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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Original poster

Using the dishwasher for cleaning other things???

53 replies

Cutiecat · 14/05/2011 10:55

a friend recently told me she often did a load in the dishwasher of things like; the plastic step from in the bathroom, plastic toys and crocs. She then runs the machine empty hot with bleach. What do you think? Does anyone else do this?

OP posts:
ChippingIn · 15/05/2011 08:48

No - nothing that's not 'dishes/cooking' related - frankly it's just grim.

All of those germs from those other things clinging to the walls/racks/filters - just waiting to go on your dishes next time Envy

nannyl · 15/05/2011 09:01

i put in anything water proof

have done loads of bath toys / mega blocks / crocs / well rinsed sandpit / garden toys / dolls tea sets / babies bibs.... anything plastic

also put washing up brush in weekly.

dont think id consider loo brushes or potties but anything else plasticy fine.

(and pretty much anything and everything made of material goes in the washing machine, toys / teddys / dolls clothes / picnic rugs etc etc)

Honeydragon · 15/05/2011 09:05

Hiking boots

and

foot ball boots

(as well as all the above excepting skulls.)

DilysPrice · 15/05/2011 09:06

I see these suggestions quite often, and always think "oh that's brilliant, must try that" and always forget until the next time I see a similar thread. But will try the compost caddy, I hate cleaning that (even though I use the bags).

Honeydragon · 15/05/2011 09:07

Chipping In - I do a deep clean in mine once a week as I worry more about rogues bits of rice and stuff killing us all Wink

memphis83 · 15/05/2011 09:12

mars bar vodka mmmmmm!!!! works a treat!

Honeydragon · 15/05/2011 09:27

memphis does that not make your dishwasher fall over giggling?

DonaAna · 15/05/2011 09:57

Dishwasher Mars bar flavored vodka recipe here (there are loads of other, weirder flavors too. Just google dishwasher + vodka). Don't blame me if you get diabetes Grin

Honeydragon · 15/05/2011 10:06

Good lord that's genuis Grin

VivaLeBeaver · 15/05/2011 10:17

Kids' lunch bags.

smartyparts · 15/05/2011 10:23

I put the washing machine drawer in

and, on the top rack - sunglasses

Bunbaker · 15/05/2011 13:59

Wow. Some great ideas on here. Just bumping to get some more.

TheOriginalFAB · 15/05/2011 14:01

I put other things in too but think bleach is a really bad idea.

follyfoot · 15/05/2011 14:03

I put most of the above in too, though I find a cool wool cycle on the washing machine more effective for seagull skulls.

sprinkles77 · 15/05/2011 14:18

baby's rubber bibs, bottles, toys, stirrups spurs and bits + curb chain, plastic / rubber curry combs and mane combs (having removed hairs first), racks off the BBQ, tooth and nail brushes, plastic combs, tint brush for dyeing hair, base ball cap (top rack), washing up brush, rubber flip flops, cat bowl, flower pots. Use washing machine for baby's non slip bath mat when he's pooed in the bath.

sprinkles77 · 15/05/2011 14:19

oh and the rubber foot treads from the stirrups, take them out first though.

bunjies · 15/05/2011 15:02

OMG I am so making that dishwasher chocolate vodka, genius.

Oh I use the dishwasher to sterilise my mooncup (after it's been washed by hand). Used to use it for sterilising baby bottles, dishes etc. Also for the steel dish drainer, compost caddy, steel utensil holder. Never thought to use it for toilet brush but will now.

Foxinthewoods · 15/05/2011 15:10

I can't imagine why anyone would put loo brushes in! I don't use them now anyway, disgusting things, but have done in the past and used to soak them in bleach to clean them. I put in things like toothbrush mugs, a nice sort of old fashionedy tin bowl thing which holds the shampoo, sh gel etc, washing up bowl occasionally, used to do the pet dishes when I had them. Nope, can't beat the seagulls head.

Perhaps there is a market for a utility room washer, which isn't designed to wash dishes but for other items.

Whilst we are on the subject of dishwashers, please could someone remind me of the tips for cleaning them - I recall a very long thread on here, and something to do with sticking pins into the holes of the washer arms.

Foxinthewoods · 15/05/2011 15:11

Silly question, but do dishwashers clean to sterlising standards then, bunjies?

Flisspaps · 15/05/2011 15:24

Foxinthewoods Yes - on a hot wash. You can sterilise baby bottles, jars for home made preserves etc.

After reading this thread, I've put the high chair bars in (chicco quickseat) so if they're fucked, I'm blaming you lot.

MoreBeta · 15/05/2011 15:27

A dishwasher operating at 65 degrees or higher on a long wash will sterilise.

Original poster
Cutiecat · 15/05/2011 18:04

I used to put the harness from the high chair in the washing machine, always came out like new. I have also put most of the car seat and push chair (including hood) in washing machine. I am going to do a untility load in the dishwasher tonight. I still don't think it is a good idea to put loo brushes in.

OP posts:
ChippingIn · 15/05/2011 18:12

Grim Grim Grim....

Loo brushes, horse brushes, mooncups, potties, shoes....

In your dish washer - sorry, but it's just revolting. It.Is.A.Dish.Washer!

Ragwort · 15/05/2011 18:17

Does anyone else read these sorts of threads and then feel terribly guilty as they never really think about washing nail brushes, washing-up brushes etc ............. rushes off to fill dishwasher Grin.

ChippingIn · 15/05/2011 18:22

No Ragwort - I wash them, just not in the dish washer :)