Most of us stick to clothes and towels when it comes to laundry day, but our washing machines are more versatile than you think. At Busy Bubbles Laundrette, we love helping customers get the most from their wash.
Here are 10 unexpected items you can safely toss in the machine, saving you time, effort and the groans from loads of hand washing.
1. Backpacks and Lunch Bags Deserve a Deep Clean
Between school runs and busy commutes, backpacks and lunch bags carry a lot more than books and snacks – they pick up germs and grime too. According to the National Sanitation Foundation, 44% of reusable lunch bags contain bacteria like E. coli! A quick wash can protect your family from those nasty critters!
Simply empty all pockets, remove inserts and place them in a pillowcase or laundry bag. Use a cold, gentle cycle and let them air dry.
2. Sneakers Can Handle A Spin
Those muddy or deeply sweat-stained sneakers might look beyond saving, but many fabric and mesh shoes are washer-safe. Remove laces and insoles, pop them in a mesh bag and wash on a cold, gentle cycle.
Air dry them with crumpled newspaper inside to retain their shape. Avoid the dryer AND the sun – it can warp soles and unglue certain sections. A monthly wash keeps your kicks fresh and saves you from harsh scrubbing.
3. Shower Curtains and Liners Need Love Too
Shower curtains and liners are breeding grounds for mould and mildew. Toss them in the wash with a couple of old towels (the towels help scrub off soap scum) and use warm water with a mild detergent.
Hang them straight back up to dry – no need for the dryer! It’s an easy way to refresh your bathroom without harsh chemicals or avoids a crick in your neck from hand washing.
4. Small Rugs Come Out Looking New
Many small rugs, especially those without rubber backing, are machine-washable. Shake them out, vacuum off dirt and spot-treat any stains before washing them with towels on a cold, gentle cycle.
Hang them to dry to avoid damaging the fibres. Always check the care tag first – some delicate or wool rugs may need special handling.
5. Pet Beds and Stuffed Toys Get A New Life
Your child’s favourite teddy and your furry friend’s bed both deserve a hygienic refresh. Wash them in cold water with mild detergent on a gentle cycle. Use a mesh bag for stuffed toys to protect stitching. Air dry completely to prevent mould.
Top Tip: Avoid machine washing items with battery packs or delicate features. We have special pet washers at our laundrette locations for pet bedding, making the task much more manageable.
6. Reusable Grocery Bags Can Get A Reset
Reusable shopping bags carry everything from veggies to raw meat, so washing them regularly prevents bacteria build-up. Flip them inside out and wash in warm water with regular detergent. Air dry thoroughly before the next grocery run. It’s a simple habit that keeps your kitchen cleaner.
7. Oven Mitts and Potholders Need More Than A Wipe
Oven mitts and potholders absorb spills, grease and food. Wash them on a hot cycle with towels to kill bacteria and lift stains. Hang them to dry completely before using again. Regular washing not only keeps them hygienic but also prevents lingering odours.
8. Baseball Caps Can Survive The Wash
Baseball caps looking grimy? Skip handwashing – pop them in the machine with a load of towels to help maintain their shape. Use cold water and a gentle cycle. Skip the spin cycle to avoid crushing the brim, then let them air dry over a small bowl to keep their form.
9. Car Mats Can Get A Fresh Start
Fabric car mats pick up dirt, spills and grime over time. Shake them out, pre-treat any stains and toss them in the washer on a heavy-duty cycle. Air dry them flat before putting them back in your car.
Top Tip: Avoid washing rubber-backed mats, as heat and agitation can cause cracks.
10. Lightweight Curtains Can Be Washed At Home
Many curtains and drapes are machine-washable, saving you a trip to the dry cleaner. Remove hooks and hardware and wash on a gentle cycle with cold water. Hang them back up while slightly damp to let wrinkles fall out naturally.
Busy Bubbles is here to guide you with all your laundry tasks! Try Busy Bubbles Laundrette in three convenient locations for fresh laundry and easier ways of keeping things clean. Got questions? Call us on (02) 4731 3336 now!
