Household Items You Can Put in the Washing Machine

Your washing machine is for more than just clothes. Many household items—from sneakers to shower curtains—can be safely refreshed in a standard washer, saving you time and elbow grease. Before you start, check the care label on each item and inspect the machine’s manual for any restrictions. This guide covers common items that generally wash well, with step-by-step instructions for each.

What You’ll Need

• Mild detergent (liquid or powder)
• White vinegar or baking soda (for odor and stains)
• Mesh laundry bags (for small or delicate items)
• Old towels or rags (for padding and balancing)
• Soft brush or old toothbrush (for spot cleaning)
• Drying rack or flat surface (for air drying)

Step-by-Step

1. Check the care label. Look for washing symbols on the item. If it says “dry clean only,” do not machine wash. If the label is missing, use your best judgment—items made of cotton, polyester, nylon, or rubber are usually safe.
2. Pre-treat stains and heavy soil. Apply a small amount of detergent directly to stains or grimy areas. Let it sit for a few minutes. For odors, sprinkle baking soda over the item or add half a cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle.
3. Place small or delicate items in mesh bags. This protects them from snagging and keeps small parts from getting lost. Items like shower curtain rings, small rugs, or stuffed toys fit well in a mesh bag.
4. Load the machine properly. Do not overload. Leave enough room for items to move freely. For bulky items like comforters or rugs, add a couple of old towels to balance the load and prevent the machine from shaking.
5. Choose the right cycle and temperature. For most household items, use a gentle or normal cycle with cold or warm water. Hot water can shrink or damage rubber, plastic, and certain fabrics. For heavily soiled items like kitchen rags, a hot cycle with extra rinse is okay if the fabric allows.
6. Add detergent and optional boosters. Use the amount recommended on the detergent label, adjusted for load size. For extra freshness, add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle (it helps remove soap residue and odors). Do not mix vinegar with bleach.
7. Run the cycle. Start the machine and let it complete the full cycle. If the item is very dirty, you may need to run a second rinse to ensure all soap is removed.
8. Remove items promptly. As soon as the cycle ends, take everything out to prevent mildew and wrinkles.
9. Air dry or tumble dry low. Most household items should be air-dried to avoid shrinking or warping. Hang shower curtains, lay rugs flat, and stuff shoes with paper towels to help them hold shape. If the care label allows, you can tumble dry on low, but check frequently.
10. Inspect and re-shape. After drying, check for any remaining stains or damage. Fluff pillows and comforters, and smooth out rugs. If needed, repeat the wash or spot-clean.

Common Mistakes

• Washing items that are not machine-safe. Always check the label. Items with cardboard backing (like some window shades) or those filled with foam can be destroyed in the washer.
• Using too much detergent. Excess soap leaves residue that attracts dirt and can cause skin irritation. Use less than you think, especially for items like shower curtains that don’t absorb much water.
• Overloading the machine. Cramming too many items prevents proper cleaning and can damage the machine’s bearings. A good rule: the load should be loosely packed, not compressed.
• Washing with hot water when you shouldn’t. Hot water can shrink cotton, melt synthetic fibers, and warp rubber or plastic. When in doubt, use cold.
• Skipping the mesh bag for small items. Without protection, small items can get caught in the drum holes or tangled with other laundry.
• Putting items in the dryer that should air dry. Heat can shrink or distort many household items. Always check the care label or dry flat if unsure.

Tips

• Wash like with like. Separate items by color and fabric type to avoid dye transfer and damage.
• Use a gentle cycle for delicate items. Even if the label says machine washable, a delicate cycle with low spin is safer for things like decorative pillows or plush toys.
• Add a second rinse. This helps remove all detergent, which is especially important for items that come in contact with skin (like pet beds) or for people with sensitive skin.
• For sneakers, remove laces and insoles. Wash them separately in a mesh bag. Stuff the shoes with towels to help them hold shape during drying.
• For shower curtains, wash with a few towels. The towels provide agitation and help scrub the curtain clean. Hang it back up to dry.
• For rugs, shake them out first. Remove loose dirt and debris before washing to prevent clogging the machine’s drain.
• Use vinegar as a natural softener. It helps remove odors and residue without leaving a strong smell after drying.

Troubleshooting

• Item comes out still dirty or stained. Re-treat the stain with a pre-wash stain remover and wash again, but do not dry the item until the stain is gone—heat sets stains. For stubborn odors, soak the item in a bucket with water and baking soda before rewashing.
• Machine is shaking or making loud noises. Stop the cycle and redistribute the load. Add a few towels to balance it. If the problem persists, check that the machine is level and not overloaded.
• Item shrunk after washing. This is often irreversible, but you can try soaking the item in lukewarm water with a little baby shampoo or hair conditioner, then gently stretching it back to shape while wet. Air dry flat.
• Residue or soap scum left on items. Run a rinse cycle with no detergent and add a cup of white vinegar. This helps break down soap residue. Avoid using too much detergent in future washes.
• Item has a musty smell after drying. This usually means it was left damp too long. Rewash with vinegar in the rinse cycle and dry thoroughly. If the smell persists, the item may need to be replaced.
• Rubber or plastic items (like a shower curtain) become brittle. This can happen from high heat or harsh detergents. Wash in cold water with mild detergent and air dry. If already damaged, replacement is the best option.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I wash my sneakers in the washing machine? Yes, most canvas or fabric sneakers can be machine washed on a gentle cycle with cold water. Remove laces and insoles, place in a mesh bag, and air dry—never put them in the dryer.
• Is it safe to wash a shower curtain? Yes, plastic or fabric shower curtains can be washed. Use cold water and a mild detergent, and add a couple of towels to help scrub. Hang to dry immediately to prevent mildew.
• Can I wash a down comforter at home? Yes, if the label says machine washable. Use a front-loading machine (top-loaders with a center agitator can damage it), choose a gentle cycle with cold water, and dry on low with tennis balls to fluff the down.
• How do I wash a bathroom rug? Check the label—most cotton or synthetic rugs are machine washable. Use cold water, gentle cycle, and air dry. Avoid washing rugs with rubber backing in hot water, as it can crack.
• Can I wash a pet bed? Yes, if the bed is machine washable. Remove any inserts, wash the cover on a gentle cycle with mild detergent, and air dry or tumble dry low. Add vinegar to the rinse to neutralize odors.
• What about stuffed animals? Most plush toys can be washed on a gentle cycle in cold water, placed in a mesh bag. Air dry or tumble dry on no heat. If the toy has a music box or electronic parts, skip the washer and spot clean instead.