The sun is warm, the days are longer, but your home feels stale.
This is not the refreshing feeling you were hoping for but that’s where you’re at. And that’s okay.
So, you gather your spring cleaning checklists, home organization plans, and try to refresh your home.
You open the window and feel the warm breeze brush by as Spotify plays Spring Hits in the background.
You dust, vacuum, clean the bathrooms, wipe down cabinets and baseboards, the usual stuff.
But you realize your home still feels the same.
You want to elevate your space and refresh more than “the usual stuff” but aren’t sure how long that will take or what to do.
Which is why I’ve complied a list of 7 simple items you can toss in the washing machine and let it do the work for you.
It’s the little things that make a huge difference.
Add these items to your spring cleaning checklist for a better sense of freshness in your home:
Refresh Pet Toys and Accessories
Gather up those plush toys, leashes, the hardness, and bow ties because they are all going to get washed together.
Because dogs use their mouths to carry things, usually plush toys and fabric items don’t smell good.
So, throw those toys in the washer and let the refreshment begin!
Moose, our Bernese Mountain Dog, has an emotional support pickle that gets washed regularly. It actually comes out feeling fluffy and fresh.
When drying pet toys, put them on the delicate cycle for about 10 minutes.
Then, let them air dry outside in the sun or on a rack in the laundry room.
Wash Koozies
Get out the old beer and food smell from your cloth koozies.
Place them in a mesh laundry bag, combine them with towels, and they will come out sparkly clean for spring.
Wash & Dry Tennis shoes
Tie those laces together, throw the pair in a Laundry Shoe Bag for Washer and Dryer, and let the washer do the work for you.
(What’s interesting about this specific laundry bag is that it can be used for more than just shoes.
You can wash pet toys, children’s toys, children’s accessories, or athletic gear in there too.)
An alternative option is to hang the laces over on the outside of the dryer door and close the door with the shoes inside.
You can also throw them in the dryer with old towels.
Winter Accessories Refresh
Gather all the hats, gloves, and winter jackets to wash before storing them away until next season.
Use a large mesh laundry bag and separate these delicate items from getting tangled.
If you live in Florida, do this with hoodies, leggings, and light weight jackets you don’t need for summer.
That way when you pull them out to wear them next season, they won’t smell stale.
Wash (Cloth) Car Floor Mats
Do not, I repeat, DO NOT wash your cloth floor mats and microfiber clothes together in the same cycle.
But absolutely throw your cloth car mats in the washer all by themselves!
While you’re at it, toss in the pet cover and get your car feeling refreshed for spring.
Be sure to shake out these items to remove rocks and other large debris.
Don’t skip your car for spring cleaning as part of your home.
Refresh Reusable Grocery Bags
Cloth grocery bags collect dirt and bacteria over time.
You set them down on the counter at the store, on the floor, and in your car.
Use the gentle cycle on your washing machine and air dry these bags after.
Spring cleaning is about feeling refreshed so don’t skip these items!
Wash Oven Mitts and Pot Holders
Believe it or not, you can wash oven mitts, fabric pot holders, and trivets in the washing machine.
Use the gentle cycle and allow mitts and holders to air dry afterwards.
These items will come out looking brand new leaving your home feeling all spring cleaned!
Become Intentionally Tidy! (Beyond Spring Cleaning)
Are you looking for more spring cleaning ideas?
Grab my FREE Intentionally Tidy Checklist as a thank you for signing up for my email list.
Each week I provide an organizing tip, decluttering idea, or word of encouragement in the organizing process.
April’s theme is… you guessed it… spring cleaning!
So, scroll to the bottom, grab my freebie below, and let’s get your space feeling refreshed this spring.
Now, I want to get organized!
🌼 Work with me in-person
I’ll come to your home or classroom to help you get organized and declutter your space while we create a Bin Your Space system designed for your lifestyle.
🌼 Work with me virtually
No matter where you’re located, I’ll come to you virtually. It works the same as in-person except we meet through Google Meet or Zoom!
I have worked with several clients virtually from Utah, Washington, Ohio, and South Carolina and we have a BLAST!
🌼 DIY with my guide!
Create a calm, peaceful, and simplistic space with actionable steps and tips to maintain a working system.
I provide 60+ aesthetically pleasing container recommendations from Amazon, advice on where to store items used daily and seasonally, and a step-by-step of how to organize specific spaces and items.
You can take your time, go at your own pace, or knock it out over a long weekend. The possibilities are endless. This is a great tool if you are a lover of all things DIY.
✔️ My mission is to help you feel unstuck, less overwhelmed, and more productive in all aspects of your life. And it starts with getting your home organized.
What’s your take on spring cleaning?
Were you surprised by any of these washable items? We’d love to hear what you’re tossing into the washing machine this season!
Share your unexpected washable item discoveries in the comments below.
And if you’re feeling inspired to tackle your spring cleaning, don’t forget to share this post with a friend who might need a little laundry inspiration!
Let’s make spring cleaning a breeze, together!
Bonnie Hintenach | Professional Organizer for Homes & Classrooms | Maryland Organizer
