When it comes to our favorite clothes, many of us are extra careful loading the washing machine. Checking tags, separating colors and choosing the right temperature are all great laundry practices to follow. But if you’re just using your machine to wash clothes and linen, you’re making a big mistake.
Experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab have uncovered a few surprising items that can actually be safely washed in your machine — along with the best cycle, temperature and settings to use for each.
Whether your reusable grocery bags have begun to look a bit ragged or your favorite white sneakers are showing signs of wear, we’re here to help. Read on for detailed instructions on how to safely wash items that you may have previously considered non-washer safe, ensuring they come out of the machine clean and intact. Just remember to always follow any care label instructions that come with the item.
1. Shower Curtain Liners
Like most things in your home, shower curtain liners need a good cleaning every once in a while. Whether you’ve tried soaking and scrubbing your liner, spraying it with a homemade cleaning spray or even replacing it all together, we’re here to tell you that there’s an easier way.
“Select a warm, delicate cycle or for very dirty liners a hot, short cycle adding in some bleach (for clear or white liners) and some old towels for scrubbing action,” says Forté. “At the end of the cycle, place the liner in the dryer on low heat for only a few minutes to remove excess moisture so you can carry it back to the bathroom without dripping. Do not leave the dryer unattended with the liner inside. Re-hang the liner to smooth it out and finish drying.”
2. Reusable Grocery Bags
There are lots of different types of reusable grocery bags, so before washing, just be sure to take note of the fabric.
“For bags made totally of washable fabric, turn them inside out and wash them in warm water on a gentle or normal cycle depending on the construction. If safe, tumble dry them on low or hang them to air dry,” says Forté.
3. Canvas Shoes
Almost everyone has had a light-colored pair of canvas shoes they wish they were a bit more careful with. But when it comes to cleaning, canvas shoes can actually be thrown in the washer as long as they’re in a mesh bag.
“Slip out any removable insoles and hand wash them separately. Put shoes into a mesh bag and wash them in warm water on a gentle cycle,” says Forté. “Air dry or, if safe, tumble dry low. Some dryers have a rack for drying items, like shoes, without tumbling.”
4. Oven Mitts and Potholders
Oven mitts and potholders are especially susceptible to food stains, and while that’s expected given their role in the kitchen, that doesn’t mean they have to stay dirty permanently. If you notice your oven mitts have been doing a little extra work lately, take them for a spin in the washer.
Forté recommends washing them in warm water on a normal or gentle cycle. Then, tumble dry them on low. However, if your oven mitts are torn or have any holes where the padding is exposed, it’s best to hand wash them.
5. Pillows
While we all wash our pillowcases, sometimes our pillows need a little extra love, too. Luckily, most pillows can be pretty easily washed if they’re made with down, down alternative or shredded foam filling. Just make sure to remember to fluff and turn them as you dry.
“Wash on a gentle or bulky bedding cycle with an extra rinse added in” says Forté. “Tumble dry low with dryer balls, fluffing and turning them often.”
However, stear clear of washing any pillows made with solid foam.
6. Plush Toys
While many don’t think to wash their kids’ toys out of fear of damaging them, it’s actually totally safe as long as you follow the correct steps.
“Place toys in a pillowcase or mesh bag and wash them in cold water on a gentle cycle,” recommends Forté. “Fluff or reshape them and air dry or, if safe, tumble dry low.”
If your child’s toys are are torn, have decorative trims, are not colorfast or are especially old or valuable, avoid machine washing them.
7. Bathtub Mats
Although you may be washing your bath mat, you may not be washing the one that goes inside your tub.
Using a gentle cycle in warm to hot water is the key to washing your bathtub mat. Once it’s done in the wash, air dry your mat.
Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com where she covered everything from entertainment news to product reviews to pop culture updates.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
