On the days you just can't hand wash or spot clean another thing, remember that you have a major time-saving machine in your house. Lots of things, like these eight items, can be tossed in the washer. Just be sure to check any care tags or manufacturer guidelines first.
1. Stuffed animals
If your son's favorite teddy bear looks like he's been mud wrestling, give him a bath in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Secure any loose strings, remove any "clothing," and place the toy in a mesh bag or pillowcase for added protection. Don't forget to check the care tag (it he has one). Certain furs might not be washable, and the same goes for a toy stuffed with small foam balls, like Beanie Babies.
2. Sneakers
Wash canvas or nylon tennies (like Keds — avoid putting leather or athletic shoes in the washing machine) in cold water to prevent any warping, and throw in an old towel to prevent them from knocking around too much in the machine. Remove the insoles and laces if you can, and wash those separately.
3. Pillows
Good news: If your pillows are down or fiberfill, you can clean them in the washing machine. Use a gentle cycle with warm water, but always read the care label first.
4. Backpacks or lunch bags
Although you might not think to check, some backpacks can be washed in a front-loading washing machine (and throw in your soccer star's stinky shin guards, too). Turn the bag inside out and remove metal parts, if you can, and know that any bejeweled elements or decals might not withstand the spinning. Place the bag in a pillowcase to protect it, and wash on a gentle cycle.
RELATED: 8 Ingenious Laundry Room Ideas »
5. Rubber-backed rugs
These no-skid mats get a lot of foot traffic, and can quickly become dirty instead of decorative. If your rug is made of cotton or synthetic fibers, you can throw it in the washing machine along with bath towels. Wash in cold water on the gentle cycle, and don't clean them too often: The rubber backing can't withstand weekly trips to the laundry room.
6. Curtains
Save yourself the chore of hand washing as you refresh your windows. Unless your curtains are made of a delicate material, they can likely be washed on a slow-spin cycle in cool water.
7. Chair pads
Bring your patio furniture out of hibernation. Wash one chair pad at a time, use the gentle cycle, and make sure your machine has enough space — if you're forcing the pads to fit inside (they may not fit if your machine has an agitator), to wash them by hand instead.
8. Car mats
After months of carpooling, your mats need a thorough cleaning. Pretreat them with a stain remover, like Shout Advanced Gel, and wash them with your normal detergent.
