As a busy mom, I am always looking for practical and time-saving cleaning hacks, especially when it comes to laundry.  So when I recently came across a laundry hack involving mesh bags, I quickly purchased a pack off Amazon.  I was so amazed at how well that hack worked (posted below!) that I started trying out different mesh laundry bag uses. Here are my favorite mesh laundry bag uses that I know will make your life simpler too.

(This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.)

You might even have a bag already at home that you use for delicates. If so, and even if not, don’t worry, they’re easy to get. Here is the exact kind I got.  I love having multiple sizes for different uses! They’re also small and compact and can easily be tucked into a closet, not adding more “stuff” to your life.

6 Clever Mesh Laundry Bag Uses

1. ) Wash stuffed animals.

I’m embarrassed to admit it, but it took me three years before I washed my kid’s stuffed animals. I sprayed them with sanitizer often but didn’t felt like they were getting the deep clean they needed. Then, one day on Instagram I saw a mom post that she washed her kid’s stuffed animals in mesh bags right in the washer! I knew I had to try this laundry hack too.

How to do it: simply place your stuffed animals in a bag (you can add multiple but make sure it’s not too stuffed), and set on the “delicate” or “hand wash” setting on your washing machine. Air dry. Tada! Clean stuffed animals again!

2.) Sorting clothes in one load

That laundry hack got me thinking about what else I could do. I don’t know about you, but I usually wash my husband’s, daughter’s and my clothes all in the same load. And then I spend a good 15 minutes sorting those piles after it’s all washed and clean. Such a pain. Now, I put my daughter’s clothes in a mesh bag, and if my load is small enough, I put mine in a separate one as well. Then, when the laundry is all clean I only have to take the designated bag to the right bedroom and put it away. No more sorting! Seriously, if you try nothing else, try this tip.

Now would be a great time to mention one of my favorite laundry detergents….that can also be used in multiple other areas of your home! My favorite cleaning product is The Concentrate from Branch Basics because not only can it clean everything from glass to your oven to your shower to your laundry (whew!) but it’s also non-toxic and safe for your pets and kids. Use code SARAHALTHOUSE for 15% off all starter kits to see if it works as well for you as it has for me.

3.) For delicates/ items with hooks

No doubt, this is the most popular way to use mesh bags. But how often do we actually do it? Now that you have the bags, there’s no excuse. Put those delicate undergarments in a separate bag and on the “hand wash” setting on your washing machine. Adding to that, make sure to put your bras in a separate bag so they don’t snag on your nice sweaters!

4.) For socks

Similar to the different loads above, sorting socks is a pain! If you’re doing one person’s laundry, put all socks into a mesh laundry bag. Not only will they not get lost in a pant leg or arm sleeve, but they won’t get lost in general! Put two pairs in the washing machine? Get two pairs out because they’re nice and safe in that mesh bag. Doesn’t that thought alone just make you happy?

5.) Store toys in the bathroom.

For months, my daughter’s bath toys frustrated me because I had no place to put them and they were always wet. That’s when I discovered mesh toy bags specifically made for the bath. I know I’m going to sound dramatic, but it’s changed my life. hahaha. Now my daughter helps me throw her toys back into the bag after bath where they dry up nicely and are out of my bath when I go to take a shower.

6.) For weekend trips to hold dirty clothes

I used to think I was clever because I took a plastic bag with me on weeklong or weekend trips to put my dirty laundry in. Then I realized I could save a step, and save a plastic bag, by taking my large mesh bags. (Just make sure to get the ones with zippers!) Now, all dirty clothes go into a designated bag and straight into the washing machine when we get home. And again, all the clothes are now pre-sorted too! You’ll want to get these extra-large ones for laundry though.

What’s your favorite laundry hack? Or what’s your favorite mesh laundry bag uses from this list? And don’t forget to check out my top 10 Uses for Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap!

Let’s Connect!   Facebook || Pinterest || Instagram