9 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Clean In Your Washing Machine

The washing machine is undoubtedly one of our most valued household appliances – especially if you’ve got a big family. We always associate washing machine with clothes, bedsheets and curtains, as often that’s what washing machines are primarily used to clean. But did you know that there are so many other things from around your house that can be cleaned in a washing machine? Not to worry, because we’re here to hopefully broaden your horizon by listing some other household items that you can clean in your washing machine.

#1 Shower Curtains

While most of us are aware that curtains can be washed in a machine (if you didn’t, now you know), this is also true of shower curtains. In fact, shower curtains can be more prone to visible dirt due to them being in close proximity to the yucky stuff that we drag into the shower on a daily or bi-daily basis. But instead of sitting there scrubbing them clean, just stick them into your machine on a cold cycle. If you have any other bath mats lying about, why not stick them in too and get the most out of the cycle?

#2 Blankets Used By Pets

Just because our furry pals don’t seem to mind, doesn’t mean it’s good for them to sleep in dirty, bacteria-ridden blankets. While hoovering these blankets gets rid of the hair, it doesn’t keep them clean. To do that, simply brush or suck up all the hairs off the blanket, and then stick it into the machine and put it on a warm cycle with some gentle detergent. If you’re worried about your pet’s hairs getting stuck in the machine, and getting washed around with your next cycle, then simply run a rinse cycle after the blanket has been washed. This will definitely get rid of the hairs and leave your machine ready for human stuff.

#3 Mop Heads

Ever wondered how mop heads get clean? We’ll forgive you if the thought hadn’t crossed your mind. After all, mops are meant for cleaning. But as Plato famously exclaimed: who cleans the cleaners?  Something like that anyway. While cleaning a mop head after every use can be pretty annoying, why not pop it in a laundry bag, stick it into the washing machine for a warm wash, and then hang it up to dry? Take that, Plato!

#4 Car Mats

This is one to do irregularly, as mats with rubber backing can be damaged if they are washed too much. Wash them every few months.

#5 Cushion Covers

Cushion covers can become a bacteria hotspot – especially if you’ve got cats and dogs that like to go outdoors, and like to make themselves comfy on your furniture. So get rid of the problem by regularly washing your cushion covers in a cold cycle with washing powder.

#6 Cuddly Toys

They’re cute, cuddly and simply adorable at first; but when left with a small child, a stuffed toy can soon become a grime-y imitation of their once immaculate self. To clean them, just stick them in either a mesh washing bag (or even a pillowcase) and put them on a cold cycle. With that being said, any toys that are stuffed with beads or foam balls should be hand-washed. If they burst in the machine, they could send their innards tumbling into the machine and causing all sorts of problems that would require us at Repair Aid to come and sort out.

#7 Pillows

Speaking of pillow cases, did you know pillows are also fair game when it comes to washing machines? They collect all sorts of dirt, drool and dead skin cells from us so they need a good clean to stop bacteria from spreading. Just stick them into the machine with some regular detergent and put the machine on a warm cycle, followed by a spin cycle. However, when it comes to drying, you’ll want to keep them nice and fluffy for a good night’s sleep. To do that, put in a small ball within a sock. This’ll bash the pillow around and stop it from becoming stiff.

#8 Sporty Stuff

We’re not talking shirts, shorts or socks; rather, we’re talking of padding for your joints, shin guards, goalie gloves and shoes. As they are likely to house a lot of sweat and dirt, it’s a good idea to clean them with regularity.

#9 Backpacks And Rucksacks

Due to them being made of cloth or canvas, most bags can be machine washed – including canvas bags and re-usable shopping bags! Just make sure to turn them inside out as this is likely where any dirt is stored. Just stick them on a warm water wash, use regular detergent and leave them to dry.