15 things you should never put in a washing machine

While washing clothes in a washing machine seem like a no-brainer, there are several factors to consider. It might seem simple enough to throw your soiled clothes in the washer, add some detergent, and press the button. But one wrong move can damage your favourite dress or even the entire washing machine. Here is a list of 15 items that should never be put in the washing machine.

15 things you should never put in a washing machine

Knitted hats

The delicate fabric and shape of knitted hats cannot withstand a spin cycle. You can maintain the structure and softness of your hat by washing it by hand with a mild detergent.

All your clothes

Washing all your laundry in one load might seem convenient, but it can potentially damage your machine. Laundry loads that do not fill up your machine will keep your washing machine safe and ensure your clothes are being properly cleaned.

Memory foam pillows

A foam pillow can be easily torn by the washing machine’s spin since it is too delicate. No matter what you do, you’ll end up with a heavy, wet mess, so don’t do it.

Sequined clothes

Sequins and embellished clothes tend to get damaged in washing machines, so it’s better to avoid them in the washing machine. A cycle can pull or catch countless threads even if the item is turned inside out.

Flammable stains

Any item coated in a flammable residue shouldn’t go in the washing machine. Stains like cooking oil, gasoline, alcohol, motor oil, or anything that could catch fire fall into this category.

Running sneakers

It’s fine to wash regular sneakers in the washing machine; it helps keep shoes looking their best. But running shoes should not be washed using the same appliance. Spin-washing them can damage the shoes, so only wash your sneakers if they are approved for the machine wash.

Raincoats

Raincoats are waterproof, and are not going to absorb the water of the washing machine. Raincoats trap water like balloons, causing them to explode when washed and making a huge mess.

Oversized comforters

There is simply no way to wash a king-size comforter in a typical washing machine, and attempting to do so will damage the machine and leave the comforter just as dirty. Putting anything beyond the capacity of your washing is not a good idea for the health of your washing machine.

Lace clothes

Anything made of lace is far too delicate to be washed in the washing machine with heavy spins even if you choose the delicate settings. It is recommended that you hand-wash your lace item in cold water and then air dry it in its natural form.

Ties

The necktie isn’t something we usually clean, but over time, it will need to be cleaned due to everyday wear or spills. They are usually made of silk or wool, and have delicate stitching. Washing them can shrink, damage, or misform them.

Rubbered fabrics

When something partially made of rubber gets washed, the heat and rough spin of the washing machine damages the adhesive holding it together, causing the rubber to either dissolve or come apart. Some rubber-backed items, such as bath mats and rugs, can be delicately washed in washing machines, but never dried.

Bras

You should not use the washing machine to wash fancy and padded bras. Because the wash can ruin the shape and damage the underwire of the bra. Also, the metal clasps can catch on other items during the wash cycle, causing them to tear.

Excess detergent

Compared to other mistakes on this list, this one might not seem so serious, but it’s still important. The rinse cycle of your machine will be difficult to perform if you use too much detergent. Due to this, there will be residual detergent on your clothes, which can cause irritation and discomfort to your skin.

Coins or metal items

It is unlikely that people would intentionally put coins or keys in the wash, but even if it happens by accident, it can cause huge damage to the washing machine. Check the pockets of your jeans and pants before washing them.

Clothes covered with pet hairs

Fur-filled items shouldn’t be thrown into the drum. Despite the fact that all that shedding comes off in the wash, it doesn’t just disappear. It will be stuck to the walls of your machine, clogging the drain or sticking to other items.

The list does not end here. You have to be careful with some of the cloth items like silk clothes, sarees, suits and delicate dresses. So, you have to be very careful while putting your clothes in the washing machine.