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### 3. **Pet Bedding and Blankets**
Your furry friends bring so much joy into your life, but their bedding and blankets can get surprisingly dirty with all the shedding, drooling, and dirt they carry inside.
**Unexpected result:**
– **Clean, Fresh-Smelling Pet Bedding**: Instead of spending hours trying to vacuum or spot clean your pet’s bedding, toss it in the washing machine! A gentle cycle with mild detergent is usually enough to get rid of fur, odors, and dirt. It’s an effortless way to keep your pet’s space clean without much hassle—and it helps avoid the buildup of pet dander.
### 4. **Hats (Baseball Caps, Knit Hats)**
Hats—especially baseball caps and knit beanies—can get grimy from sweat, makeup stains, and general wear and tear. Washing them by hand can be tricky, especially with the structured brim of a cap.
**Unexpected result:**
– **Restored Hats with No Misshaping**: Many baseball caps, knit hats, and other fabric headwear can actually be safely washed in the machine if placed in a mesh bag to avoid damage. For baseball caps, place them in a cap washer (or simply put them in a protective mesh bag) and wash them gently. The result? Clean, odor-free hats that retain their shape! Just air dry them afterward to maintain their structure.
### 5. **Backpacks and Handbags**
From gym bags to backpacks and even some fabric handbags, these items tend to accumulate grime and dust from daily use. But throwing them in the washing machine might seem risky, right?
**Unexpected result:**
– **A Clean Bag Without the Scrubbing**: Many fabric bags (think canvas, nylon, and cotton) can go through the washing machine with excellent results. Make sure to empty all pockets and place the bag in a pillowcase or mesh bag to protect the straps. After a gentle wash, your bag will come out fresh and ready to carry on with your adventures. If you’re worried about leather or more delicate materials, spot cleaning is always a safer option.
### 6. **Throw Pillows and Pillow Covers**
Throw pillows can collect dust, dirt, and even spills over time. While pillow covers are usually washable, the actual pillows themselves can often seem like a challenge to clean.
**Unexpected result:**
– **Fluffy, Fresh Pillows**: You can wash most synthetic pillows in the washing machine, and they’ll come out looking as good as new! Just make sure to use warm water and a gentle detergent. To keep them fluffy, add a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls in the dryer, which will help break up any clumps of stuffing. Your pillows will be soft, clean, and ready for the couch or bed again in no time!
### 7. **Stuffed Animals and Toys**
Children’s toys—especially the soft, stuffed kind—can hold onto dirt, sweat, and germs. However, washing them by hand can be time-consuming and may leave them looking worn out.
**Unexpected result:**
– **Hygienic, Soft Toys**: Throw most stuffed animals or plush toys (with secure stitching) into the washing machine and they’ll come out fresh and clean without losing their shape. Put them in a laundry bag to protect their delicate features, and opt for a gentle cycle. This will keep your kids’ favorite toys both sanitized and soft, and save you the trouble of scrubbing them by hand.
### 8. **Yoga Mats**
Yoga mats can become grimy from regular use, especially if you’re using them for high-impact exercises. While you can clean them by hand, it often doesn’t do the trick.
**Unexpected result:**
– **Sanitized and Fresh Mats**: While not all yoga mats are machine-washable, many are! You can toss a mat into the washing machine on a gentle cycle, using cold water and a mild detergent. Once washed, air dry it, and it will be free of bacteria and odors. For mats that aren’t machine-washable, consider wiping them down with a gentle cleaner or even throwing them in the tub for a soak.
### 9. **Cushion Covers and Slipcovers**
Sofas, chairs, and other furniture tend to accumulate dust, stains, and spills over time. If you have removable slipcovers or cushion covers, cleaning them doesn’t have to involve hours of scrubbing.
**Unexpected result:**
– **A Cleaner, Fresher Couch**: Remove the cushion covers or slipcovers from your sofa or chairs and throw them in the washing machine (check care labels first). This simple step will help remove stains, dust, and even pet hair, leaving your furniture looking and smelling fresher. For stubborn stains, pre-treat them with a stain remover before washing for best results.
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### Final Thoughts
The washing machine is often more versatile than we give it credit for! With just a few simple precautions, you can clean items you might never have thought to wash in the machine. From sneakers and bags to pillow covers and pet bedding, you can save time and energy by letting your washing machine do the heavy lifting. Just make sure to follow the care labels on each item and use mesh bags or pillowcases when needed to protect delicate pieces. So next time you’re looking to freshen up something around the house, don’t be afraid to throw it in the wash—it might just surprise you with the results!
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