Your washer already handles clothes, towels, and bedding. But it can clean a lot more—pillows, sneakers, yoga mats, pet beds, and shower liners are all fair game when you follow the right steps. Experts like Martha Stewart and textile pros such as Patric Richardson (Laundry Love) and Cristie Newhart (Kripalu School of Yoga) agree: the key is checking the care tag, using gentle settings, and avoiding heat where the item can’t take it. Get it right and you’ll cut down on hand-washing and keep more stuff fresh—without beating up your machine or your stuff.
Here’s the mindset: when in doubt, read the label. Use delicate or gentle cycles, cold or lukewarm water for most of these, and air dry unless the tag says otherwise. Using the right amount of detergent matters here too; too much leaves residue that can make towels and other items smell musty—same idea for pillows and gear. Below are 12 surprising things you can wash in the washing machine, with quick tips so you do it safely and get results.
Pillows
Pillows collect mold, bacteria, and oils over time. Martha Stewart recommends washing them every three to six months—whether down or synthetic. Most pillows can go in the machine; front-load washers work best because pillows tend to float and stay dry in spots in a top-loader. Use a gentle cycle and mild detergent, then dry thoroughly (low heat or air) so they don’t stay damp and contribute to musty odors or washer smell.
Cushion covers and pet beds
Removable cushion covers made of cotton, linen, denim, chino, or hemp are often machine-washable—Patric Richardson notes these fabrics are typically safe. Follow the care label and hang until just damp, then put back on the furniture to dry so wrinkles fall out.
Pet beds need a clean sleep spot too. Check that the base cushion is machine-washable; then wash the fabric liner and cushion in the machine. Wash them separately from your regular laundry (or with like colors) to avoid cross-soiling and to keep detergent dosing appropriate for the load size.
Backpacks and sports equipment
Backpacks (canvas ones in particular) can usually be machine-washed. Empty all pockets, turn the bag inside out, and remove key chains, patches, pins, and embellishments. Check the tag and spot-test detergent on a hidden area for colorfastness.
Fabric-lined sports gear—shin guards, elbow pads, knee pads—can go in the washer after game day. Close velcro straps and zippers to avoid snagging, and use a lukewarm cycle so the structure doesn’t distort.
Sneakers
Dirty sneakers can get a quick refresh in the washer. Remove the laces and put them in a mesh bag so they don’t tangle; add the shoes and wash in cold water, then air-dry. Martha Stewart suggests washing sneakers with a few towels to cushion them and prevent the load from throwing the machine off balance. For very dirty soles, give them a quick scrub with a toothbrush and diluted white vinegar before washing.
Rugs and yoga mats
Washable rugs and runners (especially near the front door and high-traffic areas) often have care tags—follow them. Sisal and natural weaves should never be machine-washed; they can fall apart. For rubber yoga mats, Cristie Newhart (Kripalu School of Yoga) recommends a delicate cycle with a small amount of detergent, then air-dry indoors or out of direct sun. For other mat materials, check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Shower liners
Shower liners (polyester, nylon, or vinyl) can usually be cleaned in the washer. Use a delicate cycle with warm water and a few drops of detergent. Hang to dry. That keeps grime and mildew from building up—same principle as keeping your washer and bathroom textiles fresh.
Stuffed toys
Plush toys get a lot of love—and a lot of germs. Soft stuffed animals without electronics or excessive embellishments can go in the washer on a delicate cycle. We’ve got a full guide: how to wash stuffed animals in the washing machine (mesh bag or pillowcase, cold water, air dry, and when to hand-wash or spot-clean instead).
Hats, scarves, and pot holders
Hats and scarves pick up body oils and need periodic cleaning. Richardson advises washing them on a gentle cycle zipped inside a tight-fitting mesh bag to protect shape and trim. Aim for every few wears, like the rest of your wardrobe.
Pot holders collect grease and grime. Toss them in with other same-color items. If a mitt is especially dirty, spray it with distilled white vinegar, rinse, then launder it separately—similar idea to pre-treating oily stains before a wash.
One rule to remember
Always check the care tag first. When there’s no tag (e.g. old pillows or rugs), use gentle settings, cold or lukewarm water, and air dry unless you’re sure the item can take heat. Overloading the machine with heavy or bulky items can throw off the drum; wash pillows or rugs one or two at a time if needed. And keep your machine in good shape—cleaning the washer and using the right amount of detergent help everything that goes through it come out cleaner and smelling fresh.
Your washer can do more than clothes. With the right settings and a quick check of the label, you can safely wash pillows, sneakers, yoga mats, pet beds, and more—and spend less time hand-scrubbing.
Sources
- Martha Stewart: 12 Surprising Things You Can Wash in the Washing Machine, From Sneakers to Yoga Mats (pillows every 3–6 months, front-load best; cushion covers—cotton, linen, denim, chino, hemp; pet beds separately, like colors; backpacks—empty, inside out, remove embellishments; sports gear—close velcro/zippers, lukewarm; sneakers—cold, air dry, laces in mesh bag, wash with towels; rugs—check tag, sisal/natural weaves never; yoga mats—delicate, small amount detergent, air dry out of sun; shower liners—delicate, warm, few drops detergent; stuffed toys—delicate, no electronics/embellishments; hats/scarves—gentle in mesh bag; pot holders—same color, vinegar for very dirty). Experts cited: Patric Richardson (Laundry Love), Cristie Newhart (Kripalu School of Yoga).