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This one appliance cleans so much more than you think

Who knew?! - by Andrea Black
  • 19 Mar 2019
This one appliance cleans so much more than you think

Want everything clean? Look to your washing machine. It’s not just for sheets, socks and dirty undies. You can also wash these grubby ole items around the home. Bring it on!

Getty Images
Getty Images

Pet collars, leashes and toys

Anyone who has got caught out in the rain, or taken their doggy to the beach will know that those collars and leads can get pretty stinky. Add to that the stuffed toy collection you pooch likes to sleep with and it can be a real stinkathon. Throw them all in a mesh bag and give them a spin in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Result? Fresh!

Getty Images
Getty Images

Reusable supermarket bags

We’re all getting quite the collection of reusable supermarket bags piling up around the home. They get thrown in the car, dragged around the shops and then end up on the kitchen counter full of shopping, of course they’re going to get grubby. They have our fresh food in them, so they have to be sanitary. Throw them in the wash every couple of weeks on a hot wash cycle and air dry.

Getty Images
Getty Images

Ugg boots

Winter is in its way so time to bring out the beloved uggs. Looking a little worse for wear? There’s a solution for that. Brush off any loose dirt, pop them in a mesh bag and place in the washing machine on a cold delicate wash cycle with a couple of towels (to make it a gentler wash for the uggs). Remove and fluff that fleece and dry in the sun. Like new!

Getty Images
Getty Images

Yoga Mats

Think about it, yoga mats are pretty gross, there’s us sweating on top of them and underneath is the floor, where thousands have stepped. Time to give it a spruce. Roll it up and put the machine on a delicate setting, then dry outside. Don’t put yoga mats on a vigorous cycle or in the dryer, it could fall apart.

Getty Images
Getty Images

Plastic shower curtains

No need to replace the shower curtain when the first sign of mildew or soap scum creeps upon it. Simply take off and throw in the washing machine. Add in a few towels to cushion the lining and it will come out brand new. Want it to be extra sparkling? Add in a dash of baking soda which will help loosen all the nasties.  

Andrea Black
Andrea Black
Travel, design and interiors writer Andrea Black embraces maximalism in the home, prefers mid-century modern style furniture and likes to hunt down vintage pieces. She specialises in travel relating to design, history, architecture and music. When visiting a city she will track down vintage vinyl record stores and bring home a local release.

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