You're probably forgetting to wash these 10 things when you do the laundry
We all know how important it is to keep our clothes and household linens clean by washing them regularly. But can you be absolutely sure you're not missing something? There are some items and objects in many homes that are simply forgotten (or we have no idea how to wash and clean). As a result, these items can get filthy over time and even start to smell.
Certain items just can't fit in the washing machine, this is true, but this does not mean that they don't need to be cleaned. From backpacks to curtains, from kitchen pot holders to decorative pillows, below, we show you 10 items you are probably forgetting to wash when you do the laundry.
1. Curtains
Curtains quickly accumulate a lot of impurities such as dust, fur, lint and hair, and they also absorb ambient smells. Check the labels on your curtains to see if they can be machine-washed. Wash your curtains at least once a year; for curtains located in high-traffic or high-odor areas (such in/near the kitchen), should be washed every 3 months.
2. Reusable shopping bags
Practical and eco-friendly, reusable shopping bags help us protect the environment. Given how they are used, however, these bags quickly become dirty: for example, how often has something spilled or leaked in your shopping bags?
For plastic or raffia bags, you can use a damp sponge and a little water and white vinegar to clean them; fabric bags can usually be washed in the washing machine (check the labels).
3. Mattress covers
Washing the sheets is something most of us do on a weekly basis, but how many of us remember the mattress cover? Mattress covers, despite not being in direct contact with our body, can easily absorb dust, sweat and other fluid, becoming the perfect breeding ground for mites, germs and bacteria. Wash mattress covers at least once a month, and more frequently if you eat in bed or if you sleep with your pets. Most covers can be machine-washed (on a delicate setting) - check the labels.
4. Cushions
Decorative cushions and our bed pillows are rarely added to a laundry wash. But, given their function, it is important to keep these items clean. Pillows and cushions are continuously exposed to dust, fur and hair are frequently in contact with our bodies (which tranfer oils, dead skin, etc) to them. Always check the washing instructions labels and, if possible, wash them in the washing machine. For decorative cushions, washing them every 3-6 months will be sufficient; for pillows, the frequency will depend on various factors such as the climate and the health of the users.
5. Backpacks and gym bags
When was the last time you washed your backpack or gym bag? You probably use them every day, putting them down on surfaces with all sorts of dirt and grime. In turn this dirt becomes the perfect breeding ground for germs, mold and bacteria (especially if you put damp, sweaty clothes inside them). Check their washing instructions labels carefully, and if you can put them in the washing machine, turn them inside out first.
6. Pot holders and oven gloves
Used for handling hot pots and pans, pot holders and oven gloves can easily be dirtied by grease, oil and food residue in general. For this reason, these items can easily develop bad odors and allow the proliferation of germs and mold. Wash them regularly, depending on the frequency of use.
7. Bath mats
Floria Quilez/Wikimedia Commons
Bath mats protect the floor from humidity and moisture and need to be washed regularly. Buy mats that are machine washable to simplify this operation and wash them once a week (or once every two weeks at most).
8. Pet beds
Of course, our pets deserve to sleep on clean beds: over time, pet bedding accumulates fur, hair and dirt and can start to smell unpleasant. Wash your pet's bedding frequently (or replace it in extreme cases).
9. Blankets, quilts and duvets
Blankets, duvets and quilts keep us warm during the cold season and it is important to wash them regularly. If you use a duvet cover, a quarterly wash of the duvet itself will be sufficient; for quilts and blankets that you use without covers, a wash every two weeks is recommended.
10. Slippers
Useful during the winter in keeping our feet warm, slippers absorb sweat and eventually start to smell. Wash slippers regularly after ensuring they are machine-washable; most types of slippers can be washed in the washing machine, but if this is not possible, you can absorb unpleasant odors by sprinkling them with baking soda.
Which of these things do you remember to wash regularly?
