The washing machine is one of the most popular household appliances in a home. It must be said that it provides us with great service on a daily basis by making our textiles clean in just a few turns of the drum! Seeing the wonders it can do on clothes, household linens and even on pillows or duvets, you may find yourself dreaming of being able to slip other objects in there. And let us be clear: you can absolutely afford it! This list of unusual things that you might not have thought to put in the washing machine to clean will undoubtedly convince you.
Yes! Just like the dishwasher and the surprising things it can clean, your washing machine can do so much more for you every day than you thought.
The List of Amazing Things to Wash in the Washing Machine
1) Kitchen gloves and pot holders
The mitts used to remove dishes from the oven, as well as the fabric trivets, can be machine washed. We tend to forget to clean them. However, it doesn’t hurt to remove stains and burnt marks from time to time! And good news: it also works on silicone.
2) Mop heads
Of course, you should always consult the label before doing so. However, most of the time, it is entirely possible to machine wash a mop head instead of replacing it when it gets dirty. It will not only be more economical, but also more practical when you regularly use a Spanish mop!
3) Tennis shoes, Converse and sports shoes
If your Converse or sports shoes are dirty and smelly, a quick trip to the washing machine should make things easier. All you have to do is lace the shoes together, then slip them into a pillowcase or washing net. Ideally, add a few large towels to improve the load and protect the tub from shocks. A simple cold delicate wash cycle with a little detergent will do the rest of the job!
4) Children’s toys and things in the washing machine
Children sometimes tend to put their toys in their mouths or leave them lying anywhere. Also, it is advisable to clean them from time to time in the washing machine or in the washing machine. To do this, place Legos, bath toys and other plastic toys in an individual wash bag or pillowcase. After washing on a delicate cycle, they will be spotless.
Important: Remember to dry them on a towel and on their side to prevent water from collecting and ending up moldy in the toy!
5) Kitchen sponges
For makeup sponges, we would rather opt for a glass of soapy water slipped in the microwave for a minute. However, the kitchen sponge will be more comfortable during a wash cycle in the dishwasher or washing machine. Enough to clean and disinfect it so you can reuse it for longer!
6) Your surgical masks
Following a study coordinated by Philippe Cinquin, researcher at the CNRS, it turned out that like fabric masks, it is possible to wash surgical masks several times. He explains: “ we washed surgical masks 10 times and realized that the filtration performance of these masks remained excellent and superior to that of fabric masks. It seemed reasonable to us to test on 10 washes, because it already had a very significant impact in terms of economy and also in terms of ecology.“.
How to do it? Put them in the washing machine at 40°C with your usual detergent (without adding bleach or other irritating chemicals). Then put them to dry on the drying rack and inspect them carefully. Do not hesitate to throw them away if you notice the slightest defect, but also after ten washes.