1. Ties
Ties are often made from delicate materials like silk or wool, and many have intricate stitching or linings that don’t hold up well under machine agitation. Machine washing can cause them to shrink, warp, or lose their shape entirely. Even in a laundry bag or on a gentle cycle, the risk is high. The best option is to spot clean stains and hand wash the entire tie carefully when needed.
2. Bras
While it might be convenient to toss bras in with the rest of your laundry, it’s not a good idea. Underwire bras can lose their shape or have wires poke through the fabric, damaging not only the bra but potentially your washing machine too. The delicate lace and mesh found in many bras can also tear or fray in the wash. Hand washing your bras extends their life and maintains their support and comfort.
3. Swimsuits
Swimwear is made with elastic materials like spandex and Lycra that help it maintain its stretch. Unfortunately, machine washing can degrade these materials over time, causing your swimsuit to sag and lose its shape. Exposure to hot water, detergent, and the machine’s spin cycle accelerates wear. To keep your swimsuit in top condition, rinse it thoroughly after each use and hand wash it gently with mild detergent.
4. Leather Items
Leather jackets, belts, skirts, or pants are not meant for the washing machine. Water and the aggressive motion of a wash cycle can dry out, crack, or warp leather. Instead, clean leather items by gently wiping them down with a soft cloth and a solution of warm water mixed with a little soap. Always condition leather afterward to maintain its softness and finish.
5. Clothes Covered in Pet Hair
Pet hair and washing machines do not mix well. Hair can stick to the inside of the drum or clog the drain pump, reducing your machine’s efficiency and even causing damage. Before washing clothes that have been in contact with your furry friend, use a lint roller, brush, or even run the garment through a dryer on low heat with a dryer sheet to loosen hair first.
6. Sequin and Embellished Clothing
Items adorned with sequins, beads, or glued embellishments are at risk in the washing machine. These decorative details can detach, melt, or become tangled with other clothing, especially in warm water or high spin cycles. Always check the care label. If hand washing isn’t recommended, consider dry cleaning as a safe alternative.
7. Clothes with Combustible Stains
Stains from flammable substances such as gasoline, motor oil, cooking oil, or alcohol pose a serious fire risk if washed in hot water or dried in a dryer. These substances can ignite under certain conditions. To safely clean these garments, soak them in warm water with a stain remover, then wash by hand and air dry them completely.
8. Memory Foam Pillows
Unlike standard pillows, memory foam doesn’t tolerate water well. Washing it in a machine can cause the foam to become waterlogged, fall apart, or lose its supportive shape. Instead, spot clean with a damp cloth and a little detergent. For a deeper clean, use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove dust and debris.
9. Items with Open Zippers
Washing garments with open zippers can lead to snags, tears, or even scratches on the inside of your washer drum. Always zip up jackets, pants, and dresses before putting them in the machine. You’ll not only protect your other clothes but also prevent unnecessary damage to your machine.
10. Delicate Fabrics
Cashmere, silk, lace, and velvet require extra care. The heat, spinning, and tumbling inside the machine can fade colors, shrink fibres, or distort the shape of these garments. If the care label permits, place them in a mesh laundry bag and use the delicate cycle with cold water. Otherwise, hand wash gently and lay flat to dry.
Final Tip: When it comes to laundry, always read and follow care labels. They’re there for a reason. If you’re unsure about a particular item, hand washing is usually the safest route. Avoiding machine washing for these delicate or high-maintenance pieces not only protects your clothing but also helps your washing machine run more efficiently and last longer.