Imagine life without a washing machine. It has to rate as one of the smartest and most useful household appliances. Without one, how would we keep up? Here are some items you probably didn’t realise you can put in your machine.
1. Mop heads
It goes without saying that a mop head should be cleaned after every use, and this can be an icky business. Just pop it in a mesh laundry bag, set the machine to warm wash and hang it up to dry.
2. Stuffed toys
These beloved items can get pretty dirty. Keep them fresh, clean and germ-free by washing them on a cold cycle. Place them in a pillowcase or a mesh laundry bag if they’re getting too shabby or are delicate. However, if the toy is stuffed with Styrofoam balls or small beads, you’ll need to stick to hand-washing.
Related: 6 dangerous toys from the past
3. Backpacks
Most bags can be machine-washed, including cloth and canvas bags, reusable shopping bags (especially if the milk leaks!), gym bags and backpacks. Remember to turn them inside out and to place the more delicate bags in a mesh laundry bag.
Wash on a warm cycle with normal detergent and hang up to dry. If you have iron-on, bejewelled or embroidered bags, rather opt for the traditional hand-wash option.
4. Curtains
Yes, it’s a bit of a task to wash these, but it’s easier than you may think. Be sure to remove all the clips and to tie the ends of the curtain strings so that they don’t unravel; we suggest a bowline knot (it’s the easiest to untie). Wash with normal washing powder on cold and hang up to dry.
Related: 8 things you only have to clean once every year
5. Shower curtains
Gone are the days of scrubbing grubby, soapy muck off shower curtains. Place the shower curtain (even if it’s plastic) in the machine and wash on a cold cycle. If you have plastic bathroom mats, throw them in at the same time.
6. Sports gear
Sports gear gets pretty smelly, let alone dirty, and needs to be washed regularly. Luckily most items can be machine-washed, including shin guards, knee, elbow and thigh padding, gloves, and even shoes.
7. Car mats
All kinds of mats with rubber backing can be machine-washed. However, only wash once every few months or so to avoid damaging the rubber. If your car mats are especially grimy with grease, use stain remover before washing and wash with normal washing powder.
8. Pillows
Pillows not only soak up sweat and drool, but are also where dead skin cells collect. Gross when you think about it, right? Both down and synthetic pillows can be machine-washed. Place them in the machine with normal detergent and wash on a warm cycle; do a second spin cycle.
When drying, do it on a low heat and place rubber dryer balls (or a tennis ball stuffed in a sock) in the machine to keep pillows fluffy.
Related: 11 household items you probably didn’t know have an expiry date
9. Pet blankets
Our furry friends need clean beds too, especially once you’ve given them a bath. Shake off and vacuum the loose hair off their blankets, stuff into the washing machine and wash on a warm cycle with normal detergent. Take care, however, with strong-smelling detergents, especially if your pooch has sensitive skin.
You may want to include an extra rinse and dry on full heat. Do a rinse cycle once you’ve washed your pet’s blankets to rinse out any hair that may have been left behind in the machine.
10. Patio/sitting-room cushion covers
Washing your furniture’s cushion covers keeps your them smelling fresh and removes sticky fingerprints, as well as dog and cat hair. Simply wash on a cold cycle with normal washing powder and hang up to dry.
PHOTO: iStock/PeoplesImages
