Depending on how often you do laundry, you also know that handwashing is the best method. It allows you to remove stains and other dirt from your garments while providing utmost care. However, using the approach is not always possible. Some people rely on a washer almost entirely, while others use it occasionally.
But what happens if you do not have a washer?
Can you wash Clothes in a Dishwasher? No!
If you do not have a washing machine, dishwasher is not your next best alternative. In fact, there are several reasons as to why you should not entertain the thought.
Reasons for Not Washing Clothes in a Dishwasher
- Firstly, a dishwasher is specifically designed for washing dishes. Therefore, it does not agitate in the same way as a washing machine does. Its spray arm moves in a manner that suitable for the appliance’s purpose. If you put clothes inside, they are likely to stick around the arm and interfere with the appliance’s performance. Remember, there is a high chance for damaging your dishwasher if clothes get stuck in the wrong places.
- Because of the manner in which a dishwasher sprays water, it is unlikely that clothes will even wet properly. They will mostly get wet on the areas that are properly exposed, and remain dry in the hidden areas.
- A dishwasher and a washing machine do not use the same soap. If you utilize dishwasher soap for laundry in the dishwasher, your clothes will fade because it contains bleach and other agents that are meant for cutting grease and food stains. On the other hand, an attempt to add laundry detergent in the dishwasher’s soap dispenser is a recipe for disaster. Laundry detergent forms a lot of suds especially in hot water. The soapy liquid then overflows out of the dishwasher and spills all over the floor. The end result is a damaged floor and a lot of cleaning work.
- Water in the dishwasher heats up to high temperatures. Although the heat helps with cutting grease from dishes, it can damage clothes easily. Some fabrics shrink in high temperatures whereas others fade and wear easily.
- The dishwasher cannot rinse excess soap from clothes the same way a washing machine does. It also cannot remove excess moisture from clothes.
- Lastly, washing clothes in a dishwasher can void the warranty. Most manufacturers expect customers to use a dishwasher for the right purpose. In fact, they state this explicitly in the warranty. If you go against the terms and conditions, expect no compensation if the dishwasher develops defects before the warranty expires.
Can you put Shoes in the Dishwasher?
Just like clothes, shoes should not go to dishwasher. Shoes collect all kind of dirt. Therefore, I think it is kind off gross to wash them in the same place you clean your dishes.
Besides, most shoes are made of materials that cannot withstand the high temperatures of water in the dishwasher. For instance, take shoes with rubber soles. They will shrink and deform permanently.
Cleaning a Baseball Cap in the Dishwasher
If you have no any other choice, it is possible to wash a baseball cap in the dishwasher.
However, you have use a hat washer and place your cap in the top rack of dishwasher. A hat washer protects your cap from deforming.
Follow the steps below to wash your cap in a dishwasher.
What you will need
- Dishwasher detergent
- Laundry detergent
- Cap holder washer
- Toothbrush
Instructions
- Inspect your cap for stains
- Use a tooth brush to apply laundry detergent (or any other applicable stain remover) on the stains and scrub gently.
- Rinse of the detergent thoroughly
- Place your cap in the holder washer and transfer it to the top rack of your dishwasher.
- Add dishwasher detergent that is free from bleach or citric acid to the dishwasher soap dispenser. Soap that contains bleach removes color from baseball caps.
- Run your dishwasher as you normally do.
- Air dry the cap once the cleaning cycle is complete.
Alternatives to Putting Clothes in a Dishwasher
- Handwashing: As mentioned earlier, handwashing is the best approach for cleaning most clothes. You get the chance to inspect your garments thoroughly, treat stains, clean gently and air-dry.
- Machine-washing: There is no doubt a washing machine will get most of your clothes looking as good as new. Furthermore, it will rinse out most of the water before they go to the dryer or clothesline. However, if you do not own one, you can consider one or more of the methods mentioned here.
- Dry-cleaning: If you are not in a position to machine or hand-wash clothes, a dry cleaner will get the job done for you. You only need to choose a company that offers high quality services so that your garments can remain in good condition.
- Laundromat: This is another option that will save you the investment that comes with most alternatives.
