Surprising things you can put in the washing machine

Most of us don't think twice about popping clothes, bedding and towels in the washing machine, but have you ever thought about chucking a shower curtain, pet harness or backpack in there?

You could save yourself the added hassle of scrubbing things by hand, or the expense of replacing them.

Read on to discover seven items you might not have considered putting through the wash – as well as a few you definitely shouldn't. 

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1. Shower curtains 

It's easy to forget that dirt and scum builds up on items like shower curtains and liners very easily, and it's actually recommended that you wash them around once a month to prevent mould and mildew from developing.

However, rather than trying to scrub yours by hand, you can simply remove it from the shower rail, take off the curtain rings and throw it into the washing machine.

If your machine has one, choose a delicate or handwash cycle, as they have the slowest spin speeds. Adding in a couple of large towels will help to balance out the load too. There's no need to use a specific detergent.

At the end of the wash cycle, shake it out before hanging it back up on the shower rail to air-dry completely – your shower curtain shouldn't go anywhere near a tumble dryer.  

For further advice, read our guide to useful washing machine programs 

2. Exercise mats

Exercise or yoga mats can't all go in the washing machine, so be sure to check the manufacturer's care instructions on the label to see if yours is machine compatible. 

If it is, the instructions are simple: wash on a gentle cycle (handwash or delicates is best) with cold water and a very small amount of mild detergent. 

You don't need to do this frequently unless your mat is getting filthy dirty on a regular basis. Keep it clean between uses by wiping it down with a damp cloth and spot cleaning stains with washing-up liquid if necessary. 

However, don't cram it into the machine if it doesn't fit, as it won't clean properly and could damage your appliance. Consider taking it to the launderette instead.

Discover the best and worst laundry detergents according to our rigorous tests

3. Pet accessories

Dog collars, leads and harnesses can pick up mud and dirt very quickly – especially if your furry friends love rolling around exactly where you told them not to.

For the most part, dog harnesses are machine-washable, unless they have leather parts or explicitly tell you not to on the label. Many have metal parts, so to avoid damage to your washing machine, put them in a mesh garment bag, or wash them in a load with some towels or blankets.

Using a sensitive detergent can be a good idea to avoid irritating your pet's skin, or at the very least choose something without an added fragrance that might overwhelm their sense of smell.

Pet beds can usually go in too, but dog (and cat) collars are rarely machine washable, so it's best to wash these by hand unless you're absolutely sure the washing machine won't cause yours any damage. 

Can you wash clothes at 20°C? Does washing at 90°C kill bacteria? Read our washing machine temperature guide to find out

4. Backpacks

Backpacks pick up dirt and stains easily, especially if they're being taken to school or work regularly, so it's nice to have the option to pop yours in the washer over the weekend so it's squeaky clean for Monday.

The general rule of thumb is anything with leather, added embroidery or a specialist coating (think hiking backpacks) is best being handwashed, but most other items should be fine – just check the label first.

Once you've emptied the bag and brushed off any visible dirt, remove any detachable elements like straps and place them inside a pillowcase or mesh laundry bag to prevent the zip or clasp from getting caught.

Use a small amount of detergent, wash on a gentle cycle and air-dry. If the bag emerges still sopping wet, you can dab away excess water with an old towel. 

Our guide on how to wash clothes, towels and bedding will help you keep all of your items looking their best

5. Cleaning equipment

Many cleaning items such as mop heads and microfibre cloths are now marketed as machine-washable – great news for the planet and your pocket, since you won't need to keep replacing them.

Before washing your mop head, check what it's made of (it's usually cotton or microfibre), as that will dictate the temperature it can tolerate. These things encounter shedloads of dirt and germs, so ideally they should be washed at higher temperatures (at least 60°C) to kill any bacteria they might be harbouring, but double-check the label beforehand. 

You should also avoid using fabric softener, as it reduces absorbency, and manually remove any large tangles before washing.

After washing, give your mop head and cloths a good shake and hang them out to dry completely. It's also worth giving the inside of your machine a quick clean to remove any dirt that might be lurking.

If your machine needs a refresh after tackling your cleaning accessories, head to our guide on washing machine cleaners 

6. Hats and hair accessories

You can treat soft fabric hats such as beanies the same as you would any other item of clothing – simply check the care label for the best washing conditions and you're good to go. 

Woolly hats will require a gentle (or, ideally, wool-specific) cycle at lower temperatures, but for the most part they can still be added to the washing machine as normal. For best results, use a special detergent designed for woollens.

Baseball caps will likely lose their structure in the washing machine so it's best to stick to hand washing, but if you want to give it a go, make sure you use a low-spin cycle at a low temperature. 

Larger hair accessories like fabric scrunchies can also go in with standard loads, but anything made of silk or satin is better off being hand washed separately to avoid any damage.

From wooden chopping boards to vacuum attachments, check out the surprising items you can and can't put in the dishwasher 

7. Rugs

An increasing number of rugs are now designed to go in the washing machine, which is excellent news if you share your home with pets, young children or messy eaters.

Your manufacturer will provide specific washing instructions, so be sure to check the care label, but a general rule is to wash at a low temperature with a mild detergent to best preserve the colour of your rug and prevent shrinkage.

You should always vacuum rugs before washing and ensure that it will definitely fit inside your machine, as trying to squeeze in something that's obviously too large won't lead to a good end result.

Don't use any bleach, but instead spot-treat stains before washing, and always air-dry – preferably outside. Try to avoid direct sunlight though, as again this can make the colour fade.

To find out which large appliance brands stand the test of time, see our round-up of the most reliable washing machine brands

Things you should never put in the washing machine

If you're thinking about washing an item which has a faded care label, or is missing one altogether, it's always best to err on the side of caution and assume it can't go in the washing machine.

However, see below for the items and materials that should be handwashed at all costs to avoid damaging them or your machine:

1. Clothes with embellishments, glitter, lace and fringing The hot water in your machine can break down adhesives, and things like sequins can also damage the drum as they're spinning round.
2. Suits and ties Even if your suit is made from cotton or polyester, the interfacing (which gives them their structured shape) can dissolve and bend out of shape in water. Ties are easy to shrink or damage.
3. Memory foam pillows The foam is too delicate and can easily be torn during the washing process.
4. Anything with fur, leather, suede, velvet or rayon These fabrics are better off going to the dry cleaners as they will only get damaged in a washing machine.
5. Items coated in flammable residue Workwear or jackets that are designed to be non-flammable won't function correctly if machine washed, as it can remove the safety coating.
6. Heavy items Washing machines need to be balanced correctly in order to spin properly, otherwise you run the risk of the drum bearings giving up the ghost during the spin cycle.
7. Some cuddly toys Always check the label, but certain brands of soft toys (including Jellycats and Beanie Babies) are handwash-only for the most part.
8. Coins, keys and jewellery Make sure these items are removed from your pockets before washing to avoid them damaging the drum or door glass, or getting lodged in the drainage system.

Rogue items causing issues with your washing machine? Take a look at our guide on common washing machine problems and how to fix them