Top Tips To Clean Tricky Household Items

A recent study has revealed that many Brits are unsure about how to properly clean certain household items, leading to frequent over-washing that harms both their belongings and the environment. Duvets, pillows, and trainers top the list of items causing the most cleaning confusion, with thousands of monthly searches for guidance.

Over-washing clothes and household items not only wears them out faster but also wastes water, energy, and detergents, contributing to environmental strain. By mastering the right techniques for washing these tricky items, you can extend their lifespan, save resources, and reduce your ecological footprint.

With the help of premium appliance brand AEG, we are sharing a guide to cleaning the top 10 items Brits find most challenging, along with practical tips to wash smarter.

Top Tips To Clean Tricky Household Items

1. Duvets: The Top Cleaning Conundrum

Duvets are the item Brits worry about washing the most, with many concerned about damaging the fabric or clumping the filling. Their large size often makes them incompatible with standard washing machines, adding to the challenge.

How to Wash:

• Check the care label: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Use a bathtub for hand-washing: Fill the tub with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the duvet and gently agitate it. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
• Machine washing (if suitable): Use a large-capacity machine on a gentle cycle with cold water. Add a small amount of detergent and run an extra rinse cycle to remove all soap.
• Drying: Air-dry flat or use a low-heat tumble dryer with a few clean tennis balls to prevent clumping. Ensure the duvet is completely dry to avoid mold.

Green Tip: Wash duvets only once or twice a year unless heavily soiled. Spot-clean stains with a damp cloth and mild soap to reduce washing frequency.

2. Pillows: Keeping Shape and Support Intact

Pillows are another source of cleaning anxiety, as improper washing can ruin their shape or reduce their support, leading to uncomfortable sleep.

How to Wash:

• Check the type: Feather, down, or synthetic pillows can often be machine-washed, but memory foam pillows require special care (usually spot-cleaning only).
• Machine washing: Wash two pillows at a time to balance the load. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and a small amount of detergent. Run an extra rinse cycle.
• Hand-washing: Soak in lukewarm water with mild detergent, gently squeezing to clean. Rinse thoroughly.
• Drying: Tumble dry on low heat with tennis balls to fluff the filling, or air-dry in a well-ventilated area.

Green Tip: Wash pillows every 4-6 months to maintain freshness. Use a pillow protector to reduce the need for frequent cleaning.

3. Trainers: Cleaning Without Compromising Style

Trainers rank high on the list due to concerns about damaging materials or fading colors during cleaning.

How to Wash:

• Spot-clean first: Remove dirt with a damp cloth and mild soap. Use a soft toothbrush for stubborn stains.
• Machine washing: Remove laces and insoles, then place trainers in a mesh laundry bag. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and a small amount of detergent.
• Drying: Air-dry trainers away from direct heat or sunlight to prevent warping or fading. Stuff with newspaper to maintain shape.

Green Tip: Spot-clean trainers regularly to avoid frequent machine washing, which saves water and energy.

4. Jeans: Preserving Fit and Color

Jeans spark worry about fading colors or losing their shape, leading many to over-wash or avoid cleaning them altogether.

How to Wash:

• Wash sparingly: Jeans don’t need frequent washing—every 10-15 wears is often enough unless visibly dirty.
• Hand-washing: Soak in cold water with a small amount of mild detergent. Gently scrub stains and rinse thoroughly.
• Machine washing: Turn jeans inside out, use a cold cycle, and avoid harsh detergents. Skip the dryer to preserve fit.
• Freezing trick: To freshen jeans between washes, place them in a sealed bag in the freezer overnight to kill odor-causing bacteria.

Green Tip: Washing jeans less frequently conserves water and extends their lifespan. Spot-clean stains to delay full washes.

5. Shoes (Non-Trainers): Gentle Cleaning for Delicate Materials

Non-trainer shoes, such as leather or suede, require careful cleaning to avoid damage.

How to Wash:

• Brush off dirt: Use a soft brush to remove dried dirt or debris.
• Spot-clean: Use a damp cloth with a small amount of mild soap for fabric shoes or a specialized cleaner for leather or suede.
• Avoid soaking: Never submerge delicate shoes in water, as it can damage materials or adhesives.

Green Tip: Regular brushing and spot-cleaning reduce the need for deep cleaning, saving water and specialized cleaning products.

6. Cashmere: Caring for Luxury Fabrics

Cashmere’s delicate nature makes many hesitant to wash it, fearing shrinkage or damage to this luxurious material.

How to Wash:

• Hand-washing: Use lukewarm water with a mild detergent designed for delicates. Gently squeeze the fabric, avoiding twisting or wringing.
• Machine washing: If the care label allows, use a gentle cycle in a mesh laundry bag with cold water and a wool-safe detergent.
• Drying: Lay flat on a towel to air-dry, reshaping the garment as needed. Avoid hanging to prevent stretching.

Green Tip: Wash cashmere only when necessary (e.g., after several wears or if stained). Use eco-friendly, biodegradable detergents to minimize environmental impact.

7 & 8. Baseball Caps and Other Hats: Keeping Their Shape

Baseball caps and other hats are tricky to clean without losing their structure, leading to thousands of searches for advice.

How to Wash:

• Hand-washing: Use a soft brush and mild detergent to scrub stains. Soak in lukewarm water for a few minutes, then rinse carefully.
• Machine washing: Place the cap in a hat frame or mesh laundry bag and use a gentle cycle with cold water.
• Drying: Air-dry on a rounded object (like a bowl) to maintain shape. Avoid tumble drying.

Green Tip: Spot-clean hats regularly to reduce the need for full washes, saving water and preserving the hat’s structure.

9. Wool: Avoiding Shrunken Sweaters

Wool items, like sweaters, cause concern due to the risk of shrinking or felting when washed incorrectly.

How to Wash:

• Check the label: Some wool items are machine-washable on a wool or delicate cycle with cold water and a wool-safe detergent.
• Hand-washing: Soak in lukewarm water with a wool-safe detergent. Gently agitate, then rinse thoroughly.
• Drying: Lay flat to air-dry, reshaping as needed. Avoid hanging or high heat.

Green Tip: Wash wool sparingly and use a low-water hand-washing method to conserve resources.

10. Shower Curtains: Banishing Mildew

Shower curtains round out the list, with many unsure how to clean them without damaging the material or spreading mildew.

How to Wash:

• Machine washing: Remove rings and wash on a gentle cycle with warm water, adding a small amount of detergent and a cup of baking soda or white vinegar for extra cleaning power.
• Hand-washing: Soak in a tub with warm water, detergent, and vinegar or baking soda. Scrub gently with a soft brush.
• Drying: Hang to air-dry in a well-ventilated area.

Green Tip: Clean shower curtains every 1-2 months to prevent mildew buildup, reducing the need for harsh chemical cleaners.

Why Washing Smarter Matters

Frequent over-washing of clothes and household items not only shortens their lifespan but also consumes significant amounts of water and energy, contributing to environmental degradation. By washing items only when necessary, using eco-friendly detergents, and opting for cold water or hand-washing, you can reduce your environmental impact. Additionally, proper care extends the life of your belongings, saving money and reducing waste.

Final Tips for Eco-Friendly Laundry

• Read care labels: Always check for specific washing instructions to avoid damage.
• Wash less often: Spot-clean or air out items to reduce washing frequency.
• Use cold water: It’s gentler on fabrics and saves energy compared to hot washes.
• Choose eco-friendly detergents: Opt for biodegradable, phosphate-free options.
• Maintain your washing machine: Clean it regularly to ensure efficient performance and avoid residue buildup.

By adopting these techniques, you can tackle even the trickiest items with confidence, keep your household items in top condition, and contribute to a more sustainable future. For more information on eco-friendly appliances that make washing easier, check trusted sources like appliance manufacturer websites or sustainability blogs.