When you’re busy, there’s nothing better than throwing everything in the washer and coming out clean afterwards. But you need to know what not to put in the washing machine.
With today’s rush, we need utensils that help us save time on household chores. As a result, the washing machine became our favorite. After all, who would prefer to wash clothes by hand, while the machine can do it for you, right? But not everyone knows what not to put in the washing machine.
Generally, due to its practicality and speed of washing, we end up putting everything to be washed in it. However, some more delicate items cannot be machine washed and end up being damaged. Therefore, the ideal would be to read the instruction manual to find out how each wash cycle works and thus prevent your clothes from getting ruined.
Another tip is to read the clothing labels, as the labels detail how to wash the item. Furthermore, you should not put excessive amounts of soap or fabric softener into the machine. Well, the products found nowadays are very concentrated. This way, the excess will leave the clothes less clean, as the fabric retains the excess product.
Likewise, it will trap dirt and body odor. Furthermore, excess product can damage the washing machine mechanism. For example, in machines that use a smaller amount of water, excess foam and residue traps dirt and bacteria. Causing the machine to produce unpleasant odors.
Anyway, with that in mind, we prepared a list of what not to put in the washing machine. This way, you will avoid damaging those parts that you love so much, in addition to ensuring that the appliance’s mechanisms last much longer. Check out.
What not to put in the washing machine
1- Tennis
Many people have the habit of putting sneakers in the washing machine. However, the result is not always satisfactory, as stubborn stains remain on the shoes. Furthermore, it could end up ruining the fabric of the sneakers.
Therefore, the ideal would be to wash your sneakers with a brush and ecological soap. But, if you don’t have time, another option is to place your sneakers inside a protective bag made of cloth or a pillowcase. This way, you will prevent it from spoiling easily. Also, remove the laces (wash them by hand) and avoid the centrifuge.
Finally, wash in cold or warm water, so as not to damage the sole of the shoes and add the right amount of soap.
2- Metal objects
Among what not to put in the washing machine are metal objects. Therefore, check the pockets of your clothes before putting them in the wash, check that there are no coins or staples, for example.
Likewise, parts with large zippers or metal buttons can damage the washing machine, scratching the door or blocking the filter. Therefore, use cloth bags or pillowcases to wash these items. This will prevent damage to your washing machine.
3- Pillows
Generally, sofa or chair cushions are made from delicate fabrics or the seams are not very reinforced. This way, they could end up being damaged. Finally, wash them with the quick cycle and check the labels to see if there is a need to exclude spinning.
Furthermore, in the case of solid pillows, they should not be placed in the washing machine. Therefore, place it in a basin with warm water and mild soap. Then, finish by rinsing well and squeezing to remove excess water.
4- What not to put in the washing machine: Hats
It is not recommended to put caps in the washing machine. The flaps are easily damaged, especially during centrifugation. Therefore, the ideal is to wash it by hand with neutral soap.
5- Income
Items with lace, tablecloths, napkins or even underwear should be hand washed with warm water and natural soap. Well, they are too delicate to put in the washing machine.
Furthermore, for white items, soak them in a bucket of water and one tablespoon of baking soda for each liter of water. This way, the pieces will be very white.
6- Underwear
Underwear is among the items that should not be put in the washing machine. Mainly, bras with irons or metal straps that can damage both the machine and the item itself when spinning.
Therefore, use protectors suitable for washing bras. But, do not wash in hot water, only cold or warm water on light cycles and let it dry in the shade. Finally, avoid mixing cotton lingerie with pieces of another color. Well, there is a possibility that it is dyed.
7- What not to put in the washing machine: Silk
Generally, washing machines have delicate washing in their programming. However, if the silk item is very small or fragile, it is best to wash it by hand. Therefore, use ecological soap and warm water, but do not wring it. This avoids the risk of spoilage.
8- Microfiber cloths
Continuing with our list of what not to put in the washing machine we have microfiber cloths. Because, they can be damaged during washing. In addition to losing its absorption capacity.
According to the fabric manufacturers, you should wash it by hand with warm water and soap immediately after use. And let it dry naturally.
9- Swimwear
Despite being designed to sit in water, swimwear should not be placed in the washing machine. During the cycle, the piece may have its strips and internal structure damaged.
Likewise, washing together with clothes that have zippers or hooks can end up causing holes in the swimwear. Therefore, it is best to wash by hand.
10- What not to put in the washing machine: Tailor-made suits
Tailor-made suits, jackets, trousers and skirts should not be placed in the washing machine. Because, between the outer fabric and the lining are interface materials that give shape to the garment. And these interfaces often deform when they come into contact with water. Therefore, this type of clothing must be taken to the dry cleaners.
11- Leather clothes
You should not put leather clothes and leather sneakers in the washing machine. In the case of clothes, they will be damaged and the fabric will be wrinkled. Therefore, it is preferable to use a professional cleaner specialized in caring for leather items.
As for leather sneakers, most have their parts joined together with glue. Therefore, they can be damaged by humidity or excess heat.
12- Wool, cashmere, velvet and embellished clothes
To wash this type of clothing you need to be extra careful. Therefore, before washing them, read the label. Yes, there are wool and velvet that can be put in the washing machine. For example, a mixture of cotton and polyester, often used in children’s clothing.
However, there are also wool and cashmere products that should be washed gently by hand. Velvet, sequined or decorated clothes need to be taken to a dry cleaner.
13- What not to put in the washing machine: Ties
Because they are mostly made of silk, ties should not be placed in the washing machine. Therefore, the internal structure will be deformed. Therefore, prefer hand washing or dry cleaning.
14- Clothes covered in animal hair
In the same way that hair clogs drains and sinks, pet hair on clothes can also clog water pump filters and washing machine drains.
Therefore, before putting on clothes or blankets full of animal hair, you need to remove the hair. To do this, wash your clothes first, scrubbing to remove hair. After removing the excess skin, you can wash the item normally in the washing machine.
15- Fabric stained with flammable fluid
If for some reason your clothes have become heavily stained with engine oil, gasoline, cooking oil, paint thinner, alcohol or any other type of flammable fluid. Before putting it in the washing machine, the ideal is to pre-wash it with a strong soap.
Therefore, a fabric heavily stained with some of these flammable fluids could end up combusting instantly, potentially causing fires. Furthermore, placing stained clothes directly in the washing machine will leave residue in the washing machine, staining the clothes for the next wash.
Lastly, and most importantly, you should never place soaked stained clothing in a clothes dryer. Well, the risk of explosion is very high.
16- What not to put in the washing machine: Covers and bedspreads
In the case of large quilts and sheets that do not fit in the washing machine, even the heaviest cycle will not be able to wash the items properly. Likewise, some covers may shrink. Therefore, this type of clothing should not be placed in the washing machine.
17- Sportswear
Sportswear should be washed immediately after use, in cold water and on a delicate cycle with a minimum spin cycle. Furthermore, it must be washed separately from other types of clothing. However, fabric softener should not be used. The product will block and prevent the clothes from releasing sweat.
18- Bags and backpacks
When it comes to bags and backpacks, you need to pay attention to the labels. Yes, some models that are waterproof can be placed in the washing machine. On the other hand, models that contain mixtures of fabrics (synthetic and natural) and cardboard insertion in their structure cannot.
19- What not to put in the washing machine: Filled items
Pieces such as pillows and cushions filled with feathers, for example. They are among the items that should not be put in the washing machine. Well, they will end up deformed. Furthermore, the feathers that come out rot, giving off an unpleasant odor. Finally, it is important to check the instructions on the label for the correct way to wash.
20- Curtains
On what not to put in the washing machine: Heavy curtains. Because, when wet, they become even heavier. This can force the washer mechanism. Likewise, curtains with metal rings, especially if there are signs of rust. Additionally, linings can end up shrinking, just like lace curtains or thin materials.
21- Conventional fabric softener
Conventional fabric softener, in addition to being polluting, can leave residues on the fabric of clothes, causing allergies. Furthermore, if the water in your home is calcareous and the item of clothing is delicate, you can replace the fabric softener with a citric acid solution.
Therefore, for each wash you will need 10 grams of citric acid mixed with 100 ml of water. On the other hand, some people often use vinegar as a fabric softener. However, there are discussions about the environmental impact and the possibility of vinegar damaging washing machine gears.
22- Aggressive detergents
Concluding our list of what not to put in the washing machine, we have aggressive detergents. Furthermore, avoid using this type of product, especially if you intend to wash delicate clothes.
Finally, choose detergents that are ecological and have a low environmental impact. Well, they are softer and do not damage clothes. However, remember that it is important to always read the instructions on the labels before washing your clothes.
So, if you liked these tips, read also: 15 mistakes you are making when washing your clothes.
