Alternate Uses for a Dishwasher

You Don't Have to Throw it Away!

I have a working dishwasher in my rented townhouse apartment, but the water is hard, and it leaves an ugly white film on the glasses, flatware, and dishes. With only two people dirtying dishes most of the time, I've decided to quit using my dishwasher and put it to use in another way. This made me start thinking about alternate uses for a dishwasher, and even a dishwasher that doesn't work can be used in other practical ways. If you don't use your dishwasher for washing dishes, or if your dishwasher doesn't work at all, consider these alternate uses for a dishwasher. You just might decide it's worth keeping!

A Convenient Strainer

I almost never dry dishes. I used to let them air-dry in a strainer that sits in one side of my double sink, but since my sinks are shallow and I don't use my dishwasher, I've started using it as a convenient strainer. I prop the door open and let the dishes air-dry. About once a week I run a little bleach through the dishwasher so it stays fresh and clean smelling. As a result of this alternate use for an otherwise useless appliance, one side of my sink is always empty. I don't have to remove the sink strainer to peel vegetables and fruits, and that area of the kitchen looks much less cluttered.

Plastic Container Storage

If I wasn't using my dishwasher as an oversized strainer I'd be using it to store the massive amount of plastic containers I've accumulated. I have a couple of stacks of semi-disposable plastic containers and lids, and they're always a cluttered mess. They don't stack nicely, and I'm constantly moving them to reach other things on my pantry shelves. This is by far one of the best alternate uses I've found to suit my needs.

Snack Food Storage

Are you low on storage space for snacks such as chips, pretzels, cookies, and other goodies? Instead of struggling to find a place to store bags and containers of snacks, use your empty dishwasher. Visiting guests who raid the cabinets probably won't think to check your dishwasher, and it's a fantastic alternate hiding spot for goodies you don't want to share.

A Plant Stand With Storage