No doubt, a dishwasher is one of the most important accessories of your kitchen but like other accessories, it may wear out or get damaged. The point is, instead of discarding it, what else can you do with a useless dishwasher?
To get rid of the desperation that comes out with opening the door to find unclean dishes and greasy residue still on the plates, use your dishwasher as a storage space or for cleaning kids or pet’s toys, etc.
Using Dishwasher As A Drying Rack
Yes, you can use your dishwasher as a drying rack, a very expensive one at that. If you are out of a drying rack or do not have enough counter space for one, then you can dry your hand-washed dishes in a dishwasher.
Apart from washing dishes, there are many unconventional items that can be cleaned in the dishwasher, and there are also some unique uses for the dishwasher itself.
How Can I Dry My Dishes Without A Dish Drying Rack?
Drying dishes without a dish rack is not that big of a problem. Following are some excellent tips to dry dishes in case you do not have a drying rack:
- Dry Your Dishes Inside the Dishwasher.
- Use A Towel to Dry Dishes.
- Paper Towels Can Dry Dishes Too.
- Using Dish Drying Mats.
- Try Using a Roll-Up Dish Drying Rack.
How To Use A Dishwasher As A Drying Rack?
Drying dishes in a dishwasher is an obvious and somewhat popular method. Just roll out an empty level in your dishwasher and leave the dishes there while they dry off. Most dishwashers have a dry cycle that reaches a high temperature and lets your dishes dry properly.
To use it as a drying rack, just open your dishwasher door after the washing is completed. It can save time and electricity. Nowadays, most modern dishwashers have a self-drying mode, but it can take some time.
You can dry your dishes in a few minutes without wasting any extra electricity with just a flick of the wrist.
Why Do Some People Not Prefer Using A Dish Rack?
Not everyone has a spacious kitchen, large enough to hold all the essential kitchen wares. Here are few reasons why some people avoid using dish drying racks:
- Dish racks can be large or cumbersome.
- They may get rusted after some time.
- They are not sanitary and get dirty easily.
Some Other Uses Of Dishwasher Other Than A Drying Rack:
Dishwashers are not meant to clean your dishes. You can also use them for several other purposes:
1. Use It For Cleaning Kids’ Toys:
Dishwashers can easily clean and sanitize your kids’ toys; from rubber duckies to legos. Run the toys through the dishwasher to kill bacteria or germs.
2. Make It A Dish Strainer:
Many people who are used to living alone prefer washing their dishes simply by hand instead of using a dishwasher. In this case, the dishwasher makes an excellent option as a storage space for air-drying dishes.
Run a bit of bleach, baking soda, or vinegar through it every so often to keep it clean and fresh.
3. Clean Refrigerator Shelves In A Dishwasher:
Refrigerators are the most used accessory in every kitchen and get dirty quickly. Cleaning each part, especially shelves, is quite laborious. Simply put them in your dishwasher to get them neat and clean.
4. Use Dishwasher As A Storage Space:
Dishwashers can be excellent storage spots for your containers, or extra dishes, etc. These things cover a lot of space in cabinets. So, dishwashers serve as an excellent option for storage purposes.
Is It Hygienic To Use The Dishwasher As A Drying Rack?
Your dishes can be effectively sanitized in a dishwasher. Indeed, the dishwasher is the most sanitary drying rack you could ever use. You can make sure your dishwasher stays germ-free by rinsing it out with baking soda every few months (even if you are not using it).
The dishwasher runs a dry air cycle through the dishes which prevents cross-contamination from drying multiple dishes with the same towel.
Related Questions
- Do I need a drying rack if I have a dishwasher?
Dish drying racks are an essential part of your kitchen. Even if you already have a dishwasher, dish drying racks have their own importance. The reason is that they let you do a quick clean and rinse in between meals and can hold dishes for when you are not quite ready to load the dishwasher.
- Which option is better? Heat dry or air dry in a dishwasher.
Heat drying in a dishwasher effectively cleans your dishes and makes them bacteria and germ-free. Also, it saves your time and effort in wiping excess water from dishes.
On the other hand, air-drying reduces energy consumption and ends the cycle in a shorter time. However, both methods save you from drying by hand.
- Is it safe to dry dishes with a paper towel?
Yes, it is better to dry with a paper towel which you can throw away, eliminating the chance that another person uses it. Just make sure that you change dish towels often; possibly more than once a day, and wash them with hot water.
- Can I wash my drying rack in the dishwasher?
It is safe to clean your drying rack in a dishwasher if it is coated with metal or plastic. A run through the dishwasher will sanitize this hard-working tool that holds your clean dishes. It will be convenient as you will do it without scrubbing by hand.
Final Verdict
Dish drying racks are among those kitchen gadgets which we have taken for granted. For some people, they are as important as a dishwasher while for others it is something annoying.
Annoying in the sense that it takes a lot of space, especially if you own a small kitchen. Just like drying racks, dishwashers are also an essential part of every kitchen. So why not use it as your dish drying rack.
Without digging into further details, let this discussion end with the fact that drying racks are cheap while dishwashers are quite expensive. But dishwashers give you the joy of both cleaning as well as drying.
