© Getty Images

Flip-flops -

Flip-flops are easy to clean in the dishwasher. Place them in the top rack and use a warm wash cycle. Let them air-dry afterwards.

© Shutterstock

Golf balls -

If you’ve ever cleaned a golf ball you know how tricky it can be. There is, however, a much better alternative to cleaning these texturized balls. Enter the dishwasher (quite literally!)

© Getty Images

Kitchen sponges -

Kitchen sponges are a breeding ground for bacteria, so they ought to be cleaned often. One way to ensure they are washed thoroughly at a high temperature is by placing them in the dishwasher.

© Shutterstock

Silicone oven mitts -

Fabric oven mitts can be put in the washing machine, but those made of silicone belong in the dishwasher. Just put them through a regular wash cycle, and they’ll be nice and clean.

© Getty Images

Toys -

Kids toys made from plastic can be placed in the dishwasher. If there are several small pieces, it’s best to place them in a mesh bag. Make sure the heated-dry option is switched off (you don’t want to accidentally melt the toys!).

© Getty Images

Hairbrushes -

You don’t want hair clogging the drain, so before placing these in the dishwasher make sure you remove all hair. Then you can just place them in the cutlery basket and wash them.

© Getty Images

Pet collars and leashes -

If you own a pet, you know how dirty and smelly collars and leashes can get. As long as they are made of materials like polyester, nylon, or cotton, you can put them in the dishwasher. You won't be able to do the same with those made from leather.

© Getty Images

Washing machine’s detergent drawers -

The detergent drawer in your washing machine should be removable. These can get really dirty and accumulate detergent residue inside. Place them in the dishwasher for a deep clean. Before you do so, read the instructions manual to make sure the drawer is dishwasher safe.

© Shutterstock

Rubber car mats -

Rubber car mats can actually be cleaned in the dishwasher. Just make sure you give them a shake to remove excess dirt before placing them in the dishwasher.

© Shutterstock

Gardening tools -

You can also put your gardening tools in the dishwasher, with the exception of those with wooden handles. Make sure you dry them thoroughly after the cycle to avoid rust.

© Shutterstock

Keys -

Keys (except coded car keys and any other electric keys) are safe to clean in the dishwasher. These can get really dirty and many of us don’t clean them as often as we should (or ever).

© Getty Images

Bath sponges and loofahs -

Loofahs and bath sponges can accumulate lots of germs, including bacteria and mold spores. Place them on the top rack of your dishwasher and run the hottest temperature cycle available.

© Shutterstock

Toothbrushes -

The same applies to toothbrushes. Your bathroom is a haven for germs, so cleaning toothbrushes is never too much.

© iStock

Trash cans -

Of course, big trash cans won’t fit in your dishwasher, but smaller ones just might. These are usually made of plastic or metal, so they’re pretty safe to wash in the dishwasher.

© Shutterstock

Nail clippers and tweezers -

Nail clippers and tweezers are safe to clean in the dishwasher. Again, like other small items, it's better to secure them in a mesh bag. 

© Shutterstock

Baseball caps -

Baseball caps get dirty with sweat and hair oil, but putting them in the washing machine can ruin their shape. The solution? Secure them around the pegs of the dishwasher's top rack, and voilà! Just don’t use a hot temperature.

© Getty Images

Potatoes -

Yes, you’ve read that right. Spuds are usually dirty, but instead of washing them in water, you can actually put them in the dishwasher. Just make sure you put them on the top shelf in a rinse-only cycle, and obviously, don’t use any detergent!

© Getty Images

Fridge shelves and drawers -

Washing fridge shelves and drawers can be time consuming, so why not remove them and put them in the dishwasher? These can be pretty bulky, so you can run a wash cycle just for your fridge parts.

© Shutterstock

Microwave turntables -

When was the last time you washed yours? These are essentially glass dishes, so they can be included in a regular wash cycle.

© Shutterstock

Appliance knobs -

Appliance knobs, like those on your stove are usually made of plastic. These can actually get pretty dirty, especially with grease. Place them in a tray or mesh bag and give them a good wash.

© Getty Images

Pet toys -

Pet toys get really dirty. Some, like the kong, where food is placed inside, can get even more dirty. Placing them in the dishwasher can deep clean pet toys, so go ahead and try it!

© Shutterstock

Hubcaps -

Your dishwasher is the perfect appliance to make your car's hubcaps look sparkling clean!

© Getty Images

Mouth guards -

Mouth guards should be cleaned after use, and if you happen to be running a wash cycle, place your in the utensil holder or a mesh bag for a deep clean.

© Shutterstock

Pacifiers -

Most pacifiers and teething rings can be put in the dishwasher, but make sure you check if yours can prior to doing so.

© Shutterstock

Exhaust fan covers -

Exhaust fan covers accumulate a lot of dirt and giving them a deep clean is necessary from time to time. Putting them in the dishwasher is a safe and easy way to do it. 

© Shutterstock

Flower pots and vases -

Flower pots and vases are often made of ceramic, glass, plastic, or clay, all of which are safe to put in the dishwasher. Just watch out for those with gold or silver gilt. 

© iStock

Pen holders -

Put your pen holder and other desk accessories, such as paper organizers, in the dishwasher for a deep clean. 

© Shutterstock

Razors -

You might have never thought about cleaning your razors in the dishwasher, but it's certainly something you can do! Just make sure you use liquid detergent, as tablets can leave residue on the blades. 

© Shutterstock

Rain boots -

Yes, rain boots can be washed in the dishwasher! Lay them down horizontally and don't forget to remove any liners they may have.
Sources: (Reader's Digest) (The Spruce) (Eating Well) 
See also: Things guests immediately notice about your home (and things they don't)

© Getty Images