9 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Put in the Washer

Washing machines are nothing short of a modern marvel, making cleaning clothes a sinch. However, many people don’t utilize their machine’s full potential beyond their regular laundry run. Washing machines can clean far more than your average laundry load, including accessories, home decor, and cleaning supplies. Here are just a few of the things you can put in the washing machine.

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Backpacks

Nylon and canvas backpacks are generally machine-safe — but the trick is how you wash them. Seal the backpack inside a pillowcase or laundry bag to prevent the zippers from snagging and run through the wash on a gentle cycle. Pat away excess moisture with a towel and hang to air dry for a much fresher and cleaner bag.

Bath Mats

It’s important to clean your bath mats once a week to prevent mold and bacteria from accumulating. If your bath mat is machine washable (check the label!), place it in the washer with towels to help balance the load. Hang to dry or tumble on a low, cool setting.

Canvas Sneakers

Not all shoes are machine-safe, but canvas sneakers can be easily cleaned in the washing machine. First, remove laces and insoles, then place the shoes in the machine with towels for a balanced load. Add slightly less detergent than you would use for a regular cycle, and run on a cool, gentle cycle. Leave your shoes in air-dry in a sunny, well-ventilated area.

Yoga Mats

If you’re hesitating to rest your head on your yoga mat when easing into child’s pose, It might be time for a deep clean. Check with the manufacturer to see if your yoga mat is washing machine-safe. If it is, place your mat inside the machine, add a mild detergent, and run through a gentle cycle. Make sure to let the yoga mat completely air dry before using it — a moist yoga mat is the perfect environment for bacteria and germs.

Wool Sweaters

You might be hesitant to wash your wool sweaters at home for fear of pilling or felting, but never fear — there is a way to machine wash them without damage.  First, check to see if your washing machine has a wool setting. If it doesn’t, set your appliance to a cold temperature on a delicate cycle. Add a normal amount of mild, wool-safe detergent before washing your sweater on a single cycle. Then, lay the sweater on a flat towel to air dry.

Mop Heads

Mop heads should be washed after every use. Secure the mop head inside a laundry or lingerie bag, set your washing machine to the smallest load setting, and then run a hot water cycle with detergent to thoroughly kill all the bacteria. 

Shower Curtains

Shower water isn’t enough to sterilize plastic shower curtains. Putting them in the washing machine will help remove build-up, mildew, and mold. Put the curtain in the washing machine on a warm and delicate cycle, and add one-eighth of a normal amount of detergent and 1 cup of white distilled vinegar to kill mold. Once the wash is complete, place the curtain back on its rings and let air dry.

Pet Bed Covers

Cleaning up after pets can feel like an endless task — but thankfully, you can let your washer do the heavy lifting. Remove the outside cover and vacuum the pet bed to remove any excess dirt or pet hair. Use a combination of a high-temperature setting and a non-toxic, pet-safe detergent to kill harmful bacteria. Once the wash cycle is complete, run the bed cover through a second cycle without soap to remove any leftover detergent. Finally, leave the cover to air dry or tumble dry on a low heat setting.

Puffer Coats

It is possible to safely wash puffer coats in the washing machine while retaining their shape. Simply set the washing machine to a cold temperature with low spin and add a detergent specifically made for down products. After washing, place your coat in the dryer for around an hour on the lowest heat setting. Add three clean tennis balls to help pound the jacket into shape as it dries. 

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