7 Everyday Items You Might Be Forgetting to Wash
Laundry is one of those never-ending chores that keeps the household running. I’m pretty diligent about keeping my clothes clean and my linens fresh, but I have to admit—there have been moments when I’ve discovered items I completely forgot about. (Like the time I realized I hadn’t washed my reusable shopping bags in…well, let’s not go there.)
It’s easy to focus on the basics—clothes, sheets, towels—and overlook other items that also need regular cleaning. The good news? With a little extra attention, you can include these sneaky culprits in your routine and keep your home feeling fresh and hygienic. Let’s dive into seven everyday items you might be forgetting to wash—and how to tackle them.
1. Reusable Shopping Bags
Let’s talk about those trusty reusable shopping bags. If you’re anything like me, they’re an essential part of your grocery trips—reliable, eco-friendly, and always within arm’s reach. But have you ever stopped to think about what’s lurking on them? I’ll admit, it wasn’t until I found a stray squished grape at the bottom of one that I realized they probably needed a good wash.
Why Wash Them:
Reusable bags are in constant contact with all sorts of surfaces—checkout counters, car trunks, and grocery carts—not to mention the raw food they carry. All of that adds up to a perfect storm for bacteria and dirt. Without regular cleaning, these bags can become a breeding ground for germs, which isn’t exactly what you want near your fresh produce.
How to Wash Them:
Most fabric bags are machine washable. Toss them in on a gentle cycle with cold water, and they’ll come out as good as new. For insulated or plastic-lined bags, stick to hand washing with warm, soapy water, focusing on seams where grime can hide. Always let them air dry completely to avoid mildew.
Pro Tip: Keep a rotation of bags so you always have a clean set ready to go. Tossing them in the wash right after a big shopping trip is an easy habit to build—and trust me, it feels great to know they’re clean and ready for your next run to the store.
2. Pillowcases and Throw Pillow Covers
I’m pretty good about washing my sheets every week, but I’ll confess that throw pillow covers used to be an afterthought. I mean, how dirty could they get? Turns out a lot. After all, they’re the unsung heroes of my living room, catching everything from snack crumbs during Netflix marathons to pet fur when my cat decides they make the perfect napping spot.
Did you know your pillowcase can be a bacteria hotspot? After just one week of use, it collects over 17,000 times more bacteria than a toilet seat—around 3 to 5 million colony-forming units per square inch, according to a report by the National Sleep Foundation.
Why Wash Them:
Pillowcases are a no-brainer—they’re in direct contact with your face every night, absorbing oils, sweat, and dead skin cells. If left unwashed for too long, they can contribute to clogged pores or skin irritation. Throw pillow covers may not touch your face, but they’re magnets for dust, dirt, and allergens. Regular cleaning keeps them looking fresh and reduces potential triggers for allergies.
How to Wash Them:
- Pillowcases: Toss them in with your sheets on a hot or warm cycle to kill bacteria and break down oils.
- Throw Pillow Covers: These often require a bit more care. Check the care label first—some can go in the washer on a delicate cycle, while others may need hand washing. For covers with embellishments, like embroidery or sequins, opt for a mesh laundry bag to prevent damage.
Experts recommend washing pillowcases at least once a week, especially if you have sensitive skin or use a lot of hair products. For throw pillow covers, every few weeks is usually enough unless you’re dealing with heavy use.
Pro Tip: Rotate seasonal pillow covers or invest in extras so you can swap them out while one set is in the wash. It’s a little luxury that keeps your home looking polished and your laundry routine manageable.
3. Bath Mats and Shower Curtains: The Bathroom Duo You Can’t Ignore
When I think about bathroom cleaning, my mind usually goes straight to scrubbing sinks and tackling the tub. But it wasn’t until I noticed a musty smell that I realized my bath mat and shower curtain had been quietly collecting all kinds of grime. If you think about it, these two items are on the front lines of moisture battles every day—so giving them regular TLC makes a big difference.
Why Wash Them:
- Bath Mats: These cozy, absorbent mats feel great underfoot, but they’re also sponges for bacteria, mildew, and whatever gets tracked in from the bathroom floor.
- Shower Curtains: Whether fabric or plastic, shower curtains take a daily beating from soap scum, hard water stains, and damp conditions, making them prime real estate for mold and mildew.
How to Wash Them:
- Bath Mats: Toss them in the washing machine with towels on a hot water cycle. The towels add weight to the load, helping scrub the mats clean during the wash. For extra freshness, add a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle.
- Shower Curtains: Most fabric curtains can go in the washer with mild detergent and a few towels to keep them from wrinkling or tearing. For plastic curtains, try soaking them in a solution of warm water and white vinegar to cut through soap scum and prevent mildew buildup.
Pro Tip: After every shower, pull the curtain fully closed to let it dry completely. This simple habit can significantly reduce moisture buildup and keep mildew at bay.
4. Gym Bags: Your Fitness Companion Needs a Clean Break
I’ll admit, my gym bag is a workhorse. It’s been stuffed with sweaty clothes, water bottles, and even the occasional snack. But for a long time, I didn’t realize just how much bacteria it could harbor. A quick sniff one day (don’t ask) made it clear—it was time for a deep clean.
Why Wash Them:
Between damp gym clothes and gear, gym bags are a perfect storm for bacteria, odors, and even mold if left unchecked. A regular wipe-down might buy you some time, but to truly freshen things up, a thorough wash is a must.
How to Wash Them:
- Fabric Bags: Most gym bags made from fabric can go in the washing machine. Use a gentle cycle with mild detergent and cold water to prevent damage. Skip the dryer—air drying is your best bet.
- Non-Washable Bags: For bags that aren’t machine washable, wipe down the interior and exterior with disinfectant wipes or a cloth soaked in a mixture of warm water and mild soap. Pay extra attention to seams and pockets, where grime loves to hide.
Quick Hack: Pop a dryer sheet into your gym bag between uses to help absorb odors and keep it smelling fresh.
5. Kitchen Towels and Dish Cloths: Unsung Kitchen Heroes
Kitchen towels and dishcloths are the MVPs of clean up duty, but they can also turn into germ magnets if you don’t wash them often. I used to let mine sit in the laundry pile for way too long—until I read that these towels can harbor more bacteria than a bathroom sink. Yikes!
Why Wash Them:
These towels touch everything—spills, counters, hands, and even raw food. Without regular cleaning, they can spread bacteria around your kitchen instead of cleaning it up.
How to Wash Them:
- Wash kitchen towels and dishcloths separately from your other laundry to avoid cross-contamination. Use a hot water cycle with a strong detergent to break down grease and kill bacteria. If they’re particularly grimy, add a little white vinegar or baking soda to the wash for an extra cleaning boost.
- Avoid fabric softeners, which can leave a residue that reduces absorbency.
Experts recommend swapping out kitchen towels daily, especially if they’ve been used to clean up after raw meat or poultry. It’s a small change that can make a big difference in keeping your kitchen safe.
6. Stuffed Animals and Pet Bedding: Keeping the Furry (and Fluffy) Friends Fresh
When my niece handed me her cherished teddy bear one day and asked why it smelled “funny,” I realized I’d completely overlooked the need to wash stuffed animals regularly. The same goes for my dog’s favorite bed, which somehow manages to collect more dirt and fur than I thought possible. These cozy companions—whether for kids or pets—deserve a little TLC to keep them clean and hygienic.
Why Wash Them:
Stuffed animals and pet bedding are magnets for dust mites, allergens, and bacteria. Regular washing not only keeps them fresh but also helps maintain a healthier environment for your little ones or furry friends. For kids, it can reduce allergens and prevent skin irritation, while for pets, it keeps their cozy spot clean and odor-free.
How to Wash Them:
- Stuffed Animals: Place them in a mesh laundry bag to protect delicate seams and small parts. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. Afterward, air dry or tumble dry on low heat. For older or extra-delicate toys, spot-cleaning with a damp cloth and mild soap might be a better option.
- Pet Bedding: Wash on a hot water setting with a pet-safe detergent to kill bacteria and remove odors. Most pet beds have removable covers, which makes cleaning easier, but if the whole bed needs a wash, check the care label for instructions.
Bonus Tip: Vacuum pet bedding between washes to pick up hair and dander, helping it stay cleaner longer. And for stuffed animals, give them a quick shake outside every now and then to freshen them up.
7. Hats and Caps: Sweat Collectors in Disguise
Hats are one of those things we wear often but rarely think about cleaning—until the sweat stains and odors become impossible to ignore. I once rediscovered an old baseball cap in my closet and immediately realized why it had been banished in the first place. Trust me, a quick wash works wonders to bring your hats back to life.
Why Wash Them:
Sweat, oils, and dirt accumulate on hats over time, especially along the inner band. Without regular cleaning, this buildup can lead to unpleasant smells, discoloration, and even bacteria growth. Keeping your hats clean not only helps them last longer but also ensures they’re fresh and ready to wear.
How to Wash Them:
- Hand Wash: For delicate or structured hats, hand washing is the safest option. Fill a basin with warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Gently scrub the hat, paying extra attention to the inner band, and rinse thoroughly.
- Machine Wash: If your hat is made of sturdier materials, like cotton or polyester, you can machine wash it. Place it in a mesh laundry bag to protect its shape, use a gentle cycle, and wash it with similar colors.
- Drying: Never toss hats in the dryer! Reshape them immediately after washing and let them air dry. For structured caps, placing them over a bowl or a similarly shaped object helps maintain their form.
Pro Tip: For hats with stubborn sweat stains, try applying a paste of baking soda and water to the stained area before washing. Let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse or wash as usual.
Freshen Up Your Laundry Routine
Adding these often-forgotten items to your laundry schedule doesn’t just keep things clean—it also helps prolong their lifespan and maintain a healthier home environment. Start by tackling one or two items on this list each week, and before you know it, your whole routine will feel more thorough.
Laundry might never be glamorous, but it’s incredibly satisfying to know you’re covering all the bases. So, grab your favorite detergent, turn up some music, and give these overlooked items the care they deserve.
