When it comes to weekly laundry, we usually deal with the same clothes over and over again.
Everything from bed sheets to gym clothes to the clothes we wear every day are routinely treated. But have you ever stopped to think about what it is that you never wash?
Whether because we’re not sure how to wash them or simply because we forget to do it, some things in our homes tend to escape the regular appointment with the washing machine, and probably need a good cleaning.
We have collected here some of the most common household linen items that we forget to wash, and we tell you what is the best method to wash them, so that you can give them the care they need.
1. WEIGHTED BLANKETS
Weighted blankets can keep you warm in the colder months, plus their comforting feel can relieve anxiety and help you get a restful night’s sleep.
Like any other bedding, it needs to be washed from time to time, especially if you sleep directly under one.
However, given their weight, it is not always easy to know how to wash them.
Washing instructions will vary depending on the blanket you are using, so it is important to check the care label beforehand.
Some have removable covers that are machine washable, while others can only be cleaned with stain removers.
If your weighted blanket can go all the way into the washing machine, you should always check that it doesn’t exceed the maximum load capacity of your machine (check the appliance’s user guide if you’re unsure).
According to the Sleep Foundation , with daily use you should wash your weighted blanket every few weeks.
2. WINTER COATS
Washing your winter coat is an easily overlooked task, but washing it carefully can help it look its best.
At a minimum, you should wash or dry clean yours before storing it at the end of the season.
Always check the care label first. Down jackets and parkas are usually machine washable, which makes our lives much easier.
We recommend using a delicate cycle with cold water and non-biological detergent to avoid damage.
Sometimes faux fur and faux shearling can also be put in the washing machine, but we suggest turning these items inside out and using a 30°C (86F) wool cycle along with a detergent designed for wool, such as washing up liquid .
If the care label specifies dry clean only (which is probably the case for wool and cashmere coats), take it to the dry cleaner. If you try to clean them at home, you risk damaging them.
3. BEDDING
We are not talking about the sheets or duvet covers, we are referring to the pillows and the duvet which probably require attention.
If you think about the number of hours we spend in bed and the residues like sweat and oils that probably make their way onto the bedding, it’s clear that regular washing is essential.
- Most microfiber, feather and wool pillows can be washed directly in the washing machine, always follow the instructions on the care label. We recommend using a wool program to wash microfiber.
- It is also important to load two pillows at a time, or at least distribute the load with towels, otherwise the machine may become unbalanced when starting to spin with only one pillow on the drum.
- To wash memory foam pillows: vacuum and clean only specific areas.
Duvets can also be machine washed in a similar manner. If yours is too big for your washing machine, you should take it to the laundromat. Dry it quickly and completely, hanging it outdoors or tumble drying it, if possible.
If the care label recommends dry cleaning, we suggest taking it to the dry cleaners, as the chemicals used in regular dry cleaning may remain on the bedding.
4. CURTAINS
All your curtains really do is hang, so do they really need to be washed? Of course! It is undoubtedly the least stained household linen, but curtains accumulate a lot of dust over time. If not removed, it can attract dust mites .
Shaking the curtains will be enough to remove the most immediate dust. The upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner can also work well for this.
The best method for cleaning your curtains will depend on the care label. Some are dry clean only, but others can be removed and hand washed.
You should be careful not to be too rough when handling the curtains, otherwise you could damage the material.
Squeeze out the water; don’t drain it. You can then iron them while they are still damp (if the care label allows it).
Some curtains are machine washable; The care label will tell you if this is your case. Always use the delicate cycle.
5. GYM BAG
If you think about it, it shouldn’t be surprising that your gym bag, which carries sweaty clothes, damp towels and soaked swimsuits every day, needs a wash from time to time.
It is very likely that a lot of residual moisture and bacteria will accumulate in them, so they can start to smell bad over time.
Most bags and backpacks have a care label inside, which you can follow for the best washing instructions.
If machine washable, turn it inside out and place the handle in a mesh bag to prevent tangling.
You can also use disinfectant wipes to freshen your gym bag between washes, but don’t use them on leather. Also be sure to leave the bag empty to air out between uses.
6. HOUSE SLIPPERS
Our slippers get a lot of wear during the winter months, but they may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re organizing your laundry.
However, whether you wear them with socks or barefoot, sweat is immediately transferred to the slippers, which will encourage the build-up of bacteria and unpleasant odors.
Cleaning your house slippers and slippers doesn’t have to be a complicated task. They usually include care labels, like everything else, to advise you on the best cleaning method.
If they are machine washable and have a hard sole, you can use a mesh laundry bag to protect them and cushion the load to prevent damage during the wash cycle.
Slippers that only need certain stains cleaned can be deodorized by sprinkling a little baking soda inside overnight and then taking them out in the morning.
