There may come a time when you find yourself without access to a washing machine or no desire to spend time hand-washing laundry. You might think that the only solution is to take a trip to the local laundromat, but what if there was another way?
Believe it or not, there are several types of clothes that can be washed in a dishwasher and come out as clean, if not cleaner than a traditional washing machine.
In this article, we’ll discuss the types of clothes you can safely wash in a dishwasher and offer tips for doing it properly. Read on to find out more!
Can You Wash Clothes In A Dishwasher?
It’s generally not a good idea to try and wash clothes in a dishwasher. Not only can it possibly damage your dishwasher, but it could also do irreversible damage to your clothes.
However, there are some items that can withstand the temperatures and pressures of a typical dishwasher cycle, and come out looking as good as new.
Clothes You Can Wash In A Dishwasher
You may be surprised to learn that there are several types of clothes that can be safely washed together in a dishwasher.
Here are the most dishwasher-safe types of clothing:
Baseball Cap: The most common type of clothing people tend to wash in a dishwasher is baseball caps. The high water pressure and temperature help get rid of any dirt or sweat stains, while the spinning action helps it come out looking like new.
Baseball caps are very durable and the fabric has already been preshrunk, so you don’t have to worry about shrinkage.
Canvas Shoes: It may sound surprising, but canvas shoes, like Skechers, can also be washed in a dishwasher. Not only is the fabric durable enough to withstand everyday walks and outdoor activities, but it can also withstand the pressure of a dishwasher.
The only downside of washing shoes in the dishwasher is that you will have to run a self-cleaning cycle in the dishwasher after each wash. This will ensure that all soap residue and dirt is removed from the dishwasher.
Tool Belts: If you work in a shop where you get your tool belt dirty, it can be tricky to clean it by hand. Fortunately, the fabric of most tool belts is durable enough to withstand a dishwasher cycle.
Not only will the cycle sanitize the tool belt, but it also helps to get rid of any oil stains and odors.
Wrist and Head Bands: Wristbands and headbands are another type of clothing that can be safely washed in a dishwasher. The fabric as well as the elastic are designed to withstand high temperatures and are rugged enough to stand up to powerful water pressure.
Since these bands are usually worn while working out or doing other physical activities, they often get smelly and full of sweat, but can easily be washed in a dishwasher.
Now that you know what types of clothes are safe to wash in your dishwasher, let’s look at some reasons to avoid washing clothes in a dishwasher.
Reasons to Avoid Washing Clothes in a Dishwasher
Although there are some types of clothing that can safely be washed in a dishwasher, it’s important to remember that there are still several reasons why you should avoid doing so.
You can damage the clothes: The high temperatures and pressures of the dishwasher can break down delicate fabrics, such as silk or lace. It may also cause irreversible damage and shrinkage to cotton and denim clothing.
Your clothes won’t get clean: The dishwasher is designed to wash dishes, not clothes. Therefore, it may not be able to remove dirt and stains from your clothing as effectively as a washing machine would.
Unlike traditional washing machines that clean clothing by agitating the fabric, dishwashers only clean items with a combination of steam and hot water. So you shouldn’t expect the same results as a regular wash cycle.
You can damage your dishwasher: Loading your dishwasher with clothes may result in a buildup of lint and fibers that can clog the drains. This could lead to a malfunctioning dishwasher and expensive repairs in the future.
It can void the dishwasher warranty: If you’re using your dishwasher for something other than what it was designed for, there’s a good chance it will void your warranty.
Wastes water and energy: Although modern dishwashers are designed to conserve energy and save water, using them for anything other than dishes will just be a waste of both.
Regardless of the eco-features your dishwasher may have, the cycle will be a complete waste since your clothing will still come out dirty.
Laundry detergent residue might get into your food: Using laundry detergent in a dishwasher can leave behind a residue that may end up in your food. This is especially true if you are using a dishwasher with a manual detergent dispenser, as opposed to a built-in one.
Food residue will stain your clothes: If you are washing clothes in the same cycle as you are washing dishes, there is a good chance that food residues may end up staining your clothing.
It’s best to keep all laundry separate from dishes when running a wash cycle in order to avoid this issue.
Now that you know the reasons to avoid washing your clothes in a dishwasher, let’s look at some tips for using a dishwasher to wash your clothes safely.
Tips for Using a Dishwasher to Wash Clothes
If you decide to use your dishwasher to clean your clothing, there are some things you can do to make sure the cycle goes smoothly.
Wash clothing separately from dishes: If you decide to wash any of the approved clothing we mentioned above in your dishwasher, make sure to wash them separately from dishes.
Use a delicate cycle: Most dishwashers offer several washing cycles, including delicate and heavy-duty cycles. Make sure to use the delicate or hand-wash cycle when running your clothing through the dishwasher.
Avoid excess heat: Most dishwashers have the option to use a lower temperature setting. Make sure to select this option when washing your clothing.
Use the right detergent: If you decide to wash clothes in your dishwasher, make sure to use a detergent specifically designed for the machine. Regular laundry detergent can leave a residue that could ruin the taste and smell of food cooked in a dishwasher-safe pot or pan.
Skip the heat-dry cycle: Dishwashers can generate a lot of heat during the drying cycle, so it’s best to avoid using this function when washing any of the “dishwasher-approved” clothes we mentioned above. Instead, remove the clothing from the dishwasher and allow them to air-dry.
These are just a few tips for using a dishwasher to wash clothes safely and effectively. However, it’s still important to remember that a dishwasher is not a substitute for a washing machine.
Alternatives to Washing Clothes in a Dishwasher
If you’re looking for ways to clean your clothing without using a washing machine, here are a few alternatives you can try:
Handwashing: This is the most traditional and effective way to clean delicate clothes. Before handwashing any fabric, it’s important to check the label for instructions on how to care for the clothing.
Dry Cleaning: For items that can’t be washed, such as suits and formal dresses, dry cleaning is the best option.
Spot-Cleaning: This method works great for small stains and blemishes. Make sure to read the label of your clothing for the correct spot-cleaning instructions.
Steam Cleaning: This is another great option for cleaning delicate items without using a washing machine.
Ultrasonic Cleaning: This is a relatively new method of cleaning that involves using an ultrasonic bath to remove dirt and stains from clothing.
Using any one of these methods can help you keep your clothing clean without having to use a dishwasher.
Final Thoughts
Using a dishwasher to wash clothes is never a good option unless you’re trying to wash a baseball cap, tool belt, wristband, or pair of canvas shoes. All other types of clothing should be washed in a washing machine or any other traditional clothes-washing method.