Many household items that say hand wash or dry clean only on the label can actually be machine washed safely.
Experienced housewives assure that if you follow certain rules, you can save a lot of time and nerves, while maintaining cleanliness throughout the house.
They shared a list of such items and gave instructions on how to handle them.
1. Yoga/fitness mat
- Load into the machine alone, rolled or waved. Add 2-3 towels to balance the drum.
- Do not use conditioner or machine drying. Dry flat in the shade.
2. Bathroom curtain
- Remove the hooks. You can add 1-2 towels.
- For severe mold, pre-soak in a solution of vinegar or a special product. It is better to wash polyethylene curtains by hand.
3. Backpack and sports bag
- Fabric models without a rigid frame and leather inserts.
- Clean all pockets thoroughly, turn inside out, and place in a mesh bag.
4. Things made of eco-leather (high-quality leatherette)
- Modern eco-leather is often quite durable. Turn the product inside out and put it in a bag.
- But products made from cheap leatherette or with an adhesive base can peel off.
5. Down jacket
Most modern down jackets can be washed at home.
- Close all zippers and Velcro.
- Add 2-3 special laundry balls (or tennis balls) to the drum to distribute the filler.
- Delicate or Down/Feather mode, liquid detergent, double rinse.
- It is better to dry in the machine at low speeds with the same balls or in natural conditions, shaking occasionally.
6. Bath mat
Fabric and foam mats.
- Pre-clean off hair and debris.
- Do not wash rugs with hard plastic spikes or rubber backing with holes.
7. Pillow with synthetic filling
Pillows made of holofiber, comforter, etc. require regular cleaning.
- Check the seams for strength. Wash 1 piece at a time. or 2 for balance.
- Delicate mode, liquid product, double rinse mode is required.
- Machine dry at low temperature with balls or air dry with active shaking.
- Feather, down and orthopedic pillows should not be washed.
8. Clothes with metal studs or zippers
- Turn inside out, fasten all zippers and buttons, and place in bag.
- After washing, immediately remove and hang to avoid rusty stains.
9. Textile sports shoes
Sneakers, sneakers made of fabric and mesh.
- Remove the insoles and laces (wash them separately). Clean the sole with a brush. Place your shoes in laundry bags, and you can add a crumpled towel to each pair to help maintain their shape.
- Fill with paper to absorb moisture and dry in a ventilated place away from the radiator.
10. Baseball cap (cap)
- To maintain the shape of the visor, use a special plastic frame or place the cap in an appropriately sized dish pan and then in a bag.
- Caps with a cardboard visor cannot be washed.
11. Accessories for pets
Beds, soft toys, textile leashes.
- Vacuum or brush off hair thoroughly. Make sure there are no hidden beepers or cardboard elements.
- Delicate or “Baby clothes” mode with a hypoallergenic agent, at high temperature (60°C) for disinfection.
- Add 0.5 cups of table vinegar when rinsing to neutralize odors.
Before machine washing any item for the first time, check it in an inconspicuous area for color fastness and material integrity. Select the “Delicate” mode, wash in cold water, without spinning.
