Washing machines are essential appliances in households and powerful tools for deep cleaning. They are commonly used to wash clothes, towels, and bedding. However, they can do much more than you might imagine. Let’s explore some unexpected uses for your washing machine.
Before cleaning any items, it is important to check the care label for water temperature, washing instructions, and drying recommendations to avoid causing costly or irreversible damage.
According to information provided by “The Washington Post” and appliance manufacturer Whirlpool, besides the usual laundry tasks, washing machines can perform seven additional functions.
Reusable bags are great for reducing waste, but if not cleaned regularly, they can harbor bacteria, potentially compromising health.
Alicia Sokolowski, President and Co-CEO of AspenClean, suggests tossing reusable bags into the washing machine to keep them fresh. This simple method helps remove dirt, spills, and lingering odors.
It is best to wash these items at the highest water temperature they can withstand and clean them at least once a month.
When shoes get dirty, many people opt for hand washing. However, your washing machine can also be a handy tool.
According to Whirlpool’s website, shoes made of canvas, nylon, cotton, or polyester can often be safely cleaned in the washing machine. These materials are durable and not typically damaged by laundry detergent.
Before starting the cleaning process, it is important to review the care instructions for the shoes to understand washing recommendations.
While some shoes are suitable for machine washing, others, such as leather, suede, rubber, vinyl, or those with embellishments, require hand washing or specialized care. It is not recommended to wash them in the washing machine.
Plastic liners and fabric shower curtains can be washed in the washing machine to remove soap scum and mold. Sokolowski suggests adding a few extra towels to increase scrubbing power while cleaning.
It is important to avoid using a washing machine with an agitator to clean plastic liners to prevent damage.
“Cotton or microfiber mattress pads can typically be washed with warm water and a mild detergent,” says Rechelle Balanzat, Founder and CEO of Juliette.
Experts recommend washing pet beds every two to four weeks to prevent odors. When cleaning pet items, it is advised to avoid scented products, including detergents, stain removers, and deodorizing sprays or powders. Before washing, vacuum the bed to remove pet hair and dander; use unscented detergent and wash at the highest water temperature the bed can tolerate.
In addition to washing pet clothes in the washing machine, pet collars, leashes, etc., can also be machine washed. Use a mesh laundry bag to contain these accessories to prevent tangling with other items. Always use unscented laundry products for pet items.
Balanzat notes that most synthetic materials and down pillows can be gently washed in the machine with a mild detergent. Wash two pillows at a time to balance the machine, and use dryer balls to help fluff the pillows and prevent clumping.
It is important to note that memory foam pillows are not suitable for machine washing.
Small plastic toys like LEGO bricks or action figures can be washed in the washing machine. It is important to place them in a laundry bag and pad the drum with towels or other large items to protect and dampen noise!
Stuffed animals can also be machine washed. Before washing, place them in a laundry bag for added protection inside the machine.