I never thought my washing machine could do this, but did you know you could wash Lego pieces in it? What other things have you tried?

It’s fascinating, right? Washing Lego pieces in the washing machine can be a great way to clean them, as long as they’re placed in a mesh laundry bag to avoid them getting lost or damaged. It’s one of those life hacks that just works. The Lego pieces come out looking fresh and sanitized, which is especially helpful if they’ve been around for a while.

As for other things that work surprisingly well in the washing machine, here are some ideas I’ve come across:

Stuffed Animals: If they don’t have any delicate parts (like beads or buttons), you can wash most stuffed animals on a gentle cycle inside a pillowcase or laundry bag.

Sneakers: You can clean sneakers by removing the laces and putting them in a mesh bag. It’s a good idea to run them on a gentle cycle and air-dry them afterward.

Flip-Flops: Rubber flip-flops can go in the washer too. Just make sure they’re secured in a laundry bag, and wash them on a gentle cycle.

Hats: You can clean most hats in the washing machine if they’re placed in a hat cage or a laundry bag. Be sure to air-dry them so they keep their shape.

Shower Curtains: Plastic or vinyl shower curtains can get pretty grimy. Throw them in the washer with a towel to help scrub off the dirt (no fabric softener though!).

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve tried washing in your machine?