It’s not always a budget-friendly decision to clean household items by hand. Although it may seem like the smartest strategy for keeping a home in pristine condition, it could also be a waste of time and money to detail items that can simply be placed into a washing machine. Although nonclothing items shouldn’t be mixed with loads of garments, there are many surprising everyday items that are machine-washable on their own.

Skip the stress of hand-scrubbing oddly shaped items or throwing them out entirely and instead invest in a set of machine-washable mesh bags to get the job done. Nonclothing items can be safely zipped inside and easily washed on a standard cycle. When in doubt, it’s perfectly acceptable to add bulk such as towels as a barrier between unique items in the washing machine and the cylinder.
 
1. Shoelaces
Even the most durable brand of shoe is bound to show wear on the laces. Particularly prone to dust, dirt and stains, laces are a regularly overlooked item when it comes to the washing machine. Instead of investing in an entirely new set, zip laces into a mesh bag and use a cold, gentle cycle in the washing machine. Air dry for the best results and relace shoelaces that look as good as new.

2. Eco-friendly grocery bags
Reusable grocery bags are amazing for the environment but between the grocery store, car trunk and home, they tend to quickly pick up dirt and begin to look dingy and dull. Instead of buying another, feel free to throw bags directly into the wash. If one is particularly stain-riddled, consider spritzing it a few times with a spray bottle filled with 3 cups of water and 1 cup of salt for an effective prewash treatment.

3. Baseball hats
Although they’re technically categorized as a garment, baseball hats seem to exist on a level all their own. These well-loved head coverings form comfortably to the head of their regular wearer and tend to never see a washing machine during their lifetime. Fortunately, well-worn doesn’t have to mean the same thing as dirty. When a favorite baseball hat begins to show its age, rest assured that it can be machine-washed as easily as a T-shirt. Place it in a mesh bag for protection and run it through a cold and gentle cycle for clean-as-new results.

4. Curtains
They look beautiful framing the windows of the home but like any other household item, curtains are susceptible to picking up dust, dirt and grime with time. Curtains can be particularly difficult to clean by hand as they come in a variety of fabrics, lengths and must be removed and gathered to treat one spot at a time. Instead of dealing with the difficult details, bundle curtains into a large mesh bag and run them through a gentle machine cycle with cold water. It is highly advised to air dry panels after washing to avoid wrinkles and creases.

5. Leashes and collars
The same accessories that keep pets close and protected are extremely prone to bacterial buildup with extensive use over time. Pet leashes and collars often travel between indoor and outdoor environment, picking up particles of dirt along the way. When the grime buildup can no longer be denied, use a mesh bag to zip up pet accessories and wash them on a sanitizing cycle. This setting provides the right amount of cleansing to remove dirt and debris while leaving leashes and collars clean. Be sure to use only a small amount of detergent to avoid any remnants on collars that come in direct contact with a pet’s skin.

6. Shoes
Laces are an easy clean in the washing machine, but if a favorite pair of shoes is entirely covered in grime, those are OK to put in the machine as well. A mesh bag is advised for keeping shoes from knocking around too violently during a wash cycle. If the shoes are particularly heavy, consider adding a few towels into the machine as a buffer. Wash on a cold, gentle cycle for the best results and air dry to keep the shape of the shoe intact.

7. Mop heads
It’s a commonly overlooked fact that cleaning tools need to be cleaned too. When it comes to keeping mop heads in great shape, the washing machine is an effective solution. To keep cleaning fibers intact, bundle mop heads in a mesh bag and run them through a cold and gentle cycle. For an extra touch of cleansing, considering using the sanitizing cycle instead.

8. Kitchen sponge
A sponge is a simple and highly effective cleaning tool that see a lot of dirty surfaces regularly. The buildup of moisture and grime can quickly lead to bacteria that results in unpleasant odors and unsightly discoloration. It’s not necessary, however, to buy a new bundle of sponges when the washing machine can restore them to good-as-new condition. Place old sponges directly in the machine and run them through a sanitizing cycle with hot water.

9. Small rubber toys
Children may have many toys sitting in the toy box but inevitably there are a few obvious favorites. Whether they’re chewed on, slobbered on, hugged or passed around for comfort, toys tend to be the perfect surface for gathering bacteria and germs. Instead of replacing a small well-loved toy, consider running it through a sanitizing cycle in the washing machine. This is another one-off scenario where hot water is preferred to cold as rubber toys tend to be more durable than garments and hot water ensures an extra-clean surface with future chewing in mind.

10. Car floor mats
A collection of sand, dirt, dust and other debris is inevitable when it comes to car floor mats. The recipients of excessive foot traffic, floor mats can be a hassle to clean by hand. Luckily, the washing machine is capable of restoring car mats. Be sure to brush mats prior to washing to remove any loose particles. Once brushed, run a vacuum nozzle over the mats to remove unseen debris. The mats are now ready for the washing machine and will generally respond well to a cold, gentle cycle with air drying to follow.

11. Yellowed pillows
It turns out you can rescue yellowed pillows in the washing machine. Treat yellowed pillows with liquid detergent and bleach. Run on a hot cycle with extra rinse. For more ideas, check out the top ways to rescue yellowed pillows.

12. Shower liners
A neglected shower liner can lead to an unpleasant musty smell in the bathroom that has many homeowners running to the store for a replacement. Instead of letting bacterial buildup win, try giving the shower liner a quick spin through the washing machine. Plastic liners are extremely durable and a short cycle with cold water can whisk away bacteria and mold, leaving the liner as good as new.

13. Backpacks
Parents often worry about the spread of germs and illness at school without considering the germs a backpack picks up in that same academic environment. Between lockers, buses and classrooms, backpacks accumulate large amounts of dirt, grime and stains that can lead to unpleasant odors and appearances. When it comes to keeping backpacks clean and fresh, simply turn them inside out and run them through a cold cycle in the washing machine. When the washing is done, air dry the backpack to help keep its shape and ensure a fresh, long-lasting scent.

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