How to Wash Small Items in the Dishwasher

Dishwashers are designed to make life a little easier but what about those small items that just get whipped around and sometimes stop up the dishwasher? Here's an easy trick to keep small items in place in the dishwasher.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 small mesh laundry bag
• Automatic dishwasher
• Small items such as plastic forks and lids to kids cups

1. Purchase a small mesh laundry bag from a local variety store. These are usually found in the laundry section.

2. Place small items into the mesh bag and close the bag with the drawstring to keep the items from washing out.

3. Position the secured mesh bag on the top rack of the dishwasher. The items will still get washed and rinsed inside the bag.

4. Hang the bag to dry after emptying to avoid a sour smell.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not place the bag on the lower rack where it could get tangled in spinning parts.
• Do not place the bag near the heating elements inside the dishwasher.

Resources

• Mesh Bags to Protect Delicates

[TerriR]

on 9/12/2008 Great idea! Thanks for another tip.

[annette5476]

on 8/14/2008 I found that the easiest way to wash sippy cups and other lightweight cups is to put them in the top rack and I have a large elastic band that I have attached to the back side of the rack and I stretch it across to the front and attach with a twist tie, that way I can slide it so that it fits snug against the cups to keep them from falling over and filling up with dirty water.