10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Put in the Laundry Machine!

10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Put in the Laundry Machine!

Doing laundry can often feel like a never-ending chore, but did you know there are all sorts of household items you can actually throw in the wash along with your clothes? From cleaning your shoes to freshening up your curtains, your trusty washing machine can handle a lot more than you might think.

Read on to discover 10 surprising things you can launder at home to save time, money, and keep your whole home fresh and clean.

10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Put in the Laundry Machine: – 1

1.Backpacks and Lunchboxes

Whether it’s the remains of a messy sandwich or just general grime, backpacks and lunchboxes can get pretty dirty. The good news is, you can usually throw them right in the washing machine for a thorough clean.

Just be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions first, as some backpacks may have special cleaning requirements. For example, those with lots of straps, compartments or delicate fabrics may do better with gentle, hand-washing.

As a general rule of thumb, remove any loose items like keychains or nameplates, then wash backpacks and lunchboxes on a gentle cycle using cool water. Air dry completely before use.

2.Baseball Caps

That baseball cap you wear to the gym or on yard work days can get pretty grimy. But don’t worry, you can absolutely toss it in the washing machine to get it looking fresh again.

Simply place the cap in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to protect the shape, then wash on a gentle cycle using cool water. Avoid using the dryer, as that can cause the cap to lose its form. Instead, lay it flat or hang it to air dry.

10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Put in the Laundry Machine: – 2

3.Rugs and Doormats

Doormats and area rugs see a ton of foot traffic, so they can really benefit from a good washing every so often. You may be surprised to learn that many lightweight, machine-washable rugs and mats can go right in the washing machine.

Check the care label and opt for a gentle cycle with cool water. Avoid using the dryer, as high heat can damage the fibers. Instead, hang or lay flat to air dry completely. For larger or heavier rugs, you may need to take them to a professional cleaner.

4.Flip Flops

Those well-worn flip flops you wear all summer long can get pretty grimy. The good news is, you can actually toss them right in the washing machine to clean them up.

Simply remove any embellishments or hardware, then wash on a gentle cycle using cool water. You can even add a small amount of detergent. Avoid using the dryer, as the high heat can warp the flip flop material. Instead, let them air dry completely before wearing again.

5.Stuffed Animals

If your kids have a beloved stuffed animal that’s seen better days, don’t worry – you can usually wash it at home. Just be sure to check the care label first, as some delicate plush toys may require hand-washing.

For machine-washable stuffed animals, use the gentle cycle with cool water. You can also add a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid putting them in the dryer, as that can cause the stuffing to clump. Instead, lay the stuffed animal flat or hang it to air dry completely.

10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Put in the Laundry Machine: – 3

6.Shower Curtains

That plastic or fabric shower curtain can get pretty grimy over time, but you can freshen it up by tossing it in the washing machine.

For plastic curtains, use the gentle cycle with cool water. You may want to add a couple of clean towels to the load to prevent the curtain from getting too wrinkled. Air dry completely before hanging back up.

Fabric shower curtains can usually be washed the same way, just be sure to check the care label first. Avoid using the dryer, as high heat can damage the fabric.

7.Pillows

Over time, our trusty bed pillows can get pretty grimy with sweat, skin oils, and dust mites. The good news is, most standard pillows can be washed right at home.

Check the care label, then wash pillows on a gentle cycle using cool water. You may want to wash them two at a time to keep the washing machine balanced. Avoid using fabric softener, as that can impact the pillow’s ability to fluff back up.

Air dry the pillows completely before putting the pillowcases back on. You may need to give them a good fluff to restore their shape.

8.Window Screens

Those dusty window screens can really benefit from a good washing, and you can actually do this right in your washing machine.

First, remove the screens from the windows. Then, wash them on a gentle cycle using cool water. You may want to add a couple of clean towels to the load to help protect the screens. Avoid using the dryer, as the high heat could warp or damage the screens. Instead, lay them flat or hang to air dry completely before putting them back in the windows.

Continuing: – 4

9.Sneakers

Those well-worn sneakers you wear to the gym or for yard work can get pretty dirty. The good news is, you can usually toss them right in the washing machine for a thorough clean.

Start by removing the laces and insoles, then place the shoes in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase. Wash on a gentle cycle using cool water and a small amount of mild detergent. Avoid using the dryer, as the high heat can damage the shoes. Instead, stuff the toe boxes with clean socks or paper to help the shoes hold their shape as they air dry.

10.Curtains

Curtains can accumulate a surprising amount of dust, dirt, and grime over time. Luckily, many standard curtain panels can be washed right at home in the washing machine.

Check the care label first, then wash the curtains on a gentle cycle using cool water. You may want to wash them two panels at a time to keep the load balanced. Avoid using the dryer, as high heat can cause the fabric to shrink or wrinkle. Instead, hang or lay the curtains flat to air dry completely before re-hanging them.

The Laundry Machine is Your Friend:

As you can see, your trusty washing machine is capable of cleaning a whole lot more than just your clothes. From backpacks to baseball caps, there are all sorts of household items you can toss in for a thorough clean.

Just be sure to always check the care labels, use gentle cycles, and air dry when possible to keep your household items in tip-top shape. With a little creativity, your washing machine can become your new best friend when it comes to keeping your whole home fresh and clean.