I was cleaning the bathroom the other day when I took
a closer look at the nonstick mat in the shower. Ick! When did it get so grubby looking? It went straight to the washing machine (with a couple of towels to keep it balanced).
It is so easy to overlook some things like that... something that we are so used to seeing that we don’t really see
them anymore. Other things we tell ourselves we will wash “one day soon” because we are usually busy when we notice or think about them. Then there are likely a few things we never even thought about or knew needed washing.
After the bathroom mat incident, I did a little research to find out
what else is often forgotten when people are cleaning. Here are a few things I found:
2. Pillows: Yes, pillows need cleaning. But not all can be washed. (Interestingly, foam pillows are less likely to be washable than feather pillows.) If yours can, do so; if not, either replace it or see if you can refresh it in the dryer with no heat. Or ask your dry cleaner. Either way, a few tennis balls, or dryer balls, in the dryer will help it fluff.
3. Throw pillows or pillow shams: Another one of those things we don’t often think about washing unless something gets spilled on them. Check labels and wash or take them to the cleaners.
4. Kitchen sponges or Swedish dishcloths: Because we replace them regularly, we may forget to throw them in the washing machine as often as we should. And if you think of all the mess they wipe up, you will realize they should go into the laundry often. 5. Mattress covers:
Most of us are good about washing our sheets regularly, but we do not always get to the mattress cover. Check the washing directions and do it this week.
6. Stuffed animals: These can get pretty yucky and can be hard to separate from your child. This child may not like them washed
either. Wash them if you can, but use your best judgment if things get difficult. If you do decide to wash them, place in a mesh laundry bag, wash them in COLD water, and run the delicate cycle.
7. Gym bags: Not all can be thrown in the washing machine, but many can. Check the
label. If it can be washed, turn it inside out (after emptying all pockets, of course.) Remove any straps you can or tie, so they do not tangle. Wash on the delicate cycle and hang to dry.
8. Lunch bags: If you frequently pack a lunch for yourself or someone else and put it in a
fabric lunch bag, that bag probably needs washing from time to time. Things get spilled or forgotten about. Wash lunch bags like the gym bag above. Do check labels to ensure washability first.
