10 Things to Launder This Spring

After a long, dark winter, there’s nothing more satisfying than a little spring cleaning. It’s a perfect opportunity to shake off winter and get a fresh start on the year ahead. While you’re tidying your home for spring, stop to launder some things that may have gotten neglected over the winter months.

Note: before laundering any of the below items, check tags and labels to make sure that they’re machine washable.

Throw rugs: Snow, slush, salt and dirt have had all winter to make a mess of your throw rugs. If your rugs are machine washable (check tags to confirm), this is a good time to give them a good cleaning. For larger rugs or rugs that are not machine washable, check your local listings for professional rug cleaners.

Winter bedding: Before you stash away that winter bedding for the season, be sure to launder it. Duvets, quilts and other cold weather bedding should be thoroughly cleaned before storing away. This is also a good time to launder the mattress pad and flip or rotate your mattress.

Pillows: Considering that you rest your head on your pillow nightly, it’s definitely something that should be laundered. Even if you use a protective pillow cover, dust mites and dander can make their way through the fabric and inside the pillow. Use spring as an excuse to wash your pillows and make a fresh start.

Curtains: Remember that turkey you burned over the holidays? Or that uncle who insisted on smoking a cigar in the living room? Your house has been closed up all season, giving odors plenty of opportunity to seep in to curtains and fabrics.

Slipcovers: Pet hair, spilled drinks, dropped food – there’s a reason you put slip covers on your furniture. Spring cleaning is a great excuse for removing the slip covers and giving them a thorough cleaning.

Throw pillows: Whether they’re merely decorative touches or part of your nightly TV routine, washing throw pillows and their covers will keep them looking and smelling their best.

Shower curtains: In our house, the shower curtain and liner are laundered once a month. If you’re not as diligent about washing your shower curtains, use spring as your excuse to make a fresh start. Fabric shower curtain liners are easiest to machine wash but plastic liners can also be thrown in the machine. You can skip the dryer and hang the shower curtain and liner as soon as it comes out of the washer.

Kitchen accessories: When was the last time you washed your pot holders, hot pads and fabric placemats?

Summer whites: If you follow fashion rules, you may have packed away your summer whites after Labor Day. With Memorial Day right around the corner, it’s time to freshen up those summer whites and get them ready for your weekly fashion rotation. While you’re rotating seasonal clothes, this is also a good time to launder your winter wear before you pack it away for the season.

Pet accessories: From dog and cat beds to sweaters and leashes, spring cleaning should cover those items that belong to the smallest members of the household.

Shopping totes and bags: Totes, reusable shopping bags and kids backpacks can take quite a beating – especially over the winter months. Toss them in the washing machine to clear away a season’s worth of dirty and grime.

Whether you’re getting ready for spring, packing away winter or just getting ready for the week ahead, Kenmore washers and dryers are there to help you get the job done.