Can you throw that down comforter into the washing machine? Or put your knives into the dishwasher? And how exactly do you clean a leather sofa? Our home goods care guide with cleaning and washing instructions can help you figure out how to care for your household goods.
These are general guidelines on how to best take care of items in your bedroom, bathroom, dining room, and kitchen. For best results, please consult the item's label or instruction sheet before cleaning.
Bed and Bath Fabrics
Bedding
Material
Cleaning Instructions
Microfiber
Machine washable
Egyptian cotton
Machine washable
Polyester/cotton blend
Machine washable
Cotton- or Egyptian-cotton-blend (more than 50% cotton)
Machine washable
Cotton
Machine washable
Bamboo rayon
Machine wash cold; tumble dry low
Down Comforter
Dry-clean
Feather/Down Blend Comforter
Dry-clean
Down Alternative Comforter
Machine washable
Heavyweight Down Alternative Comforter
Dry-clean
Down Pillows
Dry-clean
Feather/Down Blend Pillows
Dry-clean
Feather Pillows
Dry-clean
Down Alternative Pillows
Machine washable
Comforters with Embellishments
Dry-clean
Bathmats
Material
Cleaning Instructions
Polyester
Machine washable
Polyester blend
Machine washable
Memory foam
Machine washable
Polyester/microfiber blend
Machine washable
Polyester with PU foam
Machine washable
Polyester fleece
Machine washable
Combed cotton
Machine washable
Cotton
Machine washable
Microfiber
Machine washable
Towels
Material
Cleaning Instructions
Bath towels
Machine wash cold; tumble dry low
Beach towels
Machine wash cold; tumble dry low
Rug, Curtain, and Tabletop Fabrics
Area Rugs
Material
Cleaning Instructions
Polypropylene
Vacuum regularly
Synthetic materials
Vacuum regularly
Microfiber
Vacuum regularly
Wool
Vacuum regularly
Polyester
Vacuum regularly
Curtains
Material
Cleaning Instructions
Polyester
Machine washable
Polyester-blend (more than 50% polyester)
Machine washable
Cotton-blend (more than 50% cotton)
Machine washable
Linen
Wash in cold delicate cycle; line dry
Kitchen and Tabletop Fabrics
Material
Cleaning Instructions
Kitchen towels
Machine washable
Tablecloths
Machine washable
Cloth napkins
Machine washable
Oven mitts and potholders
Machine washable
Oven mitts and potholders with silicone
Machine washable
Items with detailing such as lace, embroidery, or embellishments
Hand wash
Kitchen Tools and Equipment
Knives, Utensils, and Cutting Boards
Material
Care Instructions
Knives (any material)
Hand wash
Plastic cutting boards
Dishwasher safe
Bamboo
Hand wash
Nylon
Dishwasher safe
Silicone
Dishwasher safe
Wood
Hand wash
Bakeware
Material
Care Instructions
Aluminum
Dishwasher safe
Carbon steel
Dishwasher safe
Oven liners
Dishwasher safe
Stainless steel
Dishwasher safe
Cookware
Material
Care Instructions
Aluminum and aluminized steel
Dishwasher safe
Carbon steel
Dishwasher safe
Cast iron
Hand wash
Copper
Hand wash
Enamel on steel
Dishwasher safe
Nonstick cookware
Hand wash
Porcelain enamel on aluminum
Dishwasher safe
Stainless steel
Dishwasher safe
Tableware
Drink and Glassware
Material
Care Instructions
Acrylic
Hand wash
Bamboo
Hand wash
Borosilicate glass
Dishwasher safe
Ceramic
Dishwasher safe
Crystal
Hand wash
Glass
Dishwasher safe
Plastic
Hand wash
Stainless steel
Dishwasher safe
Tritan plastic
Hand wash
Copper mugs
Hand wash
Double-walled travel mugs
Dishwasher safe
Wine and shot glasses (any material)
Hand wash
Flatware, Dinnerware, and Serveware
Material
Care Instructions
Crystal
Hand wash
Glassware
Dishwasher safe
Melamine
Dishwasher safe
Porcelain
Hand wash
Silver
Hand wash
Stainless steel
Dishwasher safe
Storage Containers
Material
Care Instructions
Glass
Dishwasher safe
Plastic
Dishwasher safe
Stainless steel
Dishwasher safe
Furniture and Upholstery
Furniture
Material
Care Instructions
Glass
Wipe clean with glass cleaner and a soft, dry cloth
Metal
Spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap; dry thoroughly
Plastic
Wipe clean with damp cloth
Wood
Dust regularly; spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap
Upholstery
Material
Care Instructions
Bonded leather
Wipe clean with damp cloth
Leather
Wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth; treat stains with saddle soap or other leather-safe detergent
Linen
Vacuum regularly; blot stains with a dry cloth; spot clean with a damp cloth
Microfiber
Spot clean with a spray bottle of rubbing alcohol and soft brush; air dry