What you can and cannot machine wash

8 questions about what you can wash — 1 yes, 1 no, and 6 that genuinely depend on the specifics.

Question	Answer	Short version
pillows	It depends	Down and polyester pillows wash fine. Memory foam and latex must never go in the machine.
sneakers	It depends	Canvas and synthetic trainers survive a cold gentle cycle. Leather and suede do not.
memory foam	No	No. Memory foam disintegrates in a washing machine and cannot be dried through.
a weighted blanket	It depends	Usually yes, but check the weight — most domestic machines top out around 7 kg dry.
silk	It depends	Hand wash cold with a pH-neutral detergent. Never use biological powder or hot water.
wool	It depends	Yes, cold and without agitation. Heat plus movement is what felts it, not water alone.
stuffed animals	It depends	Most wash fine in a pillowcase on cold gentle. Anything with electronics or glued parts does not.
a down jacket	Yes	Yes, and you should — but it must be tumble dried with dryer balls or the down stays clumped.

Read the full answer

Can you wash pillows? Down and polyester pillows wash fine. Memory foam and latex must never go in the machine.
Can you wash sneakers in the washing machine? Canvas and synthetic trainers survive a cold gentle cycle. Leather and suede do not.
Can you wash memory foam? No. Memory foam disintegrates in a washing machine and cannot be dried through.
Can you wash a weighted blanket? Usually yes, but check the weight — most domestic machines top out around 7 kg dry.
Can you wash silk? Hand wash cold with a pH-neutral detergent. Never use biological powder or hot water.
Can you wash wool? Yes, cold and without agitation. Heat plus movement is what felts it, not water alone.
Can you wash stuffed animals? Most wash fine in a pillowcase on cold gentle. Anything with electronics or glued parts does not.
Can you wash a down jacket? Yes, and you should — but it must be tumble dried with dryer balls or the down stays clumped.