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When was the last time you washed items in your home other than the clothes you wear on a weekly basis? Don’t worry, we won’t judge! It’s great to have a consistent wash routine that you know and love. However, our clothes aren’t the only things that need regular laundering.

Here are five items to consider washing this weekend:

Shoes

If you want your everyday shoes to maintain that fresh look and feel, you’ll want to clean them on a frequent basis. Before considering washing your shoes, be sure to read the tag on your shoes to make sure they are washer-friendly. You will want to follow the cleaning and washing instructions carefully to avoid damaging your shoes.

Washing shoes in a washing machine is generally safe for canvas shoes and athletic shoes. These types of sneakers are generally made out of materials like cotton, polyester, or nylon.

To wash your shoes, remove the soles and laces and place the shoes in a mesh bag to ensure a proper clean. Then, add your favorite laundry detergent, such as Persil® ProClean® liquid or Disc laundry detergents, and set your wash temperature setting to “cold.” Let the washer run on a medium speed setting.

Afterwards, it’s best to let your shoes air dry. The heat from a dryer could potentially damage the shoes.

Plastic Shower Curtains

Yes, that’s right. Your shower curtains need some love too!

If the manufacturing instructions suggest using a washing machine to clean, continue reading:

  1. Place plastic curtains and liner without the rings into the washing machine, along with a couple of white towels for better cleaning.
  2. Add laundry detergent.
  3. Set your temperature setting to “warm” or “hot”.
  4. Hang your curtains to air dry.

Backpacks

Backpacks can collect stains, dirt and dust over time from regular use. Luckily, depending on the material, most backpacks are safe to wash in the washing machine! However, if the bag has a leather trim, we advise against a machine wash.

If your backpack is machine washable, follow the instructions below to keep it clean.

  1. Empty the backpack completely. If you need to, use a handheld vacuum to clean out any crevices.
  2. To avoid straps and zippers from getting snagged in the machine, turn your backpack inside out or place it in a pillowcase.
  3. Add about ¼ of a cap load of detergent to the washing machine and wash it using cold water on a gentle spinning cycle. We recommend Persil® ProClean® Original liquid detergent.
  4. Hang your backpack to let it air dry before use.

Baseball Caps

To wash a baseball cap, simply place it in the washing machine by itself or with a small load of laundry. Then, add a small amount of detergent, such as Persil® ProClean®, and wash with warm water on a gentle cycle.

When the washing machine has stopped, take the baseball cap out and let it air dry until it’s ready to be worn again!

Detachable Mop Heads

If your mop head is detachable, throw it in the machine, add about ¼ cup of detergent and wash on a hot water setting. Afterwards, allow the mop head to air dry before reattaching it to the mop handle. 

How to Do Laundry

  • Using the right amount of detergent

    Using the Right Amount of Detergent

  • How to separate laundry: 5 Simple Steps

    How to separate laundry: 5 Simple Steps

  • How to load a washing machine

    How to Load a Washing Machine

  • How to dry clothes

    How to Dry Clothes

  • How to choose the correct wash cycle

    How to Choose the Correct Wash Cycle

  • Your guide to different types of laundry detergent

    Your Guide to Different Types of Laundry Detergent

  • Soapy water with colorful fabric soaking

    Washing clothes in cold water

  • How often should I wash this? Guide to cleaning and washing your household items

    How Often Should I Wash This? Guide to Cleaning and Washing Your Household Items

  • How to choose laundry detergent

    How to Choose Laundry Detergent

  • How to Use Liquid Laundry Detergent Properly

  • How to Hand Wash Clothes