Stuff You Shouldn't Put In The Dishwasher

Recently, a person geniunely asked me if she could wash clothes in the dishwasher. Ummm... no. Don't get me wrong, I understand the appeal. I have a dishwasher in my apartment, but if I need to do laundry, I have to shuffle everything down to the laundry room and use community washers and dryers. I have to pay to wash my laundry and then pay to dry my laundry. Imagine how great that would be to wash my clothes for free in the dishwasher? Life would be so grand! Yet, I know it is not a good idea. So no, do not put clothes in the dishwasher.

While I was on the subject, I started to think of all of the many things you might want to wash, but you still should not put in the dishwasher. Of course, some items you would just like to dry in the dishwasher, but no, you can't do that either. I decided to put some thought in this matter, and I decided to kindly create a list of many items you just simply can't put in the dishwasher. Please keep in mind, there are probably many other items you don't want to put in the dishwasher, but I think this will give you some clear examples to get you started.

Animals - This includes your pets, the strays you find on the street (no matter how dirty they are!), or even stuffed animals.

Plants - Sure, they might need to be watered, but simply adding a cup of water to the pot will probably do the trick.

Electrical Items - Your laptop might be getting sticky from eating Doritos while typing all the time, but that does not mean it can go in the dishwasher.

Clothes - Yes, I already covered this, but you might think you can dry your clothes in the dishwasher, too. Just don't do it.

Candles - Sometimes you just want to experiment with a new way to put out candles, but don't bother with the dishwasher technique. Blowing out the candle is always a good idea.

Cups and Plates You Really Like That Say, "Not Dishwasher Safe" on the Bottom - Personally, I don't even know why these items exist, but yet, they do. I usually just check in the store now and if it isn't dishwasher safe, I don't even buy it.

Books - Yep, those pesky books sure get dusty, but they are not going to make it out of the dishwasher experience looking the same. Keep them out of the rain, too, while we are on the subject.

Sheets and Towels - No, there are no exceptions to the "no laundry in the dishwasher" rule. You should not even put towels specific to the kitchen in there.

Shoes - No, just no.

Picture Frames - Sure, Grandma and Grandpa's picture is getting a little dusty in that frame, but hey, they didn't even know how to swim. All that water is going to be like being at the beach during a hurricane. What a bad idea!

Jewelry - It is true, sometimes you need to clean those gold chains or rings, but the dishwasher is not the place for it.

A Person - Even if your three year old thinks it would be fun to jump in the dishwasher, you are an adult and you can't let it happen. Yes, this is still a terrible idea even if she just played in the sandbox and you don't want her tracking sand all over the house.

Tricycle - Just thought I would throw that one in there. Personally, I would like to see someone try it.

A Snowman - Once again, a bad idea, but I would still like to see it.

Dish Liquid Not Intended for the Dishwasher - Unless you want to turn your kitchen into a sudsy adventure, never put regular dish liquid in the dishwasher.

Copyright ©2012 Jeannieinabottle