Most people have a standard laundry routine—wash the sheets, towels, and clothes. Over time, that routine puts us on autopilot. Reducing the mental load of doing laundry by standardizing routines is great for efficiency, but it can lead us to overlook items we should wash regularly, like throw blankets, that don’t typically make it into our hampers or laundry bags.

Ahead, you’ll find seven of the most common washable household items that tend to be missed when laundry day rolls around, along with recommendations for how, and how often, to launder them to keep stains, odors, and germs at bay.

Jason Donnelly

1. Throw Pillow Covers and Inserts

Throw pillows, especially those used frequently, should be washed regularly to prevent germs, odors, and soil from building up. Experts recommend washing removable pillow covers once a month and cleaning pillow inserts every two to three months. Less-used throw pillows, such as decorative bed pillows, still collect dust and hair and should be laundered at least twice a year.

Always wash throw pillows after someone in the home has been sick.

2. Blankets

Like throw pillows, blankets are easy to overlook when washday rolls around. That’s a mistake because blankets, especially those that are frequently used, harbor dust, hair, body oils, and crumbs. Wash the blankets you use regularly once or twice a month, and less-used or decorative blankets four to six times a year.

3. Shower Curtains and Liners

Wiping plastic shower curtain liners as part of your weekly tub or shower cleaning routine helps prevent the buildup of mildew, mold, and soap scum. However, from time to time, deeper cleaning is needed to keep the liner fresh and to wash the fabric curtain, if you use one. Every one to two months, wash the shower curtain and liner in cold water, then hang them to dry.

The 7 Best Shower Curtain Liners for Your Home

4. Washable Rugs Including Bath Mats

Between moisture, humidity, and foot traffic in the bathroom, bath mats can get gross fast. The same is true of other small washable rugs, like rag rugs or floor mats used in kitchens and entryways. Launder machine-washable bath mats and rugs according to the care tag instructions every three to four weeks.

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5. Reusable Grocery Bags

Reusable grocery bags are a great way to reduce paper or plastic use, but they require the added responsibility of keeping them clean. They are breeding grounds for bacteria and mold, and if used to transport meat, seafood, or produce, they should be washed or wiped out after each use.

6. Oven Mitts

Like reusable grocery bags, oven mitts, and pot holders are a sneaky source of bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. These frequently touched items come into contact with food and with hands that have handled raw meat, seafood, and produce during meal prep. Wash oven mitts and pot holders weekly, in the same load as kitchen towels, or on an as-needed basis if they‘ve been in contact with raw meat or seafood.

7. Pet Bedding

Regular washing helps to keep the hair, dander, and odors that build up quickly on your pet’s bed at bay. Experts recommend washing pet bedding every two weeks. To wash a pet’s bed, vacuum it first to pick up fur, then spot-treat any stains before laundering it according to the care tag instructions.