dishes. But did you know that three are other, less well known uses for a dishwasher? Dishwashers clean and steam items at a high temperature to ensure that they are properly clean and get rid of bacteria. Many household items can be cleaned using the dishwasher, such as toys and garden tools. A plumber can help you find out exactly what your dishwasher can do.

If you live in Bedford, TX, and are looking for a plumber for dishwasher installation or repair, don’t hesitate to contact Tioga Plumbing & Electric. The company is available for all types of plumbing jobs and can also provide an emergency plumber 24/7.

Most families underutilize their dishwasher as it can be used to wash many household items. This article will discuss some of the ways you can use your dishwasher and give you some cleaning hacks, making your life easier. Read on to find out how to use your dishwasher to its full potential!

Things you didn’t know your dishwasher could clean

Before washing household items in your dishwasher, a plumber would suggest you should empty your dishwasher. Don’t put household items in your dishwasher with your dishes. You should also rinse your household items before putting them in the dishwasher to eliminate any dirt. This is particularly important when washing boots or gardening items as you don’t want your dishwasher’s filter to get clogged up with mud.

You’ll also need to use your discretion when deciding whether to add detergent to your dishwasher cycle. It will depend on the item you’re washing whether or not you need detergent. In some cases, you may decide to run the washing machine without detergent to rinse household items.

Toys

Many people put soft toys in their washing machine, but did you know that you can wash plastic toys in the dishwasher? Plastic toys can be easily stacked in a dishwasher and washed with detergent. This will help give them a really good clean and is quicker than washing them by hand. It’s best to avoid putting dolls or soft toys in the dishwasher, and battery-powered toys shouldn’t be washed.

Baseball caps and summer hats

During the summer months, it’s likely that your family’s hats and caps will become sweaty and greasy, especially if the weather has been scorching. Many people put their hats in the washing machines, but this can cause damage to caps as it’s likely to bend them out of shape.

Rather than using the washing machine, you could try putting your hats in the dishwasher. You can use detergent and will probably be amazed by how clean they end up.

Rain boots

It may seem a bit gross to put your boots in the dishwasher, but rubber rain boots that have been rinsed first can be washed in this way. You can rinse off any mud, add some baking soda, and put your whole family’s rain boots in the washing machine. They will come out looking amazingly shiny and squeaky clean after just one wash.

Garden tools

If you’re throwing your rain boots in the dishwasher, why not wash your garden tools at the same time. You can clean garden tools that are made from plastic, metal, or ceramic, and ones that have rubber handles. Wash the mud off your garden tools first so that you don’t block the filter and give your tools a much-needed bath at the end of the gardening season.

Flip-flops

Flip flops are similar to sun hats in that they can become smelly and sweaty after being worn for the whole summer. Flip flops can be hooked onto a dishwasher rack and washed using a little detergent to get them smelling fresh again.

Fan blades and covers

Household items such as plastic fan blades or covers can be put into the dishwasher for easy cleaning. Fans can be very difficult to dust or clean, so sticking them in the dishwasher is a great solution. Just one cycle is enough to have your fan looking spotless.

Kitchen sponges

After using sponges to wash your dishes or for household cleaning jobs, the sponge may be dirty. Give it a clean by putting it in the dishwasher. Sponges can be washed on the top rack of your dishwasher.

Hubcaps

Another thing that can be cleaned to a gleaming shine in the dishwasher is hubcaps. It takes a lot of work to scrub a hubcap by hand. Placing your hubcaps in the bottom rack of your dishwasher is an excellent idea as it will easily clean the dirt and grime from them. Make sure you use some detergent to cut through all the grease. Your dishwasher will give your hubcaps a very thorough wash.

Toothbrushes

We all use a toothbrush daily to keep our teeth and mouths fresh, but most people never think of washing their toothbrush. You can wash your toothbrush by putting it in the silverware basket in your dishwasher. Toothbrushes can be washed using a hot cycle without any detergent. This will help to kill any bacteria that’s lingering on your toothbrush.

Microwave plate

If you’re like most families, you probably use your microwave quite a lot. If your microwave plate is looking dirty or greasy, you can wash it along with your dishes by putting it in the plate rack at the bottom of your dishwasher.

Refrigerator shelves and vegetable boxes

Other kitchen items, such as refrigerator shelves, can be easily washed in your dishwasher. This will make cleaning easier and reduce the amount of scrubbing you need to do when cleaning your kitchen.

Need a Plumber in Bedford, TX?

If you’re in the area and need a reliable plumber for dishwasher installation or repair, Tioga Plumbing & Electric is just a call away. Reach us at 469-789-1292. We handle everything from leak detection and drain cleaning to emergency plumbing services.

Interested in learning more about your home’s plumbing and electrical systems? Check out some of our other helpful resources:

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