The washing machine is a household staple, a trusted appliance that we rely on to keep our clothes clean and fresh. However, not everything in your laundry basket should be tossed into the washing machine. There are certain items that can cause damage to your machine or to the item itself when washed. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the things you should never put in a washing machine.
Delicate Fabrics
Delicate fabrics require special care when cleaning. Materials such as silk, lace, and cashmere can be damaged in the harsh environment of a washing machine. The agitation and hot water can cause these fabrics to shrink, warp, or fray.
Instead, consider hand washing these items or using a gentle, cold cycle if your machine has one. Always check the care label on your clothing before washing. If it says “hand wash only,” it’s best to follow that advice.
Silk
Silk is a delicate fabric that can be easily damaged by the agitation of a washing machine. The fibers can break down, causing the fabric to lose its luster and softness. Additionally, silk can shrink or warp when exposed to hot water.
It’s best to hand wash silk items in cool water with a gentle detergent. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and avoid wringing out the fabric, as this can cause further damage.
Lace
Lace is another fabric that doesn’t fare well in the washing machine. The delicate threads can snag or tear, ruining the intricate design of the fabric. Furthermore, lace can shrink or become misshapen in the wash.
Hand washing is the safest method for cleaning lace. Use cool water and a gentle detergent, and be sure to rinse thoroughly. Avoid wringing out the fabric, instead, gently squeeze out excess water before laying flat to dry.
Items with Embellishments
Items with embellishments such as sequins, beads, or metal accents should not be put in the washing machine. These embellishments can become detached during the wash cycle, potentially causing damage to the machine.
Furthermore, the embellishments themselves can be damaged or lose their shine in the wash. It’s best to hand wash these items or take them to a professional cleaner.
Sequins and Beads
Sequins and beads are often attached to clothing with thread, which can break in the washing machine. This can result in the sequins or beads coming loose and potentially causing damage to the machine or other clothes in the wash.
Additionally, sequins and beads can lose their shine or color in the wash. To maintain the appearance of these embellishments, it’s best to hand wash these items or take them to a professional cleaner.
Metal Accents
Metal accents such as zippers, buttons, and studs can cause damage to the washing machine drum. They can also become detached during the wash cycle, potentially causing further damage.
Furthermore, metal accents can rust in the wash, ruining the appearance of the item. It’s best to hand wash these items or take them to a professional cleaner.
Shoes
While it may be tempting to toss your dirty sneakers in the washing machine, this is generally a bad idea. Shoes can damage the washing machine drum, especially if they are heavy or have hard soles.
Furthermore, the washing process can damage the shoes themselves, causing them to lose their shape or damaging the material. Instead, consider hand washing your shoes or using a specialized shoe cleaning product.
Large Bedding Items
Large bedding items such as comforters, duvets, and pillows can cause damage to your washing machine. These items can become heavy when wet, putting strain on the machine’s motor and potentially causing it to break down.
Furthermore, these items can become lumpy or misshapen in the wash. It’s best to take these items to a professional cleaner or use a large, commercial-grade machine if you have access to one.
Conclusion
While washing machines are a convenient and efficient way to clean our clothes, they are not suitable for all items. Delicate fabrics, items with embellishments, shoes, and large bedding items should all be cleaned with care to avoid damaging both the item and the machine.
By understanding what not to put in a washing machine, you can extend the life of your machine and your clothes. Always check the care label on your items before washing and when in doubt, opt for hand washing or professional cleaning.