Make life easier and wash these 20 items in your washing machine today!
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When it comes to doing laundry, it’s essential to know which items are safe to put in the washing machine and which ones are not.
While washing machines can handle many household items, there are certain non-washable items that can cause issues if they are thrown in with the rest of your laundry.
But did you know that there are also surprising household items that you can wash in the machine?
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20 Surprising Household Items You Can Wash in the Machine
Contrary to popular belief, there are several household items that you can safely wash in the washing machine.
These items can accumulate dirt, germs, and bacteria over time, and washing them in the machine ensures a thorough clean without the hassle of handwashing.
Here are some surprising household items that you can wash in the machine:
| Household Items You Can Wash In The Washing Machine |
|---|
| Mop heads |
| Bath sponges |
| Kitchen sponges |
| Stuffed animals |
| Silicone trivets |
| Oven mitts |
| Bathroom rugs |
| Small rugs |
| Car floor mats |
| Bed pillows |
| Small chair and couch pillows |
| Shower curtains and liners |
| Window curtains |
| Backpacks |
| Cloth lunch bags |
| Cloth shopping bags |
| Yoga mats |
| Baseball caps |
| Woven belts |
| Foam mousepads |
What Hand Wash Only Labels Actually Mean
Many clothing items come with hand-wash only labels, leaving us to wonder if there’s a way to safely wash them in the machine.
While some manufacturers use hand-wash only labels because they haven’t tested the garments in the washing machine, others use them to protect delicate or highly embellished items from potentially damaging wash cycles.
The temperature of the water and the agitation of the wash cycle are the main factors that can cause problems when washing certain items. You’ll also want to avoid fabric softener on some of these items to avoid damage.
Delicates like lace, beaded or sequined items, velvets, and non-washable wool can be damaged by machine washing.
However, some new washing machines offer hand-wash settings that use low temperatures, a gentle rocking action, and reduced spin speeds to make them suitable for more delicate items.
It’s important to weigh the risks and benefits before deciding whether to machine wash hand-wash only items, as any damage caused during the wash cycle is at your own risk.
| Hand-Wash Only Items | Machine Wash (Risk and Benefit Analysis) |
|---|---|
| Lace | Machine washing can damage delicate lace fabric. |
| Beaded or Sequined Items | Machine washing can cause bead or sequin loss, leading to potential damage. |
| Velvets | Machine washing can distort and flatten velvet fabric, ruining its texture. |
| Non-Washable Wool | Machine washing can cause shrinking, felting, or stretching of wool garments. |
When in doubt, it’s best to follow the hand-wash only instructions to preserve the quality and longevity of your delicate items.
Items You Should Never Put in the Washing Machine
When it comes to doing laundry, it’s important to know what should never find its way into your washing machine.
While it may be tempting to toss everything in for convenience, certain items can spell trouble for both your laundry and your machine.
To avoid a laundry problems and ensure the longevity of your garments, here are some key items you should never put in the washing machine:
- Suits: To keep your suits looking sharp, it’s best to stick to dry cleaning.
- Embellished garments: Beaded, sequined, or heavily embellished items can become damaged or lose their decorative elements in the washing machine.
- Excessive detergent: Using too much detergent can create a buildup and leave residue on your clothes. Stick to the recommended amount.
- Running sneakers with leather accents: Leather accents on sneakers can crack or warp when exposed to water and agitation. It’s best to spot clean them instead.
- Extra water: Adding excessive amounts of water to the machine can put a strain on its motor and potentially cause leaks.
- Lace garments: Machine washing lace can cause it to snag or tear. Handwashing is the way to go for these delicate pieces.
How To Keep Your Laundry Safe
By following these washing tips, you can ensure that your laundry routine is efficient, effective, and safe.
First and foremost, always check the garment labels for care instructions. Pay attention to any indications that an item is non-washable.
These labels are there for a reason and ignoring them could lead to irreversible damage. If an item is labeled as non-washable, it’s best to hand wash or dry clean it to preserve its quality.
For delicate items that are safe to machine wash, be sure to use appropriate settings on your washing machine.
Many modern washing machines offer specific cycles for delicate fabrics, such as “hand-wash” or “gentle.”
These settings typically use lower temperatures, reduced spin speeds, and gentle rocking actions to protect your clothes.
In addition to machine settings, there are a few general laundry care tips to keep in mind.
Use the right amount of detergent for each load to avoid residue buildup, and consider using a mesh laundry bag for items that are prone to tangling or snagging, like lingerie or delicate fabrics.
By following these washing tips and taking the necessary precautions, you can not only safeguard your appliances but also extend the life of your garments.
With a little extra care and attention, you can keep your laundry routine running smoothly and avoid any potential issues in the laundry room.
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