Curiosities Curiosities Discover everything you can wash in the washing machine and you thought you couldn't

We all use the washing machine every day and although we usually separate the white clothes from the colored clothes to prevent any garment from being dyed, and we always focus on washing clothes and fabrics, the truth is that we can put many more things than we thought just the opposite. It has been the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU), which has explained everything that can be washed in the washing machine and that until now you probably thought not.

Discover everything you can wash in the washing machine and you thought you couldn't

From the consumer organization they have given a series of guidelines to be able to do a washing machine well, explaining the importance of choosing the right program and temperature, as well as reminding us that we should always read the labels to know what instructions to follow regarding certain garments before put them in the washing machine, but it has also added the guidelines for some elements that should always be avoided when putting them in the washing machine when, in fact, we can.

Accessories

Accessories such as children's toys or items that we use for our pet, such as the collar, can be put in the washing machine according to the OCU, although we will have to know what they are made of before putting them. In the case of toys, make sure they are nylon and plastic.

Our dog's bed can also be washed, although before putting it in the washing machine it will be necessary to remove the hair with a brush and if the cover is made of cotton we can use hot water.

Small accessories, such as those used for hair, can also be washed, although it is better to put them first in a bag for delicate garments, thus preventing them from being lost or “sneaking” through the drum of the washing machine.

Pillows, cushions and pillows

Pillows and cushions tend to get very stained, both with sweat and saliva, so it is always good to wash them in the washing machine. In the event that they are feather or synthetic we can put them in the washing machine, using an energetic spin. Once washed, it is required to dry them in the open air, fluffing from time to time.

As for the rugs, we will have to assess how they are. In the case of puzzle rugs, which are the ones used for children to play with on the floor, they can be disassembled and put in the washing machine using a cold water program. Similarly, the rugs that we use in the bathroom can be washed cold and with a short spin.

Cotton rugs, as well as those that we step on after getting out of the shower, can be washed in a cold and delicate water program. And in the case of car mats, they can be washed as long as they are fabric in a short program and cold water. Of course, it will be good to remove the dust and dirt first.

Shower curtains and tote bags

The cloth bags that we currently use to go shopping can be washed without any problem and in fact, the OCU recommends washing them at least a couple of times a week, especially if we use them to carry food. The same is recommended for isothermal bags.

In the case of shower curtains, we can also wash them, although we must differentiate between fabric ones, which should be washed at 30ºC, and plastic ones, which should be washed in cold water.

Stuffed animals and other utensils such as mats or oven mitts

The OCU also advises that children's stuffed animals be washed in cold water and also recommends the use of a mesh bag, as long as they do not carry batteries. On the other hand, Lego pieces can be machine washed by putting them in a mesh bag.

Exercise mats should be washed in cold, soapy water without spinning, while oven mitts, which are made of fabric and silicone, can also be put in the washing machine since they resist high temperatures.

What should we not put in the washing machine?

Finally, the OCU advises that we avoid putting Goretex garments and other technical fabrics in the washing machine, as well as waterproof garments and safety elements such as straps and harnesses.