6 Forgotten Household Items You Need to Wash More Often
Discover which household items like decorative pillows, curtains, and pet beds are often forgotten in the laundry routine and how often to clean them properly.
While the washing machine runs regularly in most homes, several household items that easily escape the laundry basket accumulate dirt, dust, and bacteria daily. Understanding how often to clean them ensures a healthier living space.
Living Room Soft Furnishings
Decorative pillows collect skin oils, dust, and pet dander over time. Pillowcases should be washed monthly, while the pillows themselves can be laundered every few months according to manufacturer instructions. Similarly, throw blankets used frequently by children and pets gather dust, sweat, and food particles, requiring a wash every two to four weeks.
Curtains and Bathroom Mats
Curtains quietly trap dust and allergens. Allergy experts recommend vacuuming them weekly and washing them every three months. Meanwhile, bathroom mats absorb moisture and remain damp for hours, creating a breeding ground for mold. They should be washed at least once a week in active bathrooms.
Kitchen and Reusable Accessories
Reusable shopping bags frequently accumulate food residue and bacteria, especially after carrying meat or vegetables, and require immediate cleaning if liquids spill. Oven mitts and pot holders also come into contact with grease and food daily and should be washed bi-weekly. Finally, pet beds and blankets gather fur, saliva, and outdoor dirt, and should be cleaned weekly.
