7 Surprising Things Cleaning Pros Say You Can Wash in the Washing Machine
Your washer can do more than you think.
You may be overlooking your washing machine’s potential. Sure, it’s great at freshening clothing and bedding, but pros say there are many other household things you can clean in the washing machine. Save yourself some effort and send these home essentials through the wash next time you notice they’re in need of cleaning.
Cleaning experts say you’ll want to be thoughtful about using the correct settings on your machine when you’re washing something like a stuffed animal or a pillow. We’ve outlined the specific water temperatures, detergents, and additional products you should use when you’re washing these household items. For instance, some items should be put inside a pillowcase or mesh garment bag before being tossed in the wash. Washing machines use agitation to clean, so you’ll want to protect certain textiles from damage during the wash cycle. If you’re not sure whether something can be put in the washing machine, it’s often better to try spot cleaning or hand-washing it first to avoid accidentally damaging it.
Below, cleaning experts share tips on unexpected things you can clean in the washing machine, from shower curtain liners to canvas shoes. If you’re looking to get the most out of your appliance, read up on how to clean a washing machine and the washing machine mistakes that could be shortening its lifespan.
Shower Curtain Liners
Don’t let the plastic fool you—shower curtain liners can go straight into a cold or warm, gentle wash with mild detergent. The machine’s agitation helps remove the filmy soap scum that builds up over time. Instead of tossing a grimy liner, give it a wash to extend its life and reduce plastic waste. Just be sure to air-dry it since heat can leave you with a melted mess.
Reusable Grocery Bags
If you’ve ever spilled milk or cracked an egg in a reusable grocery bag, you know how messy they can get. Over time, these bags collect crumbs, spills, and germs, so regular cleaning is key to protecting your groceries. While canvas totes are commonly washed, we have found that nylon and polyester bags hold up well in the washing machine, too. Usually, a gentle cycle and mild detergent like Woolite will do the trick, but always check the bag’s care label for washing instructions.
Canvas Shoes
Slip-on canvas shoes are usually safe to toss in the wash, too. Just pop them in a mesh garment bag first to help them keep their shape and avoid getting roughed up by the machine. A mild detergent will reduce the visibility of tough stains, such as grass and mud. It’s best to remove the shoe inserts and laces before washing and scrub them by hand with lukewarm water and dish soap. After washing a pair of HeyDudes in the washing machine, the fabric was cleaner, and the dark scuff marks on the soles of the shoes were gone.
Oven Mitts and Potholders
Goopy sauces and oils cling to oven mitts when you pull piping hot dishes from the oven. Fortunately, fabric oven mitts can often be washed in warm water on a normal or gentle cycle. If you're washing dishes nearby, you can also pretreat stains with a dollop of dish soap, such as Dawn. In my experience, a single wash cycle can effectively remove messes as tough as dried-on mac and cheese.
Bed Pillows
Wash your bed pillows every three to six months to get rid of sweat, skin cells, and dust mites. You should always check your pillow’s care label before washing, but most can go right in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with mild detergent—if the tag lists cotton, feather, down, down alternative (faux down), or fiberfill, use a gentle cold cycle. Just skip latex and memory foam pillows, since washing can ruin their shape.
Plush Toys
Beloved plush toys can get dirty quickly. If they’re tagging along with your child to the playground, backyard, or school, they’re likely to get stained from all of the adventure. Double-check that the toy does not have foam beads or electronics inside, which shouldn’t be washed. Put them inside a pillowcase, wash with mild detergent or a sanitizer, and let them air dry after the cycle.
Tub Mats
It’s important to keep mold from building up between your bathtub mat and the tub floor, ensuring you have a clean space to shower and bathe. Surprisingly, most plastic or rubber mats can be cleaned in your washing machine on a gentle cycle. It’s best to add towels to the load to keep the drum balanced and any suction cups from sticking to the machine. Give the mat a gentle spin in cold water with mild detergent and hang it to air-dry over the side of the tub or a towel rack, if possible.
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