A surprising number of items can be cleaned and sterilized in the dishwasher. Here’s a guide to what you should and shouldn’t wash in your dishwasher.

DO: Wash baseball caps. Place hats on the top rack to retain their shape (several companies also sell plastic frames that help maintain shape).

DON’T: Wash good kitchen and steak knives. These can be expensive. Jostling in the dishwasher can dull blades.

DO: Wash sports equipment. Hockey or football padding, mouth guards, knee pads, and shin guards can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Don't use detergent or the dry cycle.

DON’T: Wash brass items. Hot water can destroy the natural protective layer that forms on brass.

DO: Wash pet and children’s toys. Toys that are hard plastic and that are not battery operated are dishwasher safe.

DON’T: Wash wooden spoons and wooden cutting boards. These can swell and contract, making them prone to warping and cracking.

DO: Wash hand and garden tools. Wash tools with metal or plastic handles on the normal cycle. Dry with a towel afterward to prevent rusting.

DON’T: Wash insulated mugs and containers. These usually have a vacuum seal, which can be damaged if water seeps in.

DO: Wash hairbrushes, combs, and hair accessories. Wash only those that are made of plastic; don’t wash wood or natural boar-bristle brushes. Remove hair before washing to protect the drain.

DON’T: Wash sterling silver flatware. If you do put sterling silver in the dishwasher, use only a tablespoon of detergent. Don’t mix sterling silver with stainless-steel flatware–a chemicalreaction between the metals can discolor the silver.

DO: Wash plastic flip flops and rubber boots. Remove boot liners. Add baking soda to cut ground-in dirt (and give the dishwasher a deep cleaning at the same time). (Crocs are not dishwasher safe.)

DON’T: Wash cast iron or enameled cast iron cookware. Cast iron will rust, and enameled cast iron can chip easily.

DO: Wash fan grilles, switch plate covers, and vent covers. Wash plastic, aluminum, or steel in the dishwasher.

DON’T: Wash crystal glasses. Food particles can damage crystal; heat can cause cracks. Hand-washing is the safest bet.