Did you know that your washing machine can do much more than just clean clothes, bedsheets, and curtains? It actually has the ability to clean a wide variety of items (some you might never have even imagined).
Here are the 13 "surprising" (both small and large things) that you can safely clean in your washing machine without any fear of damage.
- To get the best results use a high-efficiency washer:
- Turn off the center agitator,
- Use gentle cycles
- Keep the water at the optimal temperature
- Skip the heat of the cloth dryer
- And use a high-quality detergent without bleach.
1. Reusable Grocery Bags
Reusable Grocery Bags, regardless of their quality, end up being stained or contaminated with dirt and germs.
Especially, if you frequently use them to carry Meat, Fish, Cheese, or canned goods.
If your grocery bag has an instruction label on it, do follow the instruction on how to launder. However, if there aren't any instructions given.
Then simply throw these reusable grocery bags into the washing machine. Add mild detergent and opt for gentle cycles that will make your grocery bag new again.
2. Patio Chair Cushions
After facing all types of weather conditions and more frequent use, dust, and dirt start to accumulate inside the Patio Chair Cushions start to get dirty and develop an unpleasant smell.
So before you get frustrated and throw them away, simply place them inside your washing machine, and give them a thorough wash using cold water on a gentle cycle. Then hang them outside and let them dry completely.
For even better results, we recommend tackling stains first using a potent stain remover.
3. Rubber-Backed Rugs
Rubber-Backed Rugs are famous for being non-slip properties on hardwood floors, but it's inevitable for them to get dirty over time. Fortunately, these rugs can handle occasional washing, including in a washing machine.
Just be cautious about using hot water (as it can negatively impact the longevity of the rug) instead use tap water.
Additionally, be mindful of your washing machine's agitator. The agitator can be pretty aggressive and can cause potential damage to the rug.
For best results, Cozyzar suggests adding rug softener and detergent in measured quantities with tap water, then placing the rug in the machine with the fur side facing down.
Keep the spinning speed moderate (to prevent any extra agitation).
After 1-2 cycles, take out the rug and hang it outside to get the most benefits.
4. Shower Curtain Liners
Another thing you might be surprised to hear, are “Shower Curtain Liners”. These essential bathroom accessories fall victim to hard water stains, soap residue, and moisture which then leads to mildew growth.
To keep them clean and looking new, take the shower curtain off the rings, select the delicate cycle and warm water setting, and simply place your shower curtain in your washing machine.
Once the cycle is complete, hang your curtain back on the rod to air dry.
5. Yoga, and Outdoor Mats
Are you going aggressive with your yoga routine? Then it's most likely that your yoga mat will start to show signs of dirt, sweat, and general wear and tear.
But why do the effort of handwashing when your washing machine can do the job for you?
Yes, you heard right! You can give it a quick wash using regular detergent with lukewarm water and skip the spin cycle.
After cleaning, lay them flat outside or inside a well-ventilated space. This will not only make them look new but also make them more hygienic as well.
6. Small Toys
It's no secret that children's toys and stuffed animals get dirty in the blink of an eye, thanks to the endless hours of playtime they endure.
Fortunately, you can easily clean and sanitize these toys without any effort. Simply gather up a batch of toys in a pillowcase and secure the top with a rubber band, then place them inside your washing machine or dryer while using low heat.
Avoid washing rubber toys or anything with small parts and batteries.
7. Sneakers
If your favorite sneakers reached the pinnacle of dirtiness and bad odors, then your washing machine is more than capable of reviving them!
Remove the laces and place them inside a mess bag and secure the top. Then place two big towels inside the machine to add some cushion, and keep them from banging around and making noise.
While washing avoids using any bleach or strong chemical-containing detergent. After cleaning let the shoe air dry completely.
8. Backpacks and Gym Bags
After countless adventures and encounters with dirt, smoke, sweat, and pretty nasty surfaces like public bathrooms and benches. Backpacks, start looking dingy.
However, cleaning backpacks, whether it's your kid’s school bag or your gym bag, handwashing can be a tedious task.
But to clean it in the washing machine, simply unzip all the pockets, turn them inside out and put and put them directly inside with warm water and detergent.
Then hang them outside for faster drying and increased freshness.
9. Bed pillows
Nothing seems to get dirty as much as bed pillows do, gathering everything from dust, dead skin cells, and dust mites.
To clean and disinfect your bed pillows, throw each of them with fabric softener and your regular detergent. Use hot water and switch to the small load setting.
After cleaning, dry them completely and fluff them in the dryer.
However, If your pillow can be washed, you should wash it every 3 to 6 months.
10. Belts
The Wooven Belts can also be washed inside the washing machine. These belts can withstand washing, but we recommend placing them inside a mesh bag so that the buckles or embellishments from potentially damaging the interior of the machine.
But don’t try washing leather belts in the washing machine.
11. Car Mats
Just like rugs and bathroom mats, your car mats can also benefit from the washing machine as well (and trust me, they’ll look so much better after cleaning in the washer).
Before tossing your car mats into the washer, it's essential to keep a few things in mind.
First, ensure that your car's floor mats are not excessively large and heavy. Oversized mats may not fit properly or could cause an imbalance in the washing machine.
Secondly, give them a vigorous shake or beat them against a hard surface to loosen and remove any loose dirt or debris to make things easier for your washer.
12. Pet Beds
Keeping your pet's bed clean is vital for their comfort and hygiene. However, washing pet beds is a breeze, if it has removable covers. Vacuum the surface to keep pet hairs out of your laundry. Then, simply wash them and put them in the dryer to dry completely.
However, if it doesn’t have a removable cover then make sure the bedding base cushion is machine-washable. Then, wash both the fabric lining and the cushion in the machine and let it dry swiftly before returning the bed to your pet.
13. Mouse pad
Whether you’re a graphic designer or a hardcore gamer (just like me!), you might have found your mouse pad getting very dirty and dull.
To make them clean as new, simply toss the mouse pad inside the washer in a load set on the gentle cycle with warm water. Then air dries it.
Practical Tips For Washing Unconventional Items In Washing Machine
Tip #1: Make sure to check if there are any instructions given by the manufacturer about cleaning it in the washing machine by reading the laundry symbols .
Some items and materials just shouldn’t go in the washing machine
Tip #2: Use a minimal amount of gentle detergent when washing unconventional items and avoid detergents that contain chlorine bleach or other chemicals that could potentially cause discoloration.
Tip #3: If the item is heavily soiled, it's best to give it a thorough shake before washing. Additionally, take it outside the rinse it thoroughly with tap water.
Tip #4: When washing small items like toys and sneakers, place 2 or 3 big towels to provide cushioning and prevent the items from bouncing around and making noise.
Tip #5: Protect delicate items by using a mesh bag or an old pillowcase before tossing them in the washing machine.
Tip #6: To combat odors, utilize the power of baking soda in the laundry by adding half a cup to each load directly into the drum. Or add a few drops of vinegar as a cleaner.
