Yes, You Can Machine Wash These 8 Items — Laundry Pros Do It All the Time

Cleaning the house makes you wish for a magic machine that can do it for you. And turns out, you have one right in your laundry room—the washing machine, of course.

We are all majorly under-utilizing our washing machines, because there are a ton of things in our homes that can get laundered for a faster, easier clean.

So, with the help of a few fabulous cleaning experts, we rounded up all the items you can toss in the wash, along with some tips on how to do so.

Shower Curtain Liners

Hyacinth Tucker of Laundry Basket LLC says shower curtain liners are perfect candidates for a gentle machine wash. As long as they’re made of polyester, nylon, or vinyl, simply use warm water and a bit of detergent.

“Just avoid fabric softeners and don’t put them in the dryer—hang them up to air dry instead,” Tucker says.

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Backpacks and Gym Bags

If you’ve ever dealt with a stinky gym bag or a dirty backpack, then you know the desperation to get it cleaned properly. Elizabeth Shields of Super Cleaning Service Louisville says a washing machine is absolutely the way to go.

Just be sure to first zip everything up, fasten the buckles, and remove any straps that may get tangled or stretched. 

“You can use a handheld vacuum cleaner to snuff out dust and debris inside the bag before tossing it in,” she says. 

Stuffed Animals

According to Maria Mooney, cleaning expert at Truly Free, stuffed animals are great to toss in the wash—and yes, you can do it without damaging these much-loved items. Simply use a laundry mesh bag or pillowcase. 

“You can use normal washing methods to give your children’s favorite stuffed animals a much-needed wash for a fresh look (and smell!)” Mooney says.

Shields agrees and suggests checking for any tears or loose bits and fixing them first. Then, take off any detachable accessories or clothing and wash them separately, she adds. 

Shields also suggests using a mild, non-toxic detergent and considering an extra rinse cycle to fully remove the detergent. But whatever you do, avoid using the dryer and let your stuffed pal air-dry instead.  

“It can ruin the stuffing and mess up the shape,” says Shields. 

Most Sneakers

Tucker says if your sneakers are made from canvas, nylon, cotton, or polyester, they can be safely machine-washed. Use a cold, gentle cycle and let them air dry overnight.

Certain Pillows

Pillows are another item that should get washed more, and Tucker assures us anything filled with synthetic, down, and feathers can be machine-washed. Use cool water and mild detergent, then dry on low heat, she says.

However, if you’re dealing with memory foam or latex, these are best washed by hand, as they may fall apart in the wash. 

Oven Mitts

If your oven mitts are made of cotton or polyester, Tucker says these will come out fresh and clean when washed on a gently cycle with warm water and mild detergent. 

Like most items on this list, it’s the dryer that can cause issues, so be sure to air dry. And as always, consult the care tags before washing. 

Baseball Caps

If you have a cotton or polyester baseball cap, Shields says a washing machine is great for a refresh. But if your cap is wool or has a cardboard brim, beware—hand washing is preferred. 

“Just put a little laundry detergent or stain remover directly onto any stained areas,” Shields says. “Use your fingers or a soft brush to gently rub the detergent or stain remover into the fabric.”

After the stain remover or detergent sits for a few minutes, you can toss it in—but wash alone or with similar colors to avoid any dye transfer. Shields also suggests a mesh laundry bag and washing on cold to avoid shrinking. 

Reusable Mop Heads

This is one you’ll have to double-check before trying, but Shields says many brands offer washable mop heads. Just be sure to shake off the mop outside before washing and wash it on its own. 

“To make sure it’s super clean, you can dunk it in some hot water before tossing it in the wash and pop it into a mesh laundry bag,” Shields says.

For this particular item, Shields suggests using a heavy-duty or sanitary cycle with hot water, and adding a cup of white vinegar or half a cup of baking soda to the wash cycle. 

“Skip the fabric softener because it can leave a residue,” she says. “Too much bleach or harsh chemicals can ruin the mop head over time, so it’s best to avoid them, too.”

After, hang to air dry completely so as to avoid mold or bacteria.