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Do you know what you can and cannot wash in the washing machine? Believe it or not, there are a lot of things that you can clean in there! In this blog post, we will list 10 surprising items that you can toss in the wash.
So before you go ahead and throw your clothes in the laundry basket, be sure to check this list to see if you can save some time by washing them in the machine!
Benefits of Washing Items in the Machine
Doing laundry can be a tedious chore, so it is essential to have an efficient way to get the job done. Washing items in the machine offers several benefits, both time- and money-saving. This method of laundering eliminates hours spent scrubbing clothes by hand - or waiting in line at a laundromat.
It also conserves water versus manual washing, reducing utility bills and helping the environment. Machine washing has become increasingly advanced as well, providing different types of settings and cycles for specific fabrics, controlling temperatures more selectively than traditional methods. By taking advantage of this technology, individuals can comfortably perform laundry tasks with minimal effort and expense.
10 Surprising Things You Can Wash In the Washing Machine
1. Plastic toys:
Toys can be a major source of germs and dirt, so washing them in the machine is an easy way to keep them clean. Just set your washer on a gentle cycle with no detergent and place the toys inside an old pillowcase or mesh bag.
2. Purses:
Purses often collect dust, dirt, dried mud, and anything else that you’re carrying around. To keep your purse looking like new, place them in a mesh bag or pillowcase and set the washing machine to a gentle cycle with no detergent.
3. Shoes:
While some shoes can survive a spin in the washer, other materials might be damaged by the agitation. Be sure to look up the care instructions for your shoes before throwing them into the wash. You can also add a few towels or tennis balls to help protect any delicate details.
4. Yoga mats:
To give your yoga mat an extra level of cleanliness, set the washer to a gentle cycle with no detergent and place the mat inside a mesh bag or pillowcase. Air-dry the mat after it comes out of the washing machine for the best results.
5. Pet beds:
To keep your pet’s bedding clean and free from germs, place it in a mesh bag or pillowcase and set the washer on a gentle cycle with no detergent. Be sure to air-dry the bed afterward for the best results.
6. Pet toys:
Just like plastic toys, pet toys can be a major source of germs and dirt. To keep them clean, place them in a mesh bag or pillowcase and set your washer to a gentle cycle with no detergent.
7. Stuffed animals:
Plush toys can be washed in the washing machine to keep them free from germs and dirt. Place them in a mesh bag or pillowcase, set your washer to a gentle cycle with no detergent, and air-dry afterward for best results.
8. Baseball caps:
To give your baseball cap a thorough clean, use a gentle cycle with no detergent and place the cap in an old pillowcase to protect it from any potential damage.
9. Backpacks:
To get your backpack looking like new, set the washer to a gentle cycle with no detergent and make sure to air-dry the bag afterward.
10. Slippers:
If your slippers are looking a bit worse for wear, place them in an old pillowcase and set the washer to a gentle cycle with no detergent. Make sure to air-dry the slippers afterward for the best results.
Reminders for Safe Washing in the Machine
1. Always check the care labels on your clothing before putting them into the wash. This will ensure that you use proper water temperature and detergents to get the best results while minimizing the risk of damage.
2. Separate white and colored clothes before washing them. This will help prevent colors from running or fading into each other, thus preserving the quality of your clothing over time.
3. Always use an appropriate amount of detergent based on the instructions on the packaging as well as how dirty the clothes are. Too little detergent won’t get your clothing clean, while too much detergent can cause excess suds and residue to remain on the clothes.
4. If you are washing delicate fabrics or items that may be prone to damage, use a protective mesh bag to keep them safe during the wash cycle.
5. Don’t overload your washing machine. Too many items in the machine at once can keep clothes from getting clean and prevent water and detergent from properly circulating.
6. Be sure to check pockets for small objects such as coins, buttons, or other materials before putting them into the washer. Any of these items could damage your clothing or even cause harm to the machine itself.
7. If you are adding any fabric softeners, be sure to use the appropriate amount according to the instructions on the packaging. Too much can leave residue on your clothing and cause them to become stiff or uncomfortable.
Conclusion
Using your washing machine to clean items such as clothes, shoes, pet beds and toys can save you time and effort. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks in order to get the best results while protecting your clothing and other fabrics.
Always follow care labels on clothing, separate whites from colors, use an appropriate amount of detergent based on how dirty the items are, and consider using protective mesh bags for delicate fabrics or items that may be prone to damage.
