Spin Cycle Secrets You’ll Love
We usually think of the washing machine as the place for clothes and towels, but it can do so much more. Hidden in plain sight are everyday items collecting dust and germs that most people never imagine tossing into a spin cycle. This common appliance can handle many things with ease, and for some items, a single wash can restore freshness and extend lifespan. Here are 20 things you can send on a washing machine trip.
1. Stuffed Animals
Over time, the fabric of stuffed animals collects dust and allergens. Thankfully, these plush toys are safe to wash in a gentle cycle, as they are made of cotton or polyester. Even delicate plush can be protected by placing it in a mesh bag.
2. Silicone Oven Mitts
Food grease and sticky residue break down easily in warm, soapy water during a cycle. Since silicone is waterproof and heat-resistant, it won’t be damaged in the washer. Plus, these mitts dry quickly and come out looking shiny.
3. Plastic Shower Curtains
Vinyl and plastic curtains are designed to withstand water and detergent, and a gentle cycle with mild soap removes soap scum and mildew effectively. It saves money by refreshing instead of replacing, and adding a couple of towels keeps the curtain from crinkling in the wash.
4. Baseball Caps
Cotton and polyester caps hold up well in cold water with light detergent, and using a hat frame or stuffing helps them keep their shape in the wash. Fans love that even team logo caps can come out bright again.
5. Sneakers
Yes, most fabric and mesh sneakers are fully machine washable in gentle cycles, but confirm yours first. Detergent and water can take care of dirt and sweat, and adding baking soda makes them smell as fresh as new.
6. Rubber Bath Mats
Being designed to resist water damage makes rubber mats safe for a wash. A spin cycle loosens grime that builds up on the underside, and towels in the load help scrub the mat gently as it spins. They often regain their grip and flexibility after.
7. Backpacks
Many backpacks carry more germs than kitchen countertops. However, those made of nylon and polyester options can be washed in cold cycles without losing durability. Detergent helps lift sweat and stains, and they come out smelling fresh enough to skip buying a new one.
8. Small Throw Rugs
Rugs without a heavy rubber backing can safely go through a standard wash. Dirt, pet hair, and tracked-in dust loosen easily with detergent, and your rug may just come out looking much brighter than expected, maybe even showroom-fresh.
9. Pet Beds
When washed in cold water, the machine isn't a threat to most fabric pet beds and covers. You get rid of dander and bacteria that collect from daily use, and you may be shocked at how much fur comes out in the wash.
10. Reusable Grocery Bags
Food spills and raw meat juices introduce bacteria to grocery bags, but machine washing helps eliminate them. Most cloth and nonwoven polypropylene bags are fine in cold water and gentle cycles. A quick cycle also prevents odors from old produce from lingering.
11. Mop Heads
Many people throw mop heads away too early instead of refreshing them. However, detachable cotton mop heads are fully washable in hot cycles. Washing removes dirt and floor cleaning residues effectively, and it can make a mop head look almost new again.
12. Pillows
Washing eliminates dust mites and sweat trapped inside pillows, and most down and synthetic fill pillows can be safely washed in gentle cycles. People are surprised that even heavy pillows can go straight into the machine.
13. Rubber-Soled Slippers
Not only do most fabric slippers with rubber soles hold up well in a cold cycle, but they often come out softer and fluffier than before. Washing removes odor and dust, and even old slippers can feel nearly brand new after one cycle.
14. Lunch Bags
Some fabric and insulated cloth lunch bags are machine washable in gentle cycles. Food crumbs and bacteria that build up inside are removed, and some people are shocked to see tough ketchup or yogurt stains vanish completely.
15. Chair Cushions
People rarely think of washing chair cushions, even though they absorb daily grime. However, those with removable fabric covers can be washed in cold cycles. Regular washing extends the life of cushions, saving money in the long run.
Feliciano Guimarães from Guimarães, Portugal on Wikimedia
16. Mesh Shower Puffs
Dermatologists recommend washing puffs regularly, but few people do it. Many even toss them too soon, not knowing a wash can renew them. Nylon mesh puffs are durable enough for a gentle machine wash, and washing removes soap residue and bacteria that grow inside damp folds.
17. Dog Leashes
Nylon and fabric leashes are safe to wash with mild detergent. Dirt, odors, and bacteria from outdoor walks are sent packing, and some owners are surprised by how much mud and grime come out of the fabric. Brightly colored leashes regain their vibrancy in the wash.
Megan (Markham) Bucknall on Pexels
18. Gardening Gloves
Cloth gardening gloves made from fabrics such as cotton trap dirt and plant residue, but you can wash them in warm cycles with mild detergent. Most people just shake out the soil instead of giving the gloves a deep clean. However, freshly washed gloves feel more comfortable.
Photo By: Kaboompics.com on Pexels
19. Shower Caps
You can wash fabric-lined or nylon shower caps in a gentle cycle to get rid of shampoo residue and mildew from frequent use. A single wash can make the elastic feel tighter and fresher, and it’s surprising how much longer a cap lasts with regular washing.
20. Yoga Mats
While thick studio mats don't belong in the machine, thin foam or travel yoga mats, depending on the material, can be washed in a gentle cycle. Most people only wipe mats, but a cycle helps them smell fresher than any spray cleaner.
