6 Household Items You Should Always Toss Into the Laundry, According to Pros

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Let’s face it: even if you’re totally on top of your regular laundry schedule, you may not be taking the time to wash items that go beyond the basic essentials, which generally include sheets, clothing, dish towels, and the like.

However, there are definitely some key items in your home that could use a bit of extra care every now and then, cleaning experts say.

Below, we’ve spoken with a range of cleaning professionals who share their insights on six types of household items that you should probably throw into the washing machine the next time you tackle a load of laundry. Hint: Many of these things reside in the bathroom.

Your Bathtub Pillow

If you own a bathtub pillow in order to make luxuriating in the tub more pleasant, don’t forget to toss this into the wash every now and then.

“When I bought it, I specifically purchased a machine washable one,” Alissa Schow, the founder of the cleaning account Home & Chaos, says of her own. “I try to throw it in the washing machine when I deep clean my tub.”

Make sure you’re following the correct process of cleaning your bathtub pillow because it can vary depending on the material.

Tip

Purchase a machine washable bathtub pillow from the get go in order to make the cleaning process much simpler down the line.

Shower Curtains and Liners

The bathroom tasks keep going! While tackling your tub, make it a priority to wash your shower curtains and liners as well, Robin Murphy, the founder of housecleaning service ChirpChirp, says.

“Laundering them is a lot easier and more effective at ridding them of soap film and mildew than hand wiping,” she says. Murphy recommends washing these pieces every month at a minimum to keep them sanitized.

However, you may need to soak them or remove any stains before you throw them into a washing machine.

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Bath Mats

Last but not least, be sure to wash your bath mat, too—you’re definitely going to want to do so. Since they sit in such a high-moisture environment, bath mats can easily accumulate mold, mildew, and more, Erin Zanelli, CEO of residential cleaning company Tranquil Home, says.

The best way to fully clean bath mats is to wash them in hot water with a mild detergent, she adds.

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Reusable Bags

Your reusable bags work hard for you, whether you’re toting them to the mall, grocery store, farmer’s market, packing a lunch for the office, and more. If you use such bags for food, it’s especially imperative that you give them a good rinse every now and then.

“Washing reusable grocery bags regularly keeps them clean and sanitary, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses,” Hyacinth Tucker, owner of The Laundry Basket LLC, a subscription-based laundry and dry cleaning service, says.

Pillows

Even though you’re already laundering your pillowcases on the regular, your actual pillows need to be cleaned, too—ideally once a quarter.

“We spend eight hours a day in our bed and pillows absorb a lot of sweat, drool, and bacteria,” Axel Avery, a professional cleaner with a house cleaning service Oakville Maids, says.

Be mindful that you’re caring for your pillows correctly, though.

“Always check the care label for specific instructions,” Marilee Nelson, co-founder of Branch Basics, a natural cleaning product retailer, says.

Pillows that can go in the washing machine should be treated with a gentle solution, she adds.

Tip

Check your pillow’s care label for specific washing instructions before tossing it into the washing machine.

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Pet Bedding

Ensure Fido has a clean place to catch those ZZZs by making sure to wash his bedding frequently. Depending on the type of bed your pet has, be sure to take any parts apart properly before throwing them in the washing machine. If you’re unsure, look for care labels for more detailed instructions.

“Over time, dirt, debris, and pet hair can accumulate in their cozy spot,” Zanelli says.

Treat this the same way you would your own bedding, Murphy says, with the recommendation that it be placed in the wash once per week.

Read the original article on The Spruce.