Your washing machine may be used to clean shower curtains, backpacks, dog beds, footwear, and more.
To be honest, your hands would be pruned for life if you had to scrub or hand-wash everything. The most effective technique to do all of your cleaning? Go to the laundry room and give as much of the nasty work as you can to the washing machine. These are a few things you can put in your washing machine right now.
Cushions
Did you know that in order to get rid of mildew, bacteria, and odors, pillows should be washed every three to six months? The majority of pillows, whether they are composed of synthetic materials like polyester or natural fibers like down, can be machine-washed. Since pillows in top-loading washers have a tendency to float and stay dry in certain areas, it is recommended to use a front-loading washer.
Covers for Cushions and Slipcovers
Sheep, cotton, linen, hemp, denim, and jeans are usually machine washable. As directed on the label, hang until barely moist. Reposition on furniture to allow wrinkling to disappear. If they have mildewed, give them a quick rinse in hot water with oxygen bleach, let them dry in the sun, give them a regular wash, and let them air dry before repeating the process.
Pet Beds
Fido, after all, requires a tidy place to sleep at night. Make sure the base cushion for your bedding can be machine washed first. Next, give the cushion and the fabric liner a machine wash. Washing these two items apart from the rest of your laundry is recommended, unless the colors of the laundry are similar.
Backpacks and Tote Bags
A functional backpack needs to be cleaned, whether it has been used for mountain hiking or for commuting to and from school. Canvas bags respond well to this cleaning method; make sure to spot test the bag for discoloration first and look for the phrase “machine-washable” on the tag. Don’t forget to take out the pockets, flip it inside out, and take out any embellishments like pins, patches, and key chains. After a gentle cycle of warm water washing, lay flat to dry.
Athletic Gear
Fabric-lined protective gear such as kneepads, elbow pads, and shin guards require a thorough cleaning after a game. Close zippers and velcro straps before throwing these goods in the washer to minimize snagging, and use a tepid cycle to avoid ruining the products’ structural integrity.
Sneakers
Are you able to clean sneakers in a washing machine? To degrease your kicks, untie the laces and place the shoes in the washing machine with a few towels (to absorb impact and reduce noise) to prevent them from hitting the drum. Rinse with cold water and let it air dry. Additionally, you can zip laces into a mesh bag and discard of them. If they are extremely filthy, quickly scrub them down with a toothbrush dipped in a solution of water and distilled white vinegar. After that, let it air dry.
Carpets and Mats
The foot traffic areas closest to your front door and hallway collect the most dirt, so it’s critical to keep the protective mats and rugs you place in these places clean. Depending on the material, these items will require varying cleaning instructions, but in general, machine-washable throw rugs and runners can be cleaned with your weekly laundry load. Most can go in, save from sisal and natural weaves.
Verify the label, wash in cold water (alone, if extremely soiled or sandy), and let it air dry. Avoid doing this too frequently if it has a rubber backing since you may harm it.
Mats for Yoga
Additionally, we include yoga mats in our definition of mats. It is acceptable to deep clean and get rid of extra water from rubber ones by running them through a cycle with spin. After that, air-dry indoors or outside the sun. Consult the manufacturer for other materials.
Shower Curtain
When was the last time your shower curtain was cleaned? Each season begins with a good suds for your liner. Use warm water to clean vinyl, nylon, cotton, hemp, and even plastic items. Check the label for the dosage and soak for a few hours in diluted oxygen bleach, such as OxiClean, to destroy mildew. To dry, hang back up on the rod.
Stuffed Animals
Even though your kids adore them a lot, filth and bacteria make stuffed toys look less than desirable. You can throw in soft toys as long as there aren’t any excessive embellishments sewed on the outside or musical gear inside the stuffing, though passing extra-plush toys through the machine isn’t advised.
Winter Scarves and Hats
Hats and scarves collect body oils that can damage their fabric, much like other objects that come into contact with your skin and hair. Like practically everything else in your wardrobe, try to clean them after three or so wears. You guessed it: they should be washed on a mild cycle inside a mesh bag that fits tightly.
Table Cloths
Without a doubt, you may use the washing machine to give your cherished table linens a fresh look. Prior to proceeding, promptly apply a small amount of dish soap to any stains on linens, place mats, or cloth napkins. Because hot air can set stains, wash in a regular cold-water cycle, tug to loosen creases, and let air dry.
Cloths Made of Microfiber
Only use other microfiber clothes to launder them. They will attract all the lint from cotton goods like moths to a flame if you combine them with cotton products. After shaking off extra dust or debris, wash in warm water.
Pot Supports
If a mitt has an extraordinary amount of kitchen grease on it—for instance, dipping into the lasagna pan as you took supper out of the oven—throw them in with other items of the same hue. If that’s the case, use distilled white vinegar as a spray, then wash and dry normally.