The washing machine is an ideal way to wash your dirty laundry, and it’s a great time saver. But, a washer is capable of washing much more than clothes, and you may be surprised at some of the items that can be cleaned. Here are a few things that you need to bear in mind if you want to get the most out of your washer.

Shoes

Check the directions on your shoes before attempting to wash them in your washer. Many canvas shoes and even some leather shoes can be washed in this way, and it’s a great way to get them fresh. Make sure to remove the insoles and laces first and then place the shoes inside a mesh laundry bag. Wash your shoes with a mild detergent and warm water for the best results. If you cannot find out if your shoes can be washed in this way err on the side of caution and don’t put them in the washer.

Kids Toys

Many stuffed toys and certain plastic toys can be safely washed in your washer. Stuffed toys that contain electronic or mechanical components cannot be washed in this way. If the stuffed toy is old and worn, it may come apart during rigorous washing, so wash it by hand instead. If your child is sick, you can disinfect their stuffed or plastic toys by adding a little disinfectant to the washer. If the plastic toys can be washed this way, place them in a mesh laundry bag and wash them with warm water and a mild detergent.

Workout Gear

Many of us throw our workout clothes into the washer after use, but you can also wash sports gear, such as supports, pads, and compression sleeves, in the washer too. Just make sure that any velcro straps are closed first and put any plastic workout gear in a mesh laundry bag. Wash your workout gear on a gentle cycle and air dry afterward for fresher workout gear.

A Yoga Mat

You can also wash your yoga mat safely in your washer with the rest of your workout gear. If you have a washer without a central agitator, this works best because it works better with delicate fabrics. If your washer does have a central agitator, you need to unroll the yoga mat and spread out as evenly as you can inside the washer drum.

An Oven Mitt

Our oven mitts can gradually become encrusted with food stains that are hard to remove with a simple hand wash in warm water. These stains are also a breeding ground for bacteria, and it’s important to keep the mitt as clean as possible. Most mitts can be washed to a high standard of cleanliness in your washer, leaving them fresh and ready to use.

A Mop Head

We rely on our mop heads for cleaning in our homes, but many people forget that the mop head itself needs to be kept clean. A mop head is a breeding ground for bacteria, and if it’s dirty, it simply spreads that bacteria over your floors. Many people simply throw a mop head out when it gets dirty and fit a new one to their mop handle. This is wasteful and unnecessary because a mop head can usually be cleaned in your washer. Wash the mop head in warm water, add a little disinfectant to kill any bacteria and air dry afterward for the best results.

If your washer isn’t up to the task and you’re considering an upgrade, be sure to look at this collection of laundry appliances or speak to a home appliance specialist for additional guidance.