When it comes to laundry day, we learn a few things starting at an early age, from separating white and red clothing to sending silks to the dry cleaners, and so on. But for a chore that seems pretty straightforward, some items can leave us scratching our heads and thinking: “Can I wash this?”
So, instead of ruining your favorite top or tossing a household item because it’s looking a little grimy, we reached out to experts to help break down what can and can’t be put in the washing machine. And you’ll be surprised that your machine can clean so much more than what’s in your wardrobe and linen closet.
What items can you actually put in a washing machine? | Surprising items that can be machine washed | Laundry products | How we chose | Meet the experts
What items can you actually put in a washing machine?
The most straightforward way to know if something can be washed in an at-home machine is by checking the care tag label, explains Jessica Ek, senior director of digital communications at the American Cleaning Institute. It should have a clear symbol or indication, that says “machine washable.”
“This includes most fabric items that are small enough to fit in the washing machine unless they are very delicate,” says Ek.
How delicate the fabric happens to be a rule of thumb for Rechelle Balanzat, founder of New York-based laundry and dry cleaning service Juliette. “If we’re talking basic, cottons and polyesters, things that you wear around the house, that is a little bit more casual wear, things that you go to bed in,” says Balanzat. “Usually casual wear, you can typically throw in the washing machine.”
There’s more than just clothes that can be placed in the washer. The experts shared a variety of household items that are actually suitable for that type of cleaning, and Balanzat says “you can really get away with a lot.” We agree — a few came as a surprise!
Surprising items that can be machine washed
There are a few things to keep in mind when laundering non-clothing items that can better preserve them. Ek says small things should go into a mesh bag before cleaning, and that you’ll want to spot clean. Also, the experts agree that you’ll want to wash any of these items with cold water on a gentle cycle. Balanzat specifically notes “delicate” or “hand wash” cycles.
Small items you can wash in a mesh bag:
The key is to stock up on different-sized mesh bags for small items, which Ek says are great for small pieces such as shoes laces and delicates. Other items Balanzat notes that should go in a mesh bag are small stuffed animals and of course, socks. “That’s really because sometimes when the washer is on that high-speed spin to remove all of the excess water, sometimes those little garments fall into the drum,” says Balanzat.
- Sneakers and shoelaces
- Children's and pet's plush toys
- Oven mitts and pot holders
- Baseball caps (Though Ek notes if you're worried about losing the shape, you're better off with hand-washing)
- Sports gear such as shin guards
Large items you can machine wash
For items with stuffing, (i.e. pillows, cushions, puffy jackets) Ek says you’ll want to make sure it’s with other items to balance the load. However, she does warn to not overload the drum. “If it doesn’t fit, with room to spare, you may be better off bringing it to a laundromat that has larger machines, hand-washing it, or getting it professionally cleaned."
- Dog and cat beds
- Pillows and cushions
- Jackets
- Yoga mats
- Shower curtains and liners
- Window curtains
- Reusable shopping bags, lunch bags and gym bags
- Mop heads
Aside from mesh bags, and making sure your load amount is correct, Ek says the detergent is also important. "Other tools that are helpful to have on hand include a reliable stain remover with enzymes and a heavy-duty laundry detergent for tough stains as well as a gentle detergent for washing delicate items," says Ek.
Knowing how to wash your household items can preserve their longevity and ultimately save you money, but when in doubt the experts echo to check those care labels.
Expert and editor-approved laundry products
Hold it in: Bagail Mesh Laundry Bags
- Durable zipper and fabric
- Multiple sizes
- Make sure to tuck zipper
Both Ek and Balanzat expressed the importance of stocking up on mesh bags, and although they didn't give a specific brand this option has over 58,000 five-star reviews. This set comes with five different-sized mesh bags to fit a variety of delicates and small items.
"I have been using these now for 3 years and they show NO signs of wear or tear. None of them have gotten damaged for me and they have never opened up in the washer or dryer in all this time," wrote one Amazon reviewer.
Instant removal: Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray
- Very effective, say users
- Users say it has an odd smell
The cleaning experts recommend spot-treating any stains prior to washing, and this option is an Amazon No.1 bestseller. It has over 58,000 ratings and reviewers rave about how effective it is.
Commerce writer Jannely Espinal loves this stain remover for its efficiency and fast results. "While the liquid smells weird, this stain treater has removed coffee, deodorant and food stains in an instant. However, you have to use it immediately, once the stain accident happens," says Espinal.
"Whether it’s food, grease, coffee or even baby spit-up, Miss Mouth’s Stain Treater Spray tackles them all with ease. I’ve used it on everything from baby clothes and bibs to adult clothing and upholstery, and it never fails to impress me with its stain-fighting power," says one Amazon reviewer.
Remove the odor: Downy Rinse Active Fresh Laundry Additives
- No residue left behind
- Adds a boost of freshness
- Expect some spillage
Associate editor Kamari Stewart needs to smell the freshness through her clothes, so this product helps with it. "I am anti-fabric softener (especially after writing a story on it) but this is a great alternative. It’s not a fabric softener, but a fabric rinse. It still leaves your clothes smelling really good without all of the residue that traditional softeners leave behind. I like the Active version for all of my workout clothes, especially in the summer," says Stewart.
For the sensitive one: Tide Free Liquid Laundry Detergent
- Helps soften clothing
- Affordable for size
- Truly unscented
This laundry detergent offers a gentle cleaning for both clothing and the skin. According to the brand, it doesn't contain any fragrances, dyes or parabens.
Associate editor Allie Wise says this detergent has been a part of her laundry routine for years. “I have sensitive skin, and this detergent keeps my clothes soft and doesn’t make my skin itchy or red,” she says.
Stewart is also a fan of this detergent because of its sensitive-free factor. "As someone with eczema, it’s always been important to me to have a detergent that’s fragrance-free and won’t irritate my skin. I’ve used Tide for as long as I can remember but have recently switched over to their Free & Gentle line which is designed for sensitive skin and I haven’t been disappointed," she emphasizes.
Smell the woods: White Barn Mahogany Teakwood Laundry Detergent
- Scent isn't overpowering
- A little goes a long way
- Higher priced
If fabric rinse is not your thing but still want your clothes to smell like a forest, this detergent will do the trick. Associate editor Lauren Witonsky loves this product for its gentle fragrance.
"I usually reach for unscented detergents, but am so glad I tried this scented one from Bath & Body Works. It smells like men’s cologne (or more specifically walking into an Abercrombie & Fitch store) and actually, it makes me excited to do laundry. I’m pretty sensitive when it comes to strong scents, but this one only lightly lingers on clothes while keeping active wear smelling fresh. I’ve even used it on sheets with no problem," says Witonsky.
Keeps fabric tangle-free: Wad-Free for Bed Sheets
- Can be used in washer or dryer
- Sheets dry faster, says brand
- Don't use on high speeds
- Don't use on silks or rayon
Sheets and duvets are notorious for wadding up, making them difficult to thoroughly clean and dry. This cleaning hack helps keep items from tangling and getting twisted in the laundry. And you can use them for more than just sheets, the brand says it's useful for socks and tablecloths, too.
"I use this every time I wash my sheets and you can tell the difference. The sheets come out extra clean and tangle-free from the washer and dryer," says Espinal.
Reusable option: Smart Sheep Wool Dryer Balls (Set of 6)
- Fluffs fabric
- Shortens dry time
- Reusable
- Some say it can cause static
After washing items with cushioning, Ek says you can add a tennis ball with the item in the dryer to help fluff it up. Coming in a pack of six, these wool dryer balls can do the trick while providing even more benefits. According to the brand, the reusable dryer balls can actually replace fabric softeners and dryer sheets as well as collect pet hair and shorten dryer time.
Plastic chaser: Cora Ball
- Reusable
- Traps microfiber/microplastic
- Can catch on clothing straps
According to the brand, this ball can help prolong the life of your clothing by catching microfibers and microplastics, and associate editor Kamari Stewart says she's been using one for more than two years.
"I’ve been using this for the past two or so years. It’s designed to catch microfibers and microplastics that could get stuck in your clothes/onto your skin. It takes a long time to see anything actually build up but they’re quite easy to remove," says Stewart.
How we chose
We selected the best laundry items based on insights and recommendations from experts and approved picks from Shop TODAY editors and staffers. All option were sourced through verified editors' reviews.
Meet the experts
- Jessica Ek is the senior director of digital communications at the American Cleaning Institute.
- Rechelle Balanzat is the founder of Juliette, a laundry and dry cleaning company based in New York City.
