Wash in hot water and all-purpose detergent. Air-dry.

Cloth Diapers

Use hot water, bleach, and mild detergent, and dry on high to help kill germs.

Travel Pillows

Rather than washing the pillows themselves (their padding tends to get mildewy), slip them inside pillowcases for use, then just wash the pillowcases instead.

Bath Toys

Rubber duckies sometimes need a bath, too. Use warm water and all-purpose detergent. “Throw toys in the wash with a hand towel, which will get the slime off,” says cleaning consultant Sandra Phillips.

Plastic Pool Floats

“If it can be deflated and it fits in the machine, it can be washed,” says Phillips. Use cold water, all-purpose detergent, and a hand towel (as with bath toys) to remove slime. Air-dry.

Pet Accessories

Wash pet-bed covers, collars, and leashes on gentle in cold water with all-purpose detergent in small loads but on a large-load setting to flush out dirt and hair. Tumble dry on low.

Plastic Dish Gloves

Wash on a gentle, short cycle (about four minutes) in warm water. Air-dry.

Sports Gear

Wash basketball nets and shin guards on gentle in warm water. Air-dry.

Mop Heads

Use all-purpose detergent and warm water. Air-dry.

Toys

Wash cloth toys on gentle in cold water with mild detergent; dry on low for 5 minutes, then air-dry.