It is time to tackle the chore of cleaning stuff we hate to clean.  Don't sweat the small stuff!  Throw it in the dishwasher!  After taking a good look around my own house, I have compiled a list of stuff I hate to clean, but would wash well in the dishwasher.  Here is my list of dishwasher safe ideas. For most items use only the top shelf of the dishwasher. If you think your items might fall through the spaces, then place the items in a laundry bag. You can purchase zippered mesh laundry bags at the dollar store.

4/27/10

Teapot Stains

Here's a quick pick-me-up! Remove tea stains and eliminate bitter off-tastes by washing mugs and tea pots in a solution of 1/4 cup ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda in 1 quart of warm water. For stubborn stains, try soaking overnight in the ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda solution and detergent or scrubbing with ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda on a clean damp sponge.

4/20/10

Try dusting cloth lampshades with a lint roller. It works quickly and effectively without the hassle of a vacuum.

Slip an old unmatched sock on your hand and dust as you go.

Windows and Mirrors

Use old newspapers to clean mirrors and windows. You'll have a great disposable cleaning rag and be recycling at the same time.

Vinegar is an inexpensive easy cleaner that can be used on windows and mirrors.

To prevent streaking and extra rubbing, wait for an overcast day to clean your mirrors and windows.

Cleaning Out the Microwave

Bring a cup of water to boil in the microwave. then leave for 15 minutes and wipe down. The steam will help loosen dried on particles making them easily wiped away.

Scrubbing the Toilet

Put toilet cleaner in the toilet to soak while you wipe down the outside. The inside dirt and stains will be loosened and more easily cleaned.

Buy a drop-in toilet cleaner dispenser, to increase the time between needed cleanings.

Cleaning Out the Refrigerator.

Briefly clean out trash and bad food each trash day morning. It only takes a few minutes to dump the stuff, and will clear out space to make cleaning easier.

Use baking soda to wipe down the inside of the refrigerator. It scrubs and eliminates odors without damaging surfaces.

Cleaning Out the Oven.

On nights when you get take out, take a few moments and spray the inside of the oven with oven cleaner. Then after dinner, or the next morning if your stains are tough, you’ll be able to wipe away the dirt and grime easily, without missing the use of your oven.

Filing Paperwork

Make filing time coincide with a favorite show that you feel guilty for taking time to watch. Most filing can be done with little thinking, and you’ll get to watch your favorite show in the process. Sort the papers into categories based on your file names. Don’t forget to include trash. You’ll be surprised how much of the pile you won’t need to keep.

Laundry

Make each person responsible for washing, drying, and putting away their own clothing. Write and post some basic instructions in the laundry room. Have a trial period where your trainees assist you with their clothing.

If you get truly overwhelmed by your laundry, check out a local Laundromat that will wash, dry, and fold your loads for you. These services frequently charge by the pound for laundry and aren’t inexpensive, but may save you time and energy when life starts to overwhelm.

Washing Dishes

Let the person who is in charge of washing the dishes, get to pick out dessert.

When you begin cooking, run a sink of hot soapy water, and wash as you go. Food on dishes won’t have a chance to harden, and you’ll be that much ahead when the meal is done.

Keep a supply of disposable plates, flatware, and cups. On nights when you’re overwhelmed by double-header Little League games on the same night as PTA, you won’t have to worry about dishes.

Washing dishes can be a great time to have a parent interview with a child you need to reconnect with. The job may not go more quickly, but you'll be accomplishing a lot more than clean dishes.

Clearing Clutter

Find a local charity to donate items to prior to a clutter clearing session. Some charities may even be able to pick up your donations at a prearranged time, saving you a trip.

Label various storage containers before you begin to sort your clutter. A label makes placing items in the right category a much easier task.

Go through and grab obvious trash as the first step. Once the trash is gone, it makes it easier to see what you want to keep, and just how much stuff you’ll need to get rid of.

Source: www.housekeeping.about.com

Plastic electrical wallplate socket covers and switch plate covers

Unfrosted light fixture globes

Kitchen cupboard handles and knobs

Plastic hairbrushes and combs
Tweezers, nail cutters and nail files

Glass, plastic and ceramic knick knacks

Soap dishes, shower caddies, shower brushes and loofahs

Refrigerator accessories; egg holder, butter keeper door, small drawers can go on the bottom rack

Dish pan and dish drying racks (not the wooden racks) can be washed in the bottom rack

Plastic wands on your mini blinds.

Glass, ceramic and plastic coasters without cork or paper inserts

A laundry bag is great for washing your kids toys;  just look them over well to make sure they are dishwasher safe.

Flip flops and other plastic shoes are top rack safe.  I read somewhere that Crocs are not dishwasher safe.  I don't know why they wouldn't be.  All I wear is Crocs, so I will experiment on an old pair and see what happens!  I don't see what harm it would do to wash them in cold water with mild soap.

Take a walk around the house and gather up anything you think would be dishwasher safe.  Cleaning all of these little annoyances will really brighten up your rooms.

I hope my dishwasher tips have helped you get excited about spring cleaning!  Just think...you can go do your exercises or take a brisk half hour walk while the dishwasher does your spring cleaning for you!