Keeping your clothes clean is important, but I should toss not all items into the washing machine. Knowing what not to insert the machine can save you time, money, and frustration. This article will cover 11 things that should never end up in your washing machine. We will debunk some common laundry myths to ensure that your laundry routine is efficient and effective. By the end of this article, you will better understand how to care for your clothes and other items properly.
How to Care Washing Machine for Your Clothes
For doing laundry, it can be tempting to throw everything into the washing machine and be done with it. People should not put all items in the machine. Washing the wrong items in the machine can damage the fabric, shrink, discoloration, or even ruin the machine. We will review 11 things that should never be washed in the machine and explain why.
- To avoid damage to the fabric or embellishments, we should hand wash or dry clean delicate fabrics like silk and lace.
- Leather items like shoes and jackets – Leather can become damaged, discolored, or warped in the washing machine. Instead, spot clean with a damp cloth or take them to a professional leather cleaner.
- Anything with metal hardware like bras and belts – Metal hardware can become damaged, rust, or discolored in the machine. Instead, hand wash or spot clean these items.
- Swimwear with built-in padding or wiring – The heat and agitation of the washing machine can damage the padding or wiring in swimwear, causing it to lose its shape or support. We recommend hand washing.
- Items with embellishments like beading or sequins can become damaged, lose their embellishments, or snag on other items in the machine. They suggest hand washing or dry cleaning.
- Running shoes or sneakers – The washing machine can cause damage to the shape, cushioning, and glue of running shoes or sneakers. Instead, spot clean or hand wash them with a mild detergent.
- Pet beds and toys can trap dirt, hair, and bacteria in the machine, resulting in a dirty and smelly machine. Instead, wash them separately or hand wash them.
- Pillows and comforters – The machine may not handle the size and weight of pillows and comforters, resulting in damage to the machine or uneven cleaning. I recommend it to take them to a professional cleaner or wash them in a large-capacity machine.
- You should take dry-clean only items to a professional cleaner to avoid damage to the fabric or embellishments.
- Items with tough stains like oil or grease – The machine may not remove tough stains and may even set them into the fabric. It has recommended to pre-treat tough stains or take them to a professional cleaner.
- Check for items that say “hand wash only” -hand wash these items for special care to avoid damage to the fabric or embellishments.
- You can easily damage or crush anything made from suede or velvet fabric in the machine.
- Clothes with decorative decals, logos, or prints, as these can peel or crack in the wash.
- Underwear bras, as the wire can get bent or damaged in the wash, causing discomfort when wearing.
- Items with long straps or ties, such as bathrobes or aprons, can get tangled around the agitator and cause damage to the machine.
- Anything with glued-on embellishments or patches, as the glue, can dissolve in the wash, causing the embellishments to fall off.
- Leather and fur items can shrink and discolor or lose their natural oils in the machine.
- Anything with numerous buttons, as they can get caught on other items in the wash and cause damage.
- Heavy items like winter coats or blankets can damage the washing machine’s suspension and cause it to become unbalanced.
- Items with zippers prone to snagging or breaking, such as jeans or hoodies.
- Anything with delicate beading or embroidery, as the stitching can come loose in the wash.
- Ties or booties, which can easily become wrinkled or misshapen in the wash.
- Anything made from linen can become stiff and rough after being machine washed.
- Woven straw hats can lose shape and become damaged in the machine.
- Athletic equipment like shin guards, which can get damaged or become misshapen in the wash.
- Anything with rubber soles, such as rain boots or flip-flops, as the rubber can fail over time from exposure to hot water and detergent.
What are 9 Common Problems of Washing Machines and Their Remedies?
The 9 most common problems with washing machines include:
- Not spinning
- Not draining
- Not filling with water.
- Overflowing, shaking
- Vibrating
- Strange noises
- Not starting
- Leaking
- Producing bad odors.
The remedies for these problems depend on the specific issue but may include checking the power source, cleaning the filters, checking the hoses, and ensuring the machine is level.
Relevant Article: Washing Machine Cleaning Hacks
FAQs
What should I do not inserted the washing machine?
Several items should not be washed in a washing machine, including delicate fabrics like silk and lace, leather items like shoes and jackets, anything with metal hardware like bras and belts, swimwear with built-in padding or wiring, items with embellishments like beading or sequins, running shoes or sneakers, pet beds and toys, pillows, and comforters, dry-clean only items, items with tough stains like oil or grease, and anything that says “hand washes only.”
What can ruin a washing machine?
Several things can ruin a washing machine, including overloading the machine, using too much detergent, washing items that shouldn’t be washed in the machine, not cleaning the machine regularly, and using the wrong type of detergent for your machine.
What is the best thing to clean out a washing machine?
The best thing to clean out a washing machine is a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda. Simply pour both ingredients into the machine’s drum and run a hot cycle with no clothes in the machine.
How do I clean the sludge out of my washing machine?
To clean sludge from your washing machine, you can use bleach and hot water. Run a cycle with no clothes in the machine and add the bleach and hot water mixture to the detergent dispenser.
How do you clean the rubber on a washing machine?
To clean the rubber on a washing machine, you can use a mixture of bleach and hot water. Dampen a cloth with the mixture and wipe down the rubber seal.
How do you get black gunk out of washing machine?
You can use a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda to get black gunk out of a washing machine. Pour the mixture into the machine’s drum and run a hot cycle with no clothes in the machine. You may need to repeat the process a few times to completely remove the gunk.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, knowing what not to put in your washing machine is essential to keeping your clothes and other items in good condition. Delicate fabrics, leather items, and anything with metal hardware or embellishments should never be washed in the machine.
Also, debunking common laundry myths can help you avoid further damaging your clothes. Remember, hot water doesn’t always kill bacteria, fabric softener isn’t necessary every time, and more detergent doesn’t equal cleaner clothes. By following these guidelines and avoiding these myths, you can keep your clothes looking fresh and new for longer.
