Cleaning sucks. And since you can't even hire nude maids anymore without getting ripped off, you've gotta do it yourself.

Because cleaning is low on my list of stuff I want to spend a lot of time on (it's right below Take Girlfriend Shopping for Jeans), I asked the guys over at PartSelect.com for some shortcuts. Turns out a lot of stuff you usually clean by hand, can be tossed in the dishwasher. (Although they do sell replacement parts for damaged appliances, so this could all be a ploy, but I'm sure it's legit.)

Hubcaps and Wheel Covers
Don't spend hours scrubbing off the road grime and brake dust. Run them on the pots and pans cycle for a deep cleaning.

Baseball Hats
A little dirt adds character, but when you can't see the team logo anymore, time for some cleaning. Place the hat on the top rack to help retain its shape. (Several companies also sell plastic frames you can put the hat in.) Running the normal cycle will give the hat the surface cleaning that it needs.

Keyboards
I don't want to know how your keyboard got that sticky, but... Pop out the keys and put them in the utensil container. Lay the keyboard face down on the top rack and wrap the USB connection jack tightly. Run the wash on the normal cycle. Let it all dry completely before you put the keys back on, and your keyboard will be squeaky clean and germ free.

Pet and Children's Toys
Sergeant McBarkster may be a dog, but as your best friend, he deserves to chew on a clean toy. Any toy that is hard plastic and not battery operated is dishwasher safe. Run them on the normal cycle to get rid of dirt and germs.

Plastic Flip Flops, Rubber Boots and Crocs
You're sweating in them all summer and they could use some de-funking. Add a little baking soda to the wash and not only will you cut the ground-in dirt and freshen your footwear, but you'll also give the dishwasher a deep cleaning that it needs.

Sports Equipment
Hockey padding, kneepads and shin guards can be cleaned and sterilized in the dishwasher. Just don't use detergent or the dry cycle.

Plastic, Metal and Glass Wall Shelves, Refrigerator Shelving and Storage Bins
All are dishwasher safe and can be cleaned on the normal cycle. Now you can get rid of that mysterious brown goo in the meat drawer.

Hand Tools and Garden Tools
A man is judged by the cleanliness of his tools. Providing that there isn't any rust or too much dirt built up on them, they can be washed on the normal cycle. Be sure to dry the tools when they are finished to prevent rusting.

Broom Head and Dustpan
Years of sweeping up dog hair and potato chip crumbs can take a toll on a broom. All plastic types are dishwasher safe and will be revived after a run through the normal cycle.

Household Fans
Keeps you cool in the heat, but collects dust like Brad and Angelina collect babies. Take the faceplate off and lay it on the bottom shelf. Run it on the normal cycle, dry it off and the fan will be clean and dust free.

Information provided by www.PartSelect.com, an appliance parts retailer.