The washing machine runs daily in some households, and yet few of us are taking full advantage. You can clean a lot more than just clothes in there. From bedding and tote bags to fluffy toys, all kinds of items can be refreshed at the press of a button, saving you a lot of time and effort if you usually wash by hand – or, indeed, money if you resort to the dry cleaners.
Want to know where you’re missing out? We’ve found 11 things you might not know are machine-washable, so you can start getting more from your machine.
The dos and don’ts of washing machines
HERE ARE THE BAD HABITS TO BREAK WITH WASHING MACHINES
THIS IS WHAT SHOULDN’T GO IN YOUR WASHING MACHINE
WHEN (AND WHEN NOT) TO USE THE QUICK WASH SETTING
1. Pet collars
Pet collars will gradually get coated in body oils, grease and drool. Plus, there’s the muddy outdoor elements to consider as well. Because of this, you’ll want to wash it occasionally to keep your pooch smelling fresh and to keep bacteria to a minimum. If the collar is made from fabric, it might be machine-washable; check with the care label to confirm.
If it’s good to go in the washing machine, place it in a mesh laundry bag to prevent damage and use a pet-safe laundry detergent so as not to agitate your pet, such as Pro-Kleen Pet Bedding Laundry Detergent. To make the most of the drum space, why not throw in your pet’s beds and blankets at the same time? (More on this later!)
2. Tote bags
Reusable tote bags are something a lot of us carry to the shops. But, when something spills, it can be difficult to fully remove the stain, not to mention the lingering smell. Thankfully, these can usually go in the washing machine, although you might need to use a delicate cycle and a mesh laundry bag to prevent damage. Hand-washing may be a best if it’s printed or contains reinforced lining (check the care label to confirm).
If it doesn’t show a care label and is made from a standard polyester blend, use the synthetic setting and wash at 40 degrees with a short spin.
3. Trainers
Some trainers are suitable for the washing machine, but we should stress this isn’t the case for every pair. Running shoes, tennis shoes or those with a leather finish will likely be unsuitable, while canvas shoes are generally machine-washable. Always check the care label first and never assume.
If the washing machine is an option, we recommend removing the laces beforehand and placing both the shoes and laces in separate mesh laundry bags. It’s also worth padding out the drum with towels and using a gentle cycle to prevent damage from tumbling. Keep your trainers out of the tumble dryer, though; the heat will likely warp the bottoms and shrink the material. Air-dry instead with the tongues opened out in a well-ventilated spot.
4. Curtains
You might take the time to dust your curtains, but when was the last time you washed them? It’s good practice to deep clean your curtains every couple of years, otherwise dirt can accumulate and take its toll on the fibres.
A lot of brands now offer machine-washable curtains to simplify the process, so this is worth checking. Even blackout or thermal curtains can sometimes go in the washing machine. A few things before you proceed, though: make sure your curtains don’t exceed the maximum weight your appliance can handle – you might have to wash them individually to avoid this. And delicate materials including velvet, wool, silk, chenille, brocade and velour should be dry-cleaned only. The same goes for interlined curtains.
Stick to the delicate cycle for washing curtains and use a short spin (if allowed) to remove the excess moisture. If ironing is allowed, you can iron the curtains on the wrong side while still damp to maintain the shape. Then hang the curtains in front of an open window for the final drying stages.
5. Fluffy toys
Our kids’ fluffy toys see a lot of love, but they can look worse for wear over time. Before you know it, the colour has faded, the fur appears matted and stains have started to crop up. The good news is, your washing machine can help to restore your fluffy toys. All you need is the right settings and method.
First of all, the toy should be soft throughout – so no electrical components or parts that are glued in place. Avoid toys with delicate attachments as well, such as sequins. Otherwise, toys should be placed in a mesh laundry bag, or pillowcase, and washed according to the care label with reduced detergent on a gentle cycle. Tumble drying might be allowed to speed up the drying process. Failing that, you need to hang it up to dry carefully in a well-ventilated space to avoid bacterial growth. Fluffing up the toy can help keep its shape and speed up the drying process, a bit like a pillow.
6. Pillows
Speaking of pillows, these are good to go in the washing machine, too. So save them from landfill if they go flat and check the care label first. It’s better to wash two pillows at once if your washing machine can fit them; this helps balance out the load and prevents the machine from vibrating. If it can only fit one pillow, bulk out the load with towels to achieve the same effect (without going over the max capacity).
Use about a third of the detergent and run an additional rinse cycle to prevent residual suds. Use the appropriate program for the filling; we recommend the wool cycle if you’re washing a microfibre pillow or a warm delicates cycle if there’s no care label. Leave to dry in the sun, fluffing up regularly, or tumble dry if allowed.
Do not machine wash memory foam or latex pillows.
The best pillows, tried and tested by the GHI
Luff Luff Mayfair Cooling Gel Memory Foam Pillow Guaranteed Better Sleep
Scooms Hungarian Goose Down Pillow
Snuggledown Snuggledown Hungarian Goose Down White Pillow
7. Pet beds
Pet beds can contribute to pet smells around the home. Thankfully, most of these are machine-washable, which saves a lot of time scrubbing by hand. First, you’ll need to remove excess pet hair – you don’t want this blocking the drains in your washing machine. You can do this with a pet hair tool, or by wrapping some regular sticky tape around your hand and dabbing at the hair.
Then, depending on the design, you’ll either need to remove the cover, or bung the whole thing in your washing machine (if there’s space!). Follow the care label instructions and wash on the highest temperature allowed to remove stubborn smells. We recommend using a pet-safe laundry detergent so as not to irritate your furry family members. Then dry thoroughly before replacing to prevent mould and mildew growth.
Expert advice
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WASH YOUR CLOTHES?
HERE’S HOW TO MAKE YOUR WASHING MACHINE LAST LONGER
8 WAYS TO PREVENT FLUFF IN THE WASHING MACHINE
8. Backpacks
Your backpack might see daily use, but unless a lunch box pops open or a tumbler leaks, we rarely give it the clean it needs. This sounds like a lot of work, but some backpacks are suitable for the washing machine to simplify the process. This applies to typical fabric backpacks, without built-in wires or reinforced lining. Check the care label to confirm.
If it’s safe to machine wash, empty it out and leave the zipped pockets open. Remove any straps where you can and wash these separately in a mesh laundry bag. Turn the bag itself inside out or pack it in a mesh laundry bag to avoid damage. Use a reduced amount of gentle detergent and wash on a cold, gentle cycle. Hang it to air-dry upside down afterwards.
9. Scarves
We wear scarves throughout the year, both lightweight neck scarfs and woolly winter ones, during which they accumulate sweat and oils from our hair and skin. Unless they’re crafted from expensive materials, such as silk or cashmere, these are usually machine-washable. Follow the instructions on the care label, using a cool gentle cycle (or the wool cycle for woollens), a detergent designed for delicates and a mesh laundry bag to prevent damage. Do not use the tumble dryer – hang to dry instead or dry flat for woollens.
10. Gardening gloves
Gardening gloves can end up caked in mud after a hard day’s work. Luckily, the washing machine can make cleaning these a breeze. First, you need to check the gloves are suitable – leather or suede gloves will likely be a no-go. But basic designs and those with rubber coatings can be safe for the drum.
Next, you need to remove the excess mud from the gloves before washing them. Wait for it to dry and then brush off what you can over a bin. Once that’s done, you can wash your gloves on a cool gentle cycle. Air-dry afterwards.
11. Yoga mats
This one might surprise you, but some yoga mats are indeed machine-washable. This is sometimes the case for thinner designs and covers (if your yoga mat has one). Stick to a gentle cycle on a cool setting with no spin and minimal detergent. Leave to drip-dry afterwards. This is great if you’re dealing with any stubborn stains that a wet wipe won’t budge.
Washing machine essentials
Ecover Delicate Laundry Liquid for Wool & Silk
Dr.Beckmann Service-it Deep Clean Washing Machine Cleaner
