Don’t let the name fool you—a dishwasher can wash a lot more than just dishes. This handy appliance can clean all sorts of household items beyond those found in kitchen cupboards. From toothbrush holders to tub toys, dishwashers can sanitize and clean many unexpected bathroom staples. Here are 10 bathroom items you might be surprised to find can be washed in the dishwasher.
1. Soap Dish
Soap scum builds up quickly on a well-used soap dish. In addition to the remnants of once-used soap bars, there’s plenty of bacteria left behind, too. Soap dishes need to stay clean and germ-free so that hands, mouths, and faces can do the same. Thankfully, most soap dishes are dishwasher-safe, except those made from wood, which should be hand-washed. Check the materials to select the right temperature and jet settings for this job.
2. Toothbrush Holder
Toothbrush holders are home to germs, bacteria, and toothpaste scum. Most toothbrush holders are dishwasher-safe because they’re often made from ceramics or durable plastic. If that describes yours, feel free to run it through a hot-water dishwasher cycle using a mild detergent. Disassemble the toothbrush holder and put the pieces on the top shelf of the dishwasher on a normal cycle. If the toothbrush holder is one piece, pre-soak in hot soapy water to tackle the scum lining inside, and then place it on the top rack for a normal cycle. And if your toothbrush holder is made of wood, avoid the dishwasher.
3. Shower Caddy
Soap scum, mold, and bacteria can also build up on a shower storage caddy. While large shower caddies might not fit in the dishwasher, smaller ones can go on the top or bottom rack. When the dishwasher’s done its normal cycle, towel dry the caddy to prevent rusting.
4. Manicure and Pedicure Tools
Metal manicure and pedicure tools can benefit from a sanitizer cycle in the dishwasher. Nail clippers, metal files, cuticle pushers, and other tools are all dishwasher-safe. These items are small enough to fall through the normal racks, so place them in the utensil bin or silverware rack on a regular cycle.
5. Exhaust Fan Covers
A lot of dust and debris can secretly accumulate on an exhaust fan cover. It’s one of those items that’s easy to forget to clean. But with a bit of effort, removable covers can be detached from the bathroom ventilation fan and put into the dishwasher for a deep clean. Wipe away any surface dirt or dust before putting it into the dishwasher on the normal cycle. Metal or plastic covers are dishwasher-safe, but don't put aluminum in the dishwasher as it could corrode or discolor from the detergent and high heat.
6. Hair Brushes, Clips, and Accessories
Plastic and metal hairbrushes and combs can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Remove any hair and place the bristle side down on the top rack. To avoid warping, use a tap cold or cold cycle. Hair clips and accessories can be run through the dishwasher if they’re plastic or metal (again, wipe them down after the cycle ends to avoid rusting). Smaller items like these are best placed on the top rack or in the utensil basket. However, brushes with wooden handles should be hand-washed to prevent damage.
7. Bath Toys
It’s a good idea to wash your kids’ bath toys—even though they're soaking in soapy water, they can still pick up all the germs left behind after bathing. Rubber and plastic toys can be sterilized safely in the dishwasher. Put toys on the top rack and start a normal cycle with regular dishwasher detergent and hot water. If you're unsure whether a toy is dishwasher-safe, check the manufacturer’s website.
8. Loofahs, Sponges, and Brushes
These body scrubbers should be cleaned regularly, and the dishwasher is up to the task. Loofahs and sponges should be placed in the top rack of the dishwasher on a normal cycle using hot water. Brushes that are not made out of natural materials or wood can be washed in the dishwasher as well.
9. Facial Scrub Brushes
Like shower brushes, most facial scrub brushes can be put in the dishwasher. Any brush made from plastic is dishwasher-safe and can be placed on the top rack with the bristles facing downward for a normal cycle. However, if the facial scrub brush is made from wood or any other natural fibers, the hot water could cause damage and warping. If you’re unsure, don’t risk the dishwasher. Hand-wash the brush in a bowl filled with hot, soapy water.
10. Drawer Organizers
Drawer organizers can get dirty with frequent use but are rarely deep-cleaned. As long as the drawer organizer is not wooden or acrylic, it can be put in the dishwasher. Disassemble the organizers and place the pieces on the top rack of the dishwasher for a normal cycle.
Source: Allen, N. (2025e, May 19). If You're Not Cleaning These 10 Bathroom Items in the Dishwasher, You Should Be. Better Homes & Gardens. https://www.bhg.com/bathroom-items-clean-in-dishwasher-8774615