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Over the years, the dishwasher has become a staple of the modern kitchen, with many households unable to function properly when theirs is on the fritz.

The machine allows people to get their glassware, crockery and cutlery clean and shiny with minimal effort - something that busy individuals often look for these days.

However, the dishwasher can be used to clean stuff not usually found in the kitchen with the same levels of exertion. Yes, that’s right, this humble appliance is the lazy person’s secret weapon when it comes to cleaning the house.

Here are just a sample of the weird and wonderful ways the appliance can be used.

Shoes

Sometimes festivals, rainy days or walks in the park can leave our shoes caked in so much dirt and grime they look like they belong to a forest dweller. Every time we look at them we think “I really should clean those”, but we never get round to it.

Maybe the hesitation comes from memories of being scolded by parents for putty muddy trainers in the washing machine with the whites, or maybe it stems from a fear that our most beloved pair of Converse will be torn to pieces during the spin cycle.

There is another way. Canvas shoes, flip-flops, jelly shoes and even wellies can be thrown into the dishwasher with nary a care. Your beloved footwear will emerge from the machine with a new lease of life. Just be sure to remove the liners beforehand!

Car parts

Although not technically something found in the house, the car still needs to be washed at least once in a while. A person not fond of standing outside and throwing water at the vehicle, and themselves, will probably leave the job to the professionals.

However, even the most skilled automobile beautification engineer will not be able to remove the grime from every inch of your car.

So, what do you do when you get home and realise your hub caps are still grubby? Visit your old friend in the kitchen, that’s what. Hub caps, cup holders and even your licence plate can be cleaned in the dishwasher.

Hair and make-up brushes

Other than pulling the odd clump of hair out, have you ever actually cleaned your hairbrush? How about your make-up brushes? Think about the last time you had conjunctivitis and then ask yourself when was the last time you replaced your eye-shadow brush.

You’re probably feeling a bit nauseous right now, but fear not, here is the remedy. Stick ‘em in the dishwasher in the cutlery basket. The hot water instantly sanitises them and removes any caked-on lipstick and traces of dry shampoo.

Just don’t forget to remove the hair from your brushes or you’ll end up clogging the machine, and then what would you do?

Vegetables

You’d struggle to find somebody who enjoys scrubbing vegetables before chopping and cooking them. Cleaning a few carrots can be laborious, so what happens when you’re cooking Sunday lunch and you’ve got an entire vegetable patch to wash?

Dump them in the top tray of the dishwasher and stick it on a quick rise. Meanwhile, you’ll be able to get the preparations for the rest of the meal out of way and glide around the kitchen like Nigella Lawson.


© Axonn 2015