When you think about things that belong in the washing machine, you probably picture clothes, towels, and bedding.
But your washing machine can clean more than just clothing.
There are quite a few household items that can be washed in a machine, provided their care labels allow it. Washing these items regularly can help remove dust, dirt, odors, and everyday buildup without requiring hours of hand cleaning.
1. Shower Curtains
Fabric shower curtains can collect soap residue, moisture, and mildew over time.
If the care label says they’re machine washable, washing them regularly can help keep them fresh.
Use the recommended cycle and detergent, and allow the curtain to dry completely before putting it back.
2. Reusable Cleaning Cloths
Microfiber cloths and reusable cleaning rags can accumulate dust, grease, and cleaning-product residue.
Instead of throwing them away after every use, many can be washed and reused.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions, especially for microfiber products. Avoid fabric softener when the care instructions advise against it, as it can reduce the cloth’s ability to absorb and clean effectively.
3. Reusable Mop Heads
If your mop has a removable, machine-washable head, regular washing can help remove the dirt and grime it collects from your floors.
This is particularly useful if you mop kitchens, bathrooms, or other high-traffic areas frequently.
Always remove the mop head from the handle before washing it and follow its care instructions.
4. Fabric Grocery Bags
Reusable fabric shopping bags are easy to overlook when you’re cleaning around the house.
But they can pick up dirt from shopping carts, car trunks, floors, and countertops.
Many cotton or canvas bags can be washed, although you should always check the label first.
Let them dry completely before storing them or using them again.
5. Small Rugs and Mats
Some small washable rugs and mats can be cleaned in the washing machine.
Bathroom mats, kitchen mats, and lightweight fabric rugs may collect plenty of dust and dirt that regular vacuuming doesn’t remove.
Before washing a rug, check its label carefully. Rubber-backed mats may require special care and can sometimes deteriorate with repeated washing or high heat.
6. Pet Bedding
Pet beds can collect hair, dirt, odors, and other debris.
If the cover or bedding is machine washable, regular washing can make a noticeable difference.
Remove as much loose pet hair as possible before washing, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for both washing and drying.
7. Pillowcases and Mattress Protectors
Your bedding comes into contact with your body every night, so pillowcases and mattress protectors can accumulate sweat, oils, and dust.
Washing them regularly is an easy way to keep the bedroom feeling fresher.
Make sure mattress protectors are suitable for machine washing and use the recommended temperature.
8. Stuffed Toys
Some fabric stuffed animals can be machine washed, particularly when they don’t contain electronic components, delicate decorations, or materials that could be damaged by water.
A laundry bag or pillowcase can provide an additional layer of protection during the wash.
Always check the care instructions first.
9. Fabric Backpacks
Fabric backpacks can become surprisingly dirty after being carried around every day.
Dust, food crumbs, and dirt can accumulate inside and outside the bag.
Some fabric backpacks are machine washable, but others contain coatings, structured panels, leather details, or metal components that require hand cleaning.
Never assume a backpack is washable simply because it’s made from fabric.
10. Cloth Napkins and Reusable Kitchen Towels
Reusable cloth napkins and kitchen towels are designed to be washed repeatedly.
They can collect food particles, grease, and moisture, so regular laundering is important.
Wash heavily soiled kitchen textiles separately when appropriate, especially if they contain grease or strong odors.
Always Check the Care Label
The most important rule is simple:
If the manufacturer says an item isn’t machine washable, don’t put it in the washing machine.
Materials such as leather, delicate fabrics, certain foam products, and items with electronic components can be damaged by water and agitation.
Also check whether an item should be washed in cold or warm water and whether it can safely go into the dryer.
Don’t Overload the Washing Machine
Even machine-washable household items shouldn’t be crammed into one load.
An overloaded machine may not clean items properly and can place unnecessary strain on the appliance.
Give bulky items enough room to move freely through the wash cycle.
Final Thoughts
Your washing machine can be useful for cleaning much more than clothing.
Depending on their care instructions, items such as shower curtains, cleaning cloths, mop heads, reusable shopping bags, small rugs, pet bedding, mattress protectors, stuffed toys, backpacks, and reusable kitchen towels may all be suitable for machine washing.
The key is to check the care label first, use the appropriate cycle, avoid overloading the machine, and dry each item correctly.
A little regular washing can help keep these everyday household items cleaner, fresher, and ready to use again.
