Utilizing Your Washing Machine: What Things can Your Washer Clean?

Everybody knows the struggle of doing laundry. It’s all about dividing your clothes into different categories before placing them in the washing machine. But did you know that you can wash more than just clothes in the washing machine? That’s right, and here’s what you can wash in your washing machine:

Kitchen Sponges

Did you know that you can clean kitchen sponges in the washing machine? That’s right! All you have to do is run a quick wash using hot water to sanitize the kitchen sponges. And that’s only the beginning of things that can be cleaned in the washer.

Rugs & Mats

Rugs and mats need to be cleaned every once in a while, and that’s what the washing machine is for. You can place the rugs and mats and wash them using warm water on a gentle cycle. Keep in mind, you shouldn’t use cold or hot water because they’ll shrink.

Tip: Only wash them occasionally to avoid the backing from losing its grip.

Car Mats

You can add car mats to the list of mats that can be washed in a washing machine. Before placing them, rub off the dust outside and wash them in warm water on the gentle cycle.  However, if they’re too big or too heavy, you should go in a different cleaning direction.

Stuffed Animals & Other Toys

Stuffed animals become dusty, and other toys get dirty when constantly played with. You can clean those toys in the washing machine. If you place plastic toys in a small laundry bag or pillowcase, tie them, and wash them on low heat, then you can make sure the toys are clean.

Tip: Check the label of the stuffed animal to see if it can be washed.

Bed & Chair Pillows

To clean chairs and bed pillows, you’ll have to place them in the washing machine with fabric softener and detergent. This time, the water temperature has to be hot, but for small load settings. This helps clean the dust and dead skin off the pillows.

Shoes

Well, not all shoes can go into the washing machine, but you can add running shoes and some sneakers to a washing machine for a clean. Using warm water, your shoes will come out looking brand new. However, it’s always important to place something with them to decrease the noise.

Curtains & Shower Curtains

Shower curtains become gunky from time to time. But hold up! Don’t toss them away. Instead, you can clean them in your washing machine with a couple of towels. To clean shower curtains, you’ll need detergent and baking soda to help remove the dirty stains.

You can do the same with window curtains, but this time with warm water and regular detergent using a gentle cycle.

Yoga Mats

Well, that’s probably another thing you didn’t know can be placed in a washing machine. Using warm water, detergent, and a gentle cycle without the spin or dryer. The result? Your yoga mat will look as good as new.

The list goes on and on. There are so many things you can clean by placing them in the washing machine for a wash. However, there are a few precautions that need to be taken. You don’t want to end up making the same mistake you do with white clothing, turning them in a different color. Hence, always make sure to read about the product before placing it in the washing machine.