Did you know that dishwashers are great at cleaning more than just dirty cookware and utensils? Here are seven things you can clean in your dishwasher.

1. Plastic toys. Germs can hang around on children’s toys for months. Place them in a mesh bag on the top shelf of your dishwasher and let the normal cycle run its course.
2. Flip-flops. These can become quite dirty, especially during the summer season when they are worn the most. Hook them onto the top rack so they’ll stay put during high-pressure water cycles.
3. In addition to holding dead hair, a brush can also house up to 3,000 bacteria colonies. Remove the stray hairs before cleaning then place in the silverware tray. The dishwasher can only wash plastic brushes or combs; never put wooden or boar-bristle brushes or combs in as they will be destroyed.
4. Sure, this is an odd method of washing what will be your dinner. However, the dishwasher is great to use when you’re hosting or bringing food to a party. It cuts prep time in half! Place potatoes on the top rack and use the rinse-only cycle.
5. Rain boots. Stormy weather can make our rain boots quite messy. Take out the liners and then place the boots down horizontally for a good rinse.
6. Fridge shelves. It’s easy for a fridge to become messy – meat juice can leak, food can spill and/or spoil and leave a residue, etc. Rather than taking out all of the food and scrubbing each shelf by hand, place the shelves in your dishwasher.
7. Pen/pencil holders. When you’re cleaning your office or workspace at home, it’s easy to forget the small stuff, such as your pen or pencil holder. As long as they’re metal or plastic, they can be washed in the dishwasher.