Washing machines can do far more than you realize. Even when it comes to things such as oven mitts or trainers, there are many surprising items that ’tis acceptable to toss into this, your trusty washer.
Oven Mitts:
You would never think so, but those oven mitts that have seen their fair share of spills and stains can often be thrown in the washing machine. First, check the care label. If it gives the green light then toss them in with your regular load.
Sneakers:
Have the white canvas of those once beloved sports shoes turned a dingy brown? It doesn’t matter; with cleaning by machine you can give them a new lease on life. Remove the laces, place the shoes in a pillowcase, and let your machine magic.
Small Toys:
If you’ve got little ones at home, you know that their toys can get pretty grimy. My daughter’s toys get dirty so easily, I don’t even know how. Small, plastic toys can be safely cleaned in the washing machine. Just put them in a mesh laundry bag, and they’ll come out looking good as new.
Stuffed Animals:
Don’t let the children accumulate the beloved stuffed animals their parents gave them over the years. Most plush toys can handle being washed on gentle cycle in a machine. Just remember to check out the care instructions and then select low spin setting.
Backpacks:
Your backpack has been on many adventures together with you and it’s no stranger to being dirty. Many backpacks are machine-washable; just make sure that you empty out the pockets and take away any fragile articles in there. I wash my travelling backpacks like that.
Lunch Boxes.
At the bottom of these containers leftover food and stinky smell slowly gather. A quick cycle through the washing machine is all most lunchboxes need to come out clean and fresh again. Have you ever done this?
Mop Heads.
You can collect even more germs using the dirty mop head itself. Keep your floors spree free by washing your mop heads regularly. Just remember to use a hot water setting so as not to leave any bacteria behind on floor or table linens.
Reusable Grocery Bags.
Of course it’s great for the environment, these things get dirty. Machine-wash most of these and make sure you are not transferring germs with groceries.
Pet Beds:
It is important that our fuzzy companions can sleep in clean and comfortable bed. Most pet beds can be machine washed. If you’re using a laundry detergent that may not be safe for pets, remember to watch out for skin complaints next time your beloved basset hound lies down on crispy sheets Sunday afternoon.
Shower curtains
Curtains are being constantly exposed to moisture. They are prone towards mildew and mold. Fortunately, there’s a way of deep-sea cleaning them: putting the delicate cycle of your machine to work for a few hours.
Pillows:
Dust mites, sweat, and other unclean things can gather on pillows over long periods of time. Wash many pillows in the machine, and enjoy fresh bedding to get a good rest. We wash pillows in our washing machine very often, because they get stained from sweat very easily. You might not see the stain itself, but it’s there. And those kind of stains make your pillows yellow over time.
Yoga Mats:
Yoga mats tend to collect beads of perspiration and odors with frequent use. Depending on the material, a lot of yoga mats can be machine washed or at least wiped occasionally with a damp rag.
What you shouldn’t put in your washing machine:
Electronics: Never attempt to clean electronics, such as smartphones, tablets or remote controls. They’re not only costly to replace; they can be hazardous when in contact with water. And do we even need a warning to never wash electronics in a washing machine?
Delicate Fabrics: This includes silk, lace and cashmere; they can be hand washed, or sent to a dry cleaner. Amazing quality, just do not put it in the machine or you’ll ruin it. My sister ruined 2-3 of her favorite silky clothes in the washing machine.
Dry-Clean Only: If a garment is labeled “dry-clean only,” you should never try to clean it yourself. Trying to clean them at home might result in the garments losing their color or becoming damaged.
Leather + Suede: Leather and suede pieces should never see water in a washing machine. Instead, clean substances made of them with cleaning products geared to these materials. Leathers need gentle care.
Anything that has Velcro: Clothes that are designed with Velcro fasteners, such as baby clothes with a Velcro closure, can harm other fabrics in the machine. Remember to close the Velcro before washing.
Memory Foam Running Shoes: Place the shoes in a dry, warm spot after spot-cleaning or hand-washing them. Machine-washing may damage the structure of the foam.
Yes, your washing machine can handle many things!
Now you have all the information what’s needed to transform your laundry process. The washing machine is an incredibly diverse home appliance, and it can wash and clean almost anything we throw at it, which is why we love it. But the washing machine, while it may be a super hero in your laundry room, isn’t good at everything and shouldn’t get the spin on all your clothes.
So by all means, pick up that bag of tiny toys, add your sneakers, and tidy up those oven mitts. Your washing machine is up for the task and you’ll be grateful you did it. And don’t ruin those delicates with a washing machine, like my sister did. I warned you.
