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The clever tricks you never knew your dishwasher could do – from cleaning shoes to cooking dinner

This domestic lifesaver doesn't just clean crockery

IF you're fortunate enough to have a dishwasher, you'll probably find it difficult to imagine living without it.

But did you know its capabilities go way beyond cleaning crockery?

Dishwashers are handy for more than just washing crockery
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Dishwashers are handy for more than just washing crockeryCredit: Getty - Contributor

Lifestyle experts from online electrical retailer have revealed a bunch of other clever tricks your dishwasher can perform that will change the way you use your appliance.

Not only is it able to clean other household items, it can even cook your dinner...

Washing veg

If you're prepping for a dinner party, you can save time by washing vegetables in the dishwasher.

Use your dishwasher to wash your veg
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Use your dishwasher to wash your veg

For this, use a rinse-only cycle - and obviously don't add any cleaning product.

This is especially useful for particularly grubby veg like carrots and potatoes - just slot your veg into the top shelf of the dishwasher and it's good to go.

It's wise to stack the veg on the top shelf
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It's wise to stack the veg on the top shelfCredit: AO

Cook salmon

We bet you've never done this before!

Wrap your salmon in tin foil with lemon and switch the dishwasher to its highest setting, making sure the package is air tight so that water can't get in.

As most dishwashers don't go above 170C, you won't have to worry about overcooking your fish.

You can also use the machine to keep food warm if there's a no water cycle.

Try cooking salmon in your dishwasher
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Try cooking salmon in your dishwasherCredit: AO

Clean your computer keyboard

Keyboards are a hot bed for germs and bacteria - so why not freshen yours up with a spin in the dishwasher?

Use a rinse cycle but make sure you take the keyboard out of the machine before the dry cycle begins.

It will then need to stand for a few days to dry out.

Be warned - although most keyboards are safe to put in the dishwasher, most manufacturers don't recommend it (funnily enough), so it's wise to only do it with older models.

If your keyboard's looking a bit mucky, stick it in the dishwasher
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If your keyboard's looking a bit mucky, stick it in the dishwasherCredit: AO

Clean clothes

Grimy baseball caps, flip flops and trainers can also be loaded in for a deep-clean — but not at the same time as your crockery, pans and cutlery.

It's also a good way to clean other household items like toothbrushes.

Freshen up your trainers with a cycle in the dishwasher
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Freshen up your trainers with a cycle in the dishwasherCredit: AO

Clean toys

After a child has spent a long day of a playing with their toy, many parents will know it’s bound to come back dirty.

So how about sticking them in the dishwasher? They'll come up like new.

It's worth placing smaller items in a colander or lingerie bag to stop them falling between the racks.

It is recommended to wash them on the lowest temperature and not to put toys with synthetic hair like dolls in the wash, as it may melt.

Use the dishwasher to clean your kid's toys
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Use the dishwasher to clean your kid's toysCredit: AO

Wash garden tools

It can be a messy job getting soil off your trowel.

Try putting your garden tools through the dishwasher to get rid of that stubborn dirt and soil.

A dishwasher is also great for washing garden tools
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A dishwasher is also great for washing garden toolsCredit: AO

We previously told how a man discovered a dishwasher trick that’s left people "mind blown" – so have you been using your appliance correctly?

Here's how to save time by stacking your dishes the right way.

And here are some things you should NEVER put in the dishwasher.

This Morning chef John Torode suggests cooking salmon in the dishwasher
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