12 Things You Didn’t Know You Can Wash In Your Washing Machine!
When it comes to doing laundry, we often limit our washing machine’s use to clothes, towels, and linens. However, you’ll be amazed to discover that your trusty washing machine can clean more than just garments.
From household items to personal belongings, there are numerous items that can be safely washed in your machine, saving you time and effort. In this article, we will explore 12 surprising things you probably didn’t know you can wash in your washing machine. Let’s dive in!
Stuffed Animals
Children’s favorite companions can accumulate dust, dirt, and germs over time. Thankfully, many stuffed animals can be safely washed in the machine. Place them in a mesh laundry bag and set the machine to a gentle cycle with cold water.
Use a mild detergent and skip the fabric softener. After washing, air-dry or use a low heat setting in the dryer.
Yoga Mats
Yoga mats endure sweat, dirt, and bacteria during intense workouts. To freshen them up, toss your yoga mat in the washing machine. Check the care label to ensure it’s machine washable. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent.
Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners. Once washed, hang it to air-dry completely before rolling it back up.
Baseball Caps
Baseball caps can lose their shape and become sweaty and grimy over time. However, most caps can be easily cleaned in the washing machine. Place them in a mesh laundry bag to protect their structure and wash on a delicate cycle using cold water.
Avoid using harsh detergents or bleach. After washing, reshape the cap and allow it to air-dry.
Shower Curtains
Shower curtains often accumulate soap scum, mildew, and mold. To freshen them up, remove the curtain from its hooks and place it in the washing machine. Add a few towels to the load for extra agitation. Use warm water and a mild detergent.
Adding a cup of white vinegar can help remove stubborn stains and odors. Hang the curtain to dry before rehanging it in the bathroom.
Canvas Sneakers
Dirty canvas sneakers can be easily cleaned in the washing machine. Remove the laces and place them inside a pillowcase or a mesh laundry bag. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Avoid using bleach.
Once washed, allow them to air-dry naturally. Avoid using direct heat sources, as they can damage the canvas material.
Pet Beds
Your furry friend’s bed can become a breeding ground for dirt, hair, and odors. Check the care label to ensure it’s machine washable, then remove the cover and put it in the machine. Use a gentle cycle with warm water and a pet-friendly detergent.
Avoid using fabric softeners or dryer sheets that may irritate your pet’s skin. Air-dry the cover thoroughly before reassembling the bed.
Dish Towels and Pot Holders
Dish towels and pot holders are exposed to various food stains, grease, and germs. They can be easily refreshed in the washing machine. Separate them from your regular laundry and wash on a hot water setting with a regular detergent.
Add white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help remove stubborn smells. After washing, tumble dry or hang them to air-dry.
Backpacks
Backpacks often endure rough handling and can get dirty and smelly. Most backpacks, except those with fragile components, can be washed in the machine. Remove any removable parts or accessories and place the backpack in a pillowcase or a mesh laundry bag.
Use a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Air-dry the backpack completely before using it again.
Shower Loofahs
Loofahs are great for exfoliating, but they can also harbor bacteria and dead skin cells. To keep them clean, toss them in the washing machine. Place them in a mesh laundry bag and wash on a hot water cycle.
Add a small amount of bleach or white vinegar to kill bacteria. Air-dry the loofahs thoroughly before using them again.
Small Rugs and Mats
Small rugs and mats, such as bathroom mats or doormats, can accumulate dirt and grime over time. Many of them are machine washable. Shake off any loose dirt, and check the care label for specific instructions.
Use a gentle cycle with warm water and a mild detergent. Avoid using fabric softeners. Hang or lay flat to air-dry completely before placing them back in their intended location.
Shower Caps
Shower caps protect your hair from getting wet, but they can also collect sweat and oil. Most shower caps are machine washable. Place them in a mesh laundry bag and wash on a delicate cycle with cold water. Avoid using harsh detergents or bleach.
After washing, hang the shower cap to air-dry completely before using it again.
Outdoor Cushion Covers
Outdoor cushion covers are exposed to the elements and can become dirty and stained. Check the care label to ensure they are machine washable. Remove the covers and wash them on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent.
Use a fabric protector spray after washing to enhance their resistance to stains and water. Air-dry the covers before putting them back on the cushions.
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