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While pillows are usually covered with pillowcases, they still gather dust, oils, and dead skin cells. As such, putting bed pillows in the washing machine is an efficient way to sanitize them. Use a cool or warm water and a mild detergent.
Reusable cloth shopping bags can get a bit grimy from time to time. Just place them in the washer for a deep clean.
Mouse mats are seldom washed, but they do get really dirty. Put them in the washer and run a gentle cycle with warm water to get rid of all the germs. Let them air dry afterward.
You can wash some sneakers in the washing machine. Just make sure you remove the insoles and place the laces in a mesh bag before you do so. Cold water and a gentle cycle will do. No need to spin them after the wash.
Stuffed animals can be put in the washer. Just watch out for those with glued-on details, which might come off. Use cold water and give them a second rinse to remove all soap residue. Let them air dry.
Yoga mates can be washed in the washing machine. Just put them on a gentle cycle with warm water. Skip the spin and let them air dry.
Yes, you can give your paint roller a good wash in the washing machine! Just make sure you rinse off any paint first and, of course, detach it from the handle. Run a quick or delicate wash cycle.
Mop heads can be washed in hot water. Just make sure you wash it separately from your clothes.
Woven belts can be easily washed in the washing machine. Just make sure they don't have any materials, like leather, that could get damaged.
Car floor mats can go in the washer. Remove any excess dirt and then run them through a gentle cycle with warm water.
If you carry your backpack regularly, then you should be washing it regularly, too. Turn it inside out and wash it in cold water on a gentle cycle.
Just like with backpacks, these, too, can go in the washer. Just turn them inside out, add a mild detergent, and wash on a gentle cycle.
Most oven mitts and potholders can be washed on a warm cycle in the washing machine. However, for those made of silicone, the dishwasher is a much better option.
Yes, you can put these in the washer! In fact, some people do so to make towels and comforters fluffier.
Shower curtains can safely be washed in the washing machine using a warm water setting. Just skip the spin and rinse cycles.
Kitchen sponges are full of germs, so sanitizing them in the washing machine is a good idea!
Sleep masks are in contact with your face for hours every night, so they should be washed regularly. Place them in a mesh bag and run a gentle cycle with cold water.
Curtains are often made of cotton, polyester, or other materials, like rayon. These are usually all safe to put in the washing machine in a warm water cycle with regular detergent.
Comforters can be bulky, so it's best to wash them separately. Cold or warm water is recommended to avoid damaging the comforter's filling. An extra rinse is also a good idea to remove any detergent residue.
Sleeping bags are similar to comforters, and they, too, can be put in the washing machine. Most can also be put in the tumble dryer, but it's best to read the instructions first.
Car seat covers for people or pets accumulate a lot of dirt, but fortunately, they can be put in the washer. Wash them with warm water and a mild detergent. Let them air dry afterward.
If your chair and couch pillows are small enough, you can put them in the washer, just like your bed pillows.
And if your couch cushions have removable covers, they can also be thrown in the washing machine.
If you own a travel pillow, it's a good idea to wash it after a trip. Put it straight in the washing machine on a delicate cycle with warm water and mild detergent.
Dog beds can get really dirty, but luckily, you can put your pooch's bed in the washer. You can use the same setting you use for pillows. Just make sure the bed doesn't have any cardboard inside before you do so.
Small rugs and mats can go in the washer. Use warm water and a gentle cycle to avoid potential damage.
The same goes for bath mats. These, however, are usually made of cotton and can be safely washed at higher temperatures.
Cotton, polyester, and wool gloves can be placed in the washer. Just don't add leather ones to your cycle! The temperature and cycle type will depend on the type of fabric. For gloves with glued-on bits, it's always best to use cold or warm water.
Washcloths and dishtowels can be sanitized in the dishwasher. Those made of cotton are safe to wash with hot water, but microfiber cloths require a more gentle approach and cooler temperatures.
You can get rid of all the germs in bath sponges and loofahs by putting them in the washing machine.
Sources: (Reader's Digest) (CNET)
See also: How often you should be washing these everyday items
Most of us have washing machines at home and those who don't usually do their laundry at a laundromat. We're used to tossing in clothes, bed sheets, and towels, but did you know there are many more items you can clean in the washer? From household items to pet accessories and car-related gear, many things don't have to be washed by hand.
Curious? Click on to find out what you can put in the washing machine!
Things you never knew you could put in the washing machine
You don't have to hand wash these items!
LIFESTYLE Home hacks
Most of us have washing machines at home and those who don't usually do their laundry at a laundromat. We're used to tossing in clothes, bed sheets, and towels, but did you know there are many more items you can clean in the washer? From household items to pet accessories and car-related gear, many things don't have to be washed by hand.
Curious? Click on to find out what you can put in the washing machine!
Curious? Click on to find out what you can put in the washing machine!