When we think of using the washing machine, we immediately think of washing clothes, towels, and other fabrics. But why should we think so small? We can put countless things we should wash in the washing machine and things that we probably should do regularly… even if we don’t! All types of items we use in our daily lives can be washed in the washing machine. You can wash sports equipment, household items, backpacks, and even shoes in a washing machine. Especially during cold and flu season, it’s important to ensure items are free of germs and viruses. A large percentage of illness is transmitted from touching unclean surfaces or objects, so the more you can wash the better!
Spills Don’t Have to Mean the End
Plus, so many things we use daily just simply get dirty from living life! Getting dirt on or spilling something that you may not initially think can get washed doesn’t have to be the end of it.
Helpful Hits on Washing in a Washing Machine
Here is a helpful list of surprising things that you can put in the washing machine that you may never have known or never have tried!
- Lunch Bags- Since we often use our hands to eat lunch, it’s important that we wash our lunch bags so that we don’t spread illness, dirt, or germs to our hands before we eat.
- Stuffed Animals- A child’s stuffed animal can carry plenty of dirt and germs. They are always putting toys in their mouths. Giving it a bath in the washing machine every now and then can go a long way.
- Bath and Kitchen Mats- The mats we keep in our kitchens and bathrooms can gather dirt easily. They are completely washable in the washing machine for a quick refresh.
- Pillow Covers- One thing we often forget to wash is couch pillow covers! They are used practically every day and can be a big source of germs and dust. Unzip the pillow and throw the cover right in.
- Backpacks- Our backpacks often get thrown around, placed on the ground, and go through a lot. Throw your backpack in the washing machine for a quick wash (but make sure to empty and fully check it before you throw it in).
- Canvas Shoes- Shoes can take a beating in a short amount of time and quickly start to look dirty and grimy. But with the right shoes, you can throw them in the washing machine and they’ll come back to life.
- Shower Curtains- Even though the shower is where we go to get clean, the shower curtain can build up mold and mildew very quickly! Instead of throwing it out and starting over, throw your shower curtain in the washing machine.
- Reusable Shopping Bags- Since it is where we put our food on our way back from the supermarket, it’s obvious why your reusable shopping bags need to be clean.
- Baseball Hats- The hats we wear, especially in the summertime, can get dirty and sweaty. If they aren’t a structured hat you can throw them in the wash.
- Kids Toys- One of the best-kept secrets is being able to wash kids’ toys in the washing machine. Get yourself a mesh bag that closes, put the toys inside, and wash them on a cold setting. It’s an instant life hack!
- Sports Equipment/Pads- Not all sports equipment can be washed, but most pads can be. Knee, elbow, shoulder, shin pads, and several others can be washed.
- Car Mats- Just like kitchen and bath mats, car mats are washable too. Car mats get stepped on with dirty shoes and are often in need of a refresh.
Many other things can go in the washing machine, but hopefully, this list will help you gain some inspiration and ideas! Some items are too big to fit in a home washing machine, so visit our Hunting Park location for larger washers and dryers.
What Can’t be Washed in a Washing Machine
You can also learn more about what can and cannot be washed by reading the label, and if you need additional help with what the icons on labels mean, you can read our blog explaining those icons here!