For my kitchen, I like tools that are multi-use, such as my Electric Milk Frother. Appliances can be multi-purpose as well, my stove for example can boil, bake, roast, and can be used as a dehydrator. Recently I have been seeing posts about all the things dishwashers can do, beside clean dishes. So I thought I would search the web, talk with friends, and find out what folks do with their dishwasher. So, lets start with who invented the dishwasher, and how we use this multi-tool, kitchen appliance.
One serious caution, do not put anything in your dishwasher that it was not made to clean as you can break things or destroy your dishwasher. Read the manufacturer’s recommendations and follow that for the best results.
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The History of Dishwashers
History
Historically, ThoughtCo writes: In 1850, Joel Houghton patented a wooden machine with a hand-turned wheel that splashed water on dishes. Then, in the 1860s, L. A. Alexander improved the device with a geared mechanism that allowed the user to spin racked dishes through a tub of water. Neither of these devices was particularly effective.But then came a woman to create something that actually worked.
Spectrum reports that the modern-day concept of a real, working dishwasher was first conceived by Josephine Cochran (1839 – 1913). She grew up in a midwestern family of people who appear practical, and inventive. (One of Cochran’s grandfathers was John Fitch, an inventor awarded a steamboat patent.) She went to a private school in Indiana, and eventually married a wealthy man.
As a member of the upper class, she had a socialite lifestyle that included planning, prepping, and cleaning up after formal dinner parties and social teas (1). For the time, it was expected that her party guests would be served on her finest china. But that china was often very thin and fragile, and kept getting broke when the kitchen staff stacked and washed them (2). So she decided to wash the dishes herself, thinking she would take more care; but quickly found out that she too was breaking the china. So bottom line, she was damn tired of doing the dishes and breaking her fine china.
As there was no functioning dishwasher at that time, Wikipedia writes that she is claimed to have said “If nobody else is going to invent a dish washing machine, I’ll do it myself!” So she invented a way to wash and rinse dishes, and to separate the dishes by sizes and form, to make the washing efficient and less prone to breakage (3). She was granted a U.S. patent in 1886 for the Cochran Dishwasher, and in 1926 her company, Garis-Cochran Manufacturing, was acquired by KitchenAid, which then became a part of Whirlpool.
Who Has Them
The government reports that of the 80M households in the USA that have a dishwasher, 16 million (almost 20%) of these households did not actually use their dishwasher in 2015. This resulted in some analysts calling the dishwasher the least used, household appliance. (My spouse disagrees as we use it every other day.)
Looking at the ownership of dishwashers worldwide, the numbers seem to back up the idea that it is also the least important piece of kitchen equipment (see charts above and below).
| Characteristic | Cooker/oven | Dishwashing machine | Freezer (stand-alone) | Microwave | Refrigerator | Vacuum cleaner | Washing machine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | 93% | 12% | 35% | 68% | 87% | 46% | 85% |
| Brazil | 94% | 21% | 36% | 80% | 98% | 56% | 85% |
| Canada | 84% | 64% | 53% | 91% | 90% | 84% | 80% |
| China (Mainland) | 43% | 21% | 28% | 64% | 86% | 30% | 87% |
| France | 86% | 62% | 54% | 88% | 94% | 89% | 90% |
| Germany | 93% | 72% | 52% | 79% | 95% | 94% | 93% |
| India | 63% | 16% | 26% | 50% | 87% | 36% | 76% |
| Italy | 90% | 66% | 41% | 70% | 97% | 89% | 97% |
| Japan | 55% | 26% | 27% | 88% | 91% | 88% | 90% |
| Mexico | 73% | 10% | 22% | 80% | 59% | 42% | 90% |
| Russia | 90% | 25% | 27% | 84% | 98% | 91% | 96% |
| South Africa | 78% | 29% | 51% | 91% | 93% | 48% | 83% |
| South Korea | 35% | 20% | 15% | 87% | 93% | 79% | 92% |
Multi-Tool Dishwasher Cleaning
Before I begin let me clarify some references I will make below. I have a Bosch dishwasher that has 3 shelves.
- Top one is for odds-n-ends like the planer, grater, lids, etc.
- The second shelf is for glasses, cups, and my left-over containers.
- The large bottom one is for plates, pots-n-pans, and utensils.
There is a great site, Choice, that gives a large list of what can or cannot be washed in the dishwasher. I used them, and other sites, to come up with a base list, and then tested many of the ideas to make sure they work. My comments are included in the lists below.
Cleaning + Sanitizing Dishes
Clean metal, glass, ceramic, or certain plastic dishes and tableware in dishwashers, but follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
- Obviously I have tested this. What I do not put into dishwashers include:
- Fine china: If it is valuable or delicate I wash by hand.
- Anything with gold or silver leaf.
- Plastic utensils: I wash plastic forks (etc) by hand.
- Wooden utensils: Hand scrubbed, dried and oiled
- Kitchen sharp knives: I do put tableware knives in the dishwasher, but not my good knives.
Microwave Plate
Rarely do we think of washing the plate used in our microwave. It is good to get into the habit of cleaning the microwave once a week, wiping it down but also cleaning the plate and anything else we use in this machine. Generally speaking, all the plates I have seen used in microwaves are glass and dishwasher safe.
- Occasionally, if there is a major overflow from what I was heating I will use the dishwasher for the microwave plate immediately, otherwise I just quickly clean by hand after each use.
Bathroom Dishes
It is a good idea to wash all bathroom glasses and soap-dishes through a normal dishwasher cycle to sanitize these items.
- Ceramic soap dishes
- Drinking glass (glass, ceramic, dishwasher safe plastics)
Vases
Like other “dishes,” glass and metal vases can be washed in the bottom dishwasher shelf.
- Some of my vases are odd shaped and if I cannot securely add them to the dishwasher I will wash and rinse by hand using special brushes to get into the crannies.
Baby Bottles
Glass baby bottles should be cleaned in the dishwasher to be sanitized.
- I have done this but used the top two shelves only.
- The very top was for nipples and screw caps and the second shelf was for the glass bottles.
- Read instructions that came with the type of bottles you use.
Hand Tools
Any of your gardening hand tools, that have plastic, ceramic, or rubber handles, can also be washed in the dishwasher, with regular dishwashing detergent. Have I ever done this? No not really and not sure why I would.
- BobVilla however, is clear to say on his website, that other hand tools can be added as well (like screwdrivers), provided the tool does not have wooden handles; clean those by hand if required. I would hand dry, followed by a good air drying before putting the tool up and to prevent rust.
Any tool with cement, putty, plaster, paint, etc. I would just hose off in our back yard.
Cleaning Baseball Caps
Cleaning hats is difficult, and baseball-type hats are often very gross, filled with sweat and dirt. An easy way to clean them is to put them in the second shelf of a dishwasher (where the cups, glasses and plastic containers go).
The main thing is to avoid major heat from the water or dry cycles, as the material in the bill may be damaged and the color may change.
Cardboard Bills: Whirlpool writes that it is best to wash these hats by hand to keep the form of the bill. Importantly, if the cap was made prior to 1983, do not get the bill wet as it has cardboard in the bill. Wash the cap by hand, but leave the bill dry.
Plastic Bills: Dropps write that modern caps have plastic-enforced bills and are machine washable, and in this case I find the dishwasher better than the clothes washing machine as it keeps the shape of the hat in-tack.
- Place the hats in the top shelf (where the glasses + cups go) and lay them flat, without anything else (like dishes) in the machine. Or use a cap frame.
- Add dishwasher soap in the dispenser.
- Turn on the dishwasher and run a normal cycle on light wash or cold/low-heat.
- Once washed, open the door and air dry. Do not use the heat cycle.
Cleaning Shoes
Flip-flops (rubber or plastic only) are often used in warm weather places, and they can get dirty, sticky and gross. These can be cleaned in dishwashers, and so can rain boots, water shoes, Crocs, and sneakers with rubber soles. Again check with the manufacturer.
Some use the regular detergent, others use a baking soda and vinegar mixture. As with hats, do not run the heat cycle and choose instead to air dry.
Caution: Some manufacturers say that if the water or heating cycle is too hot, the shoes may discolor or shrink.
Sport Equipment
From my years of sports, I also know that many sports equipment are also cleanable in the second shelf of the dishwasher, if cleaned with cold or warm water (not hot) and air dried. These equipment could include: shin guards and knee pads, shoulder pads, and mouth guards. My mom would still have me use a towel to make sure everything is dry before I put them back in my bag.
Children + Dog Toys
Washing plastic toys in the second or top shelf of a dishwasher is great. Just make sure it is plastic, with no electronics or squeaky things. Bobvilla writes you can wash these things with dishes without any problem. I would caution to be sure to place smaller items in a mesh bag so you do not damage your dishwasher.
- We put mainly plush dog toys in the Clothes washer and dryer, and have never tried putting the other toys in the dish washer. The reason is the spin cycle on plush toys that helps reduce the water within the cloth.
We also use the dishwasher for the dog food and watering bowls. These bowls are stainless steel without rubber matting on the bottom.
Lighting Fixtures
My spouse prefers to wash glass light covers by hand in the kitchen sink. However, these can be washed in a dishwasher, and air dried. Just make sure there are no electronics or cloth/paper components. I would clean these by placing them on an upper shelf and without other items.
Vents and Fan Covers
I have always washed vents (like the one above my stove) in the dishwasher. As it is metal, I place it on the bottom level and will clean it with dishes unless REALLY greasy.
- I also will test putting oven racks in the dishwasher, but I see no reason why this would not work depending upon the size of the racks.
Fridge Shelves + Drawers
Check your fridges manufacturers guidelines, regarding washing the glass shelves and plastic drawers in the dishwasher. Some manufacturers do not recommend using the dishwasher, and some may note only using gentle cleaners.
Sex Toys
(Ok, so this was added as a joke, but it can and probably should be done.) Of course I am NOT speaking of electric or battery operated toys, or anything made of leather. The good old fashion latex or plastic toys should be cleaned after use and I recommend using the upper rack. Be sure to read instructions and follow them as to whether or not the toy is dishwasher safe. (Also be diligent about the cleaning liquid and drying.)
What I Do Not Clean Via Dishwasher
Hairbrushes and combs: Some people suggest washing these in a dishwasher and while that might work, I do not want to take a chance of dumping hair into my plumbing. I have spent too much money on sewage issues over the years.
Vacuum cleaner components: Just as I write above, I do not want to plug my plumbing with the hair I vacuum up, so will use a hose outside to clean the components, and pick up the debris.
Glass: Lead crystal and any very thin glass.
Metal: Aluminum, brass, copper, any soft alloys (like peweter), and cast iron.
Non-stick cookware or cast iron.
Kitchen equipment: Blenders electronic components, but I do clean the whisks of hand blenders with regular cutlery. Check with the manufacturers for direction on what components can or cannot be washed in the dishwasher.
Pizza stones should never be wet-cleaned as it works because it is kept ultra dry.
Cutting knives.
Hand painted ceramics or gold leaf items.
My Story
Well, I have been lucky and have had access to a dishwasher since graduating from College. Right now I use it regularly, because I have a good quality machine that saves water, when compared to me doing dishes by hand. Brightly.Eco writes: dishwashers outperform washing by hand. Washing dishes by hand sends more than two gallons per minute down the drain, while dishwashers typically use between 2 and 8 gallons of water per cycle.
- As many of you may know, we are considering getting an RV, so I am rethinking how to wash dishes by hand in a way to minimize water use. Once I have a good routine down I will let you know how to wash dishes in an RV.
Meanwhile, the story of the woman who really finessed the dishwasher is one of many stories where men attempt to restrict women’s participation in society, as they believed then (as now) women did not really belong in business. For women of her time, opportunities to innovate were rare, given this was a time when American women lacked even the right to vote.
There was a time when Cochran needed additional capital, so sought investors. But those potential investors expressed interest only if Cochran would resign and turn the company over to the management of men. She did not give in and wound up funding her successful company by herself.
In some ways, times have changed the lives of women, in other ways people have not changed at all.
—Patty
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