Appliance
Washing Machine
ApplianceWashing MachineAutomatic washer with rotating drum
What goes with washing machine
- ShoesVerdict: YES, WITH LIMITSYes, but only if the maker marks that exact pair as machine-washable and your washer manual does not prohibit shoes. Keep leather, suede, nubuck, cleated, embellished, light-up, or otherwise unapproved shoes out. For an approved pair, remove loose debris, laces, and removable insoles, use a wash bag with old towels, follow the listed cycle, and air-dry completely.
- BackpackVerdict: RISKYUsually no. Put a backpack in the washer only when its care label or manufacturer specifically permits machine washing, then follow those directions and your washer manual. If the label says hand wash or do not wash, or you cannot find instructions for the exact pack, spot clean or hand wash instead.
- PillowsVerdict: YES, WITH LIMITSYes, but only if the care label says the whole pillow is machine washable and your washer manual allows bulky bedding. Many polyester, down, and feather pillows qualify; others are spot-clean or dry-clean only. Do not machine-wash a memory-foam insert, and do not use any pillow until the center is completely dry.
- Stuffed AnimalsVerdict: YES, WITH LIMITSYes, but only if the care label permits machine washing and the toy has no nonremovable electronics, fragile fabric, foam-bead filling, or glued-on features. Protect it in a mesh laundry bag or tied pillowcase, follow the label’s settings, and dry it as directed. If the label is missing, hand-wash after checking the toy; if electronics remain inside, spot-clean only.
- Weighted BlanketVerdict: YES, WITH LIMITSYes, but only when the care label permits machine washing and your washer can handle the blanket’s bulk and added water weight. Wash it alone using the settings on the label; if the limit is unclear or the blanket is cramped in the drum, use a commercial washer. Glass beads and plastic pellets can both appear in washable blankets, but the fill does not override the product’s care instructions.
- Memory Foam PillowVerdict: YES, WITH LIMITSOnly put the entire pillow in the washing machine when its care label or manufacturer instructions explicitly allow it. Most solid or contoured memory foam cores should stay out; remove and wash the cover instead, then spot-clean the foam as directed. Some shredded-memory-foam pillows are made for a specified machine cycle. If you cannot confirm that instruction for your model, do not wash the insert.