Have you ever tossed something into the washing machine, only to regret it later?
It’s easy to think the washing machine can handle just about anything.
But, some items should never go near it.
They can get damaged, shrink, or even ruin the machine itself.
Before you throw in that next load of laundry, take a moment to check what you’re washing.
1. Memory Foam Pillows
Memory foam pillows are a favorite for their comfort and support.
But, you should never wash them in a machine.
The agitation from the machine can tear the foam apart.
Even if it survives the wash cycle, the spin cycle can leave it completely deformed.
If you throw one of these pillows in, you might end up with a lumpy mess.
Instead, spot clean with a damp cloth and a little detergent.
Air drying is key, as moisture can cause mold to grow inside the foam.
If you want to keep your memory foam pillows in top shape, keep them far away from your washing machine.
2. Delicate Lace Fabrics
Lace looks beautiful, but it’s one of the most fragile fabrics around.
Washing it in a machine is a sure way to damage it.
The lace can snag on other items or get tangled in the machine.
It might come out of the wash torn, stretched, or misshapen.
Even a gentle cycle is too rough for lace.
If you love your delicate lace garments, hand washing is the way to go.
Use cool water and a mild detergent, and gently swish the fabric around.
Pat it dry with a towel and lay it flat to air dry.
With a little extra care, your lace can stay lovely for a long time.
3. Suede and Leather Items
Suede and leather are stylish and durable, but they don’t mix well with water.
A washing machine can ruin the texture and shape of these materials.
Leather can become stiff, and suede can lose its soft, velvety feel.
Even worse, water can leave stains or cause discoloration on these items.
If your suede or leather items need cleaning, your best bet is to take them to a professional.
A dry cleaner who specializes in these materials will know exactly how to handle them.
It may cost a little more than doing it at home, but it’s worth it to protect your investment.
4. Shoes with Glue
Not all shoes are built to handle a wash cycle.
If your shoes are glued together, the washing machine can cause the glue to break down.
This can lead to soles coming off or other parts of the shoe falling apart.
Even shoes that seem sturdy can lose their shape in the wash.
Before tossing any shoes into the washing machine, check how they’re made.
If they’re glued or have delicate parts, it’s better to hand wash them.
You can scrub the outside with a soft brush and some soap, then let them air dry.
Your shoes will last longer, and you won’t have to worry about them falling apart.
5. Items with Heavy Embellishments
Beads, sequins, and other heavy embellishments can make a garment stand out.
But they’re also a big no-no for the washing machine.
The machine’s spinning action can pull these embellishments loose or damage the fabric.
You might even hear a loud clunking sound as the beads break off and bounce around in the machine.
To keep your embellished items safe, hand washing is the best option.
Gently clean the fabric, and avoid rubbing the embellishments too hard.
If hand washing isn’t an option, take the item to a professional cleaner.
It’s a small step that can save your favorite clothes from destruction.
6. Items with Pet Hair
If you have pets, you know how quickly their hair can end up on everything.
It might be tempting to throw those hairy clothes or blankets into the wash.
But pet hair doesn’t mix well with a washing machine.
The hair can clump together, clogging the machine’s drain or even causing it to break down.
It can also stick to other clothes, making your laundry even hairier than before.
Instead of using the washing machine, shake off as much pet hair as possible before washing.
You can use a lint roller or even toss the items in the dryer for a few minutes to loosen the hair.
Then, you’ll be ready to wash them without risking your machine.
7. Large Items Like Comforters
While it may seem convenient to wash your bulky comforter in the machine, it’s not a good idea.
Large items can overload your washing machine, causing it to work too hard.
This can lead to damage to both the machine and the comforter itself.
Comforters can also become unbalanced during the spin cycle, which can cause the machine to shake violently.
If you want to keep your washing machine in good condition, take your large items to a laundromat.
They have industrial machines that are built to handle bulky loads.
It’s safer for both your comforter and your washer.
8. Wool and Cashmere
Wool and cashmere are luxurious fabrics that keep you warm and cozy.
However, these delicate materials don’t belong in the washing machine.
Washing wool or cashmere in a machine can lead to shrinking, pilling, or losing its soft texture.
The agitation in the machine can cause the fibers to become rough, leaving your once-soft sweater feeling scratchy.
Even if you use a gentle cycle, wool and cashmere can lose their shape.
To care for these items properly, hand washing in cool water with a wool-friendly detergent is the best approach.
Gently swish the fabric in the water, and then rinse it without wringing it out.
Afterward, lay the item flat on a towel and reshape it as it dries.
This careful method will help your wool and cashmere pieces keep their softness and shape for many years.
9. Silk
Silk is another fabric that should never see the inside of a washing machine.
This delicate material can easily be damaged by water and the harsh movement of a machine.
Silk is prone to color fading, water spots, and losing its smooth texture.
Even the gentlest cycle can be too much for this sensitive fabric.
If you wash silk in a machine, you risk tearing the fibers or making the fabric lose its luster.
Instead, hand wash your silk items in cool water with a mild detergent designed for delicate fabrics.
Be gentle with the fabric, and avoid wringing or twisting it.
Once you’re done, lay the silk flat on a towel to air dry, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Taking this extra care will keep your silk garments looking beautiful and feeling luxurious for a long time.
Final Thoughts
Your washing machine is a powerful tool, but it’s not meant for everything.
Some items need a little more care to stay in good condition.
By avoiding washing these nine items in your machine, you can save yourself from costly repairs and ruined belongings.
Taking the extra time to hand wash, spot clean, or use professional cleaners is worth it in the long run.
Keep these tips in mind, and your clothes, shoes, and other items will last much longer.
Sometimes, it’s better to let your washing machine sit this one out.