Leave it to the washing machine: find out what unusual items you can machine wash
We use the washing machine for all our clothes and household linens very often. Washing by hand, except when it comes to particularly delicate garments, is fortunately a task that we no longer have to do. But this washing appliance can also be used in many more cases than is usually believed.
The first indications of this can be found in the lesser used programs of many washing machines, especially the latest generation or top quality ones. It is now easy to find washing cycles to take care of cushions, silk garments, curtains and much more. Just follow the instructions of both the items to be washed and the washing machine itself, and you will be able to wash many more things, more often and easily. But some items that can be machine washed may not come to mind as easily, and we indicate a few of these below:
Make-up sponges: these are the ones with which one applies foundation and concealers, and which must be washed often to keep proper hygiene. These sponges can be washed by hand, especially when using shampoo, but when we use and dirty several of them and the time comes to clean them, it is much easier to leave this task to the washing machine.
Place them all in a mesh bag for delicate garments, use a warm or cold wash cycle and then allow them to air dry.
Shower curtains, but also the plastic-coated tablecloths in the kitchen: the former often risk becoming the favorite source for mold; the latter gets dirty from food. So when you don't feel like using a sponge, even these items can be cleaned using the washing machine. Use a normal laundry soap and choose a cold program that is not too long. If they are a light color, you can use active oxygen bleaches. Then put an old towel in the washing machine drum, which will then rub against the curtain or tablecloth and the friction will help to clean the items thoroughly.
Cloth shopping bags
Fluffy toys ("plushies"): always check the labels first, which often indicate if it is really possible to put these items in a washing machine, and with what precautions. If you can wash them in this way, it is always better to put them in mesh bags to protect them and use a detergent that is suitable for the clothing for children, and use lukewarm temperatures. They can air dry (flat, not hung) or even be tumbled dry on a low setting.
Padded jackets and coats: if your washing machine has a program for duvets or pillows, you can also use it for washing padded jackets / coats. Otherwise, use a delicate program. Remember to wash jackets by themselves, at low temperatures and then let them air dry by hanging up. They can also be dried in the dryer without heat, and along with some tennis balls (3 or 4 will do) which will help to redistribute the padding. However, always check the labels to be sure whether or not a jacket can be machine washed.
Car mats: here too, always check the manufacturer's instructions, because in some cases, hand washing only is recommended. Wherever possible, always remember to beat the mats vigorously to get the bulk of the dirt and dust off before putting them in the washing machine. These are rigid objects that do not do too well in the washing machine, so do not wash them too often and choose programs for cold delicates, perhaps adding a sanitizing product. Let them air dry.
Have you ever washed any of these things in your washing machine?
