- Pet collars and leashes
Pet collars and leashes that are not made of leather are among the basic pet items that can be machine washed, as long as they do not have nails or other decorations. Since collars are in contact with your pet’s skin, it is best to use a detergent for sensitive skin to avoid irritating Fido or Fifi.
- Pillows
“Can I machine wash my pillow?” If you are wondering, “Can I wash my pillows in the washing machine?” here is some good news. If you are wondering, “Can I wash my pillows in the washing machine?” here is good news. You can (and should) do it about once every six months (more often if you have pets) to keep your bedding free of dander and dust mites. Washing both down and synthetic pillows will help. Set the washer on a gentle cycle with warm water and wash the pillows in pairs to keep the drum balanced. Transfer the pillows to the dryer and dry thoroughly on low heat. Add a tennis ball or two to the dryer to fluff the pillows.
- Sports equipment
The sporting life is both sweaty and fun, but at the same time, it stinks. You can minimize the stench of sports by putting shin pads, knee pads, elbow pads, and other cloth utensils worn under uniforms in the washing machine. Wash in lukewarm water and hang (or lay flat, depending on the item) to dry. Pro Tip: Adding a clothing disinfectant to the wash will help kill bacteria and odors.
- Cosmetic sponges
Cosmetic sponges should be washed regularly to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. Washing them by hand is tedious and does not always get them clean. To clean a sponge and make it look like new, place it in the washing machine and add 1/4 cup of white vinegar at a time to help disinfect and deodorize the sponge. Do not put colored makeup sponges in the washing machine with white ones. The dye on the sponge may transfer to other items and discolor them.
- Silicone Oven Gloves
Oven gloves get dirty quickly, especially since they are used to grip greasy pans. Machine washing silicone oven gloves is an easy and effective way to keep them in good condition. Use a mild detergent and select the cold or hot water setting. Never use hot water on silicone, as it will damage the fabric and cause it to tear easily. This cleaning method also applies to other silicone kitchen utensils such as baking trays and ice cube trays.
- Rucksacks
Backpacks can come in contact with some pretty dirty things, whether they are used to get to school or when traveling around town (school buses, public bathrooms, etc.). Backpacks can be machine washed as long as they are not trimmed in leather or suede and do not have glittery decorations.
Depending on the type of material the bag is made of, choose the appropriate wash cycle. For example, if the bag is made of cotton or polyester, a delicate wash setting will suffice. If it is made of a sturdier material, such as canvas, it may be a cycle. When washing is complete, promptly remove the backpack from the washing machine to avoid unwanted creases. Hang outdoors if possible, but may also be placed flat on an indoor drying rack.
- Silk
You may have heard that silk should always be dry cleaned, but this is not 100% correct. Anything that says it can be hand washed can be machine washed. Silk is certainly more delicate than materials such as cotton or polyester, but if the right precautions are taken, it is perfectly safe to wash it at home. Silk is best washed gently in cold water (preferably in a mesh laundry bag for extra protection).
