The key to cleaning these 14 things successfully in your washer is to use the gentle cycle, correct water temperature, put small items in a mesh laundry bag and skip the heat of the clothes dryer. You’ll also have the best success with larger items if you use a high-efficiency washer without a center agitator.

You may want to add a disinfectant to the wash water to kill bacteria. Some items can withstand chlorine bleach but you may want to choose pine oil or a phenolic disinfectant like Lysol to prevent damage to some materials.

Sports Gear
You know how dirty sports uniforms and workout gear can get and all of those shin guards, knee pads, and compression sleeves have that same coating of body soil and perspiration.

Simply close all the Velcro or straps, put those plastic and padded pieces in a mesh laundry bag and toss in the wash. Use the gentle cycle and regular detergent. ALWAYS skip the clothes dryer and allow items to air dry away from direct heat.

Yoga Mats
You wash your yoga shirts and pants in the washer, why not your yoga mat? You’ll have the best luck with a washer without a center agitator because these washers are more gentle on fabrics. But if you have a center agitator, simply unroll the mat and arrange it around the agitator as evenly as possible. Balance the load with a couple of towels to prevent your washer from rocking and rolling.

Use the gentle cycle, warm or cool water, and a heavy-duty detergent like Tide or Persil that will cut through the body oils and soil.If you need to use the mat soon, roll it in a dry, absorbent towel and squeeze to remove as much water a possible.

Warning: Allow the mat to dry on a clothesline or drying rack away from direct sun and heat. Never place in the clothes dryer, it can warp or destroy the mat.

Backpacks and Gym Bags
Unless you have a leather backpack or gym bag, fabric and vinyl ones can be tossed in the washer with a regular load of similar colored laundry. Simply take the time to completely empty every pocket. Treat any stains with a stain removal product. Work the product into the stain with a soft-bristled brush and allow it to work for at least 15 minutes before washing.Turn the bag inside out and wash with a heavy duty detergent and warm water. If you are concerned about bacteria, especially athlete’s foot fungus in gym bags, add a disinfectant to the wash cycle.

Canvas Shoes and Sneakers
Unless the manufacturer specifically says no, canvas tennis shoes and even some leather tennis shoes can be washed in a washer. Always remove the laces (wash separately or replace), remove any insole inserts, place in a mesh laundry bag, and wash with a good detergent and warm water.If there are heavy stains, treat them first by working in a stain remover and let it work for 15 minutes before washing. If odor is a problem, add one cup of baking soda or a disinfectant to the wash water.

Small Toys
Kids don’t always wash their hands between the bathroom and toy chest and they share everything! Give small plastic toys like building blocks, action heroes, and bath toys a trip through the washer in a mesh laundry bag.Just add them to a warm water wash load and then remove to air dry. If someone in your family has been ill, add a bit of disinfectant to get rid of the germs.

Lunch Bags and Boxes
Lunch boxes and bags can harbor bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, plus mold and yeast that can cause digestive upset and even make you and your family very sick. Soft-sided lunch boxes and bags can be washed in warm or cool water on the gentle cycle, then removed to air dry. Each time you use a reusable lunch bag or box, there is potential cross-contamination from bacteria, unless it has been cleaned correctly.