Using your washing machine for more than just washing clothes is a cleaning hack we can really get behind.
Our laundry experts know all there is to know about what can and can't be washed in your washing machine. And, as it turns out, there are many things you can throw in the drum for a good old spruce up.
Give these items a whirl.
Can doonas and pillows go in the washing machine?
Depending on the capacity of your washing machine, you can save yourself time and money by putting larger household furnishings like doonas, pillows and rugs through a wash cycle.
It's a good idea to clean your doona regularly to help keep dust mites at bay and keep it at its best. But will it go in your laundry basket, or the too-hard basket?
It's a good idea to clean your doona regularly to help keep dust mites at bay and keep it at its best
Well, it depends on what it's made of – synthetic-filled doonas should be machine washable, but you should choose a gentle cycle with minimal agitation. Feather or down doonas may not be so forgiving, so check and follow the care instructions first.
Once washed, lay the doona out as flat as you can to dry, and make sure it's thoroughly dried and aired.
Pillows also need regular cleaning: think about all the oils from your face and hair, not to mention the sweat (and maybe drool), that they absorb every night.
Polyester, cotton and microfibre pillows can go in the wash
But not every pillow can go in your machine. Polyester, cotton and microfibre pillows can go in the wash, on a warm, gentle cycle, and then laid out flat to dry.
But don't put latex, memory foam, polyurethane foam, goose down and goose feather pillows in your washing machine. Want to know more? We explain how to clean your pillow.
Can you clean a rug in the washing machine?
Like carpets and anything underfoot, rugs can get pretty filthy. Even if you vacuum them every week, you'll need to give them an extra thorough deep clean every now and then to get the embedded grime out.
While the best way to do this is with a steam carpet cleaner, your rug has one advantage over your carpet: it's portable.
Gently does it
Obviously you should take extra care cleaning your vintage Persian rugs. But if you've got a small, cheap, synthetic number from Ikea, Kmart or Freedom, then you can definitely save yourself a few bucks by throwing it in the washing machine.
But you'll need to be careful how you put your rug in so that your load is balanced, and you should use a gentle cycle with minimal agitation to minimise damage. Then, just make sure it's thoroughly dry before you put it back on your floor.
A word about capacity
The big caveat with cleaning doonas and rugs is that you need a large-enough washing machine to fit them in. If you overload your washer you risk damaging it or shortening its life, and you're not going to get a queen-sized quilt in a 4.5kg agitator washer.
But these days you can find washing machines up to 18kg in capacity, and many of them now have a dedicated doona setting.
If you're after a larger machine, you can easily compare the capacities of different models in our washing machine reviews, or check our members-only article that reveals the best washing machines for large families.
Even your shopping bags can benefit from a spin in your washer.
Can you clean a backpack in the washing machine?
Backpacks can get grubby pretty quickly after being hauled around the world (or just to uni and back). And kids' school bags seem to be dirt magnets, both inside and out.
A run through the wash can freshen them up and get rid of that stale sandwich smell or mud from your most recent hike.
Check the manufacturer's instructions first, including advice on whether you can tumble dry them, and use a gentle cycle with a small amount of detergent.
Not every bag will fare well in the wash, though: bags made from leather or with water-resistant coatings or lots of embroidery are best spot cleaned or handwashed, depending on the material.
Reusable shopping bags and fabric produce bags can also be chucked in the wash.
Can you put sneakers in the washing machine?
While you should never chuck your spiffy suede loafers in the washer, you can probably use it to spruce up your sneakers.
Check the manufacturer's instructions first, but sneakers and shoes made from durable materials such as canvas, nylon, polyester or cotton are usually safe to wash in a washing machine on a cold wash.
You may want to put your shoelaces in a delicates bag so they don't get tangled or lost.
Here's how to clean your shoes in the washing machine.
Can 'dry clean only' clothes go in the washing machine?
Taking your clothes to the dry cleaners is a major pain.
OK, sure, it's a first-world problem, but wouldn't it be quicker and cheaper to just bung everything in the washing machine? Aren't those care labels just being a little overcautious?
Taking your clothes to the dry cleaner is a hassle that can sometimes be avoided.
Well, sometimes, yes they are.
But although you can certainly wash some dry-clean-only cottons, linens and durable polyesters in your washing machine, it's not without risk and could affect the quality of your garments.
We're not recommending you throw your full-length silk ball gowns in the wash. But if there are some items you're willing to give it a try with, make sure you put them in a delicates bag first, use a gentle cycle on cold, and hang them to dry (or lie them flat to dry) as soon as the wash is finished.
Similarly, some 'hand wash only' garments can be cleaned using a laundry bag and a delicate/gentle cycle.
Wools and silks can be hand washed as well as dry cleaned, but furs, suede, taffeta and velvet should only ever be dry cleaned.
Can you wash kids' toys in the washing machine?
Putting plush toys through a quick wash is a good way to get rid of germs or dust mites that can trigger allergies (and to keep Teddy looking his best after being dragged through the dirt to and from the park).
You can put them in a delicates bag to add an extra layer of protection.
While soft toys can easily go through a cycle, it's best not to put hard plastic toys through the washing machine as they could damage the inside drum of your machine.
Instead, the dishwasher is a better option for cleaning toys such as building bricks and bath toys.
Can baby car seat covers and baby carriers go in the washing machine?
Baby car seat covers, baby carriers and pram liners get seriously grubby, but most can go in the washing machine.
Baby carriers:
The manufacturers of popular baby carriers such as Baby Bjorn and Ergobaby confirm their carriers are machine washable with mild detergents on a gentle cycle at 40°C.
They also recommend washing them separately in a laundry bag and securing all buckles, then leaving them to air dry (never tumble dry).
Baby car seat covers:
Check the washing instructions for your baby car seat cover – many can be cleaned in the washing machine, but some are handwash only.
Follow our guide on how to clean baby and child car seats for more information.
Can you put dog beds and leashes in the washing machine?
Sometimes a good vacuum isn't enough for pet beds, which can get pretty smelly and/or infested with fleas or other mites.
Many have removable covers that you can put through regular machine washes – use a stain remover recommended by CHOICE experts and wash separately to your other laundry unless you don't mind a sprinkle of pet glitter on your duds or your sheets.
Depending on what your pet leash, harness or collar is made of – nylon or polyester is most likely fine – you may also be able to throw it in for a wash too, but put it in a laundry bag to limit damage to the inside of your drum.
Can you put sponges and mop heads in the washing machine?
After a big clean, don't forget the last bit of the job: chuck all your sponges, wipes and mop heads in the washing machine.
They'll be clean as a whistle and ready to be put to work again.
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