Eight items you ought to avoid washing in your washing machine:
The contemporary electric washing machine, a remarkable innovation of the 20th century, has significantly simplified our lives. Previously, individuals had to devote countless hours to boiling water, hand-washing garments, drying them in the sun, ironing, folding, and finally storing them, only to start the process all over again. The modern appliance has liberated us from the tedious task of spending hours in the laundry room. This marvelous invention is indeed a blessing. However, it has its limitations. It might not be capable of cleaning every item, and the machine relies on our assistance to identify whether an item is suitable for the wash and to select the appropriate settings.
Delicate Attentions
Items adorned with intricate embellishments such as sequins, beads, or delicate embroidery can suffer damage during the wash cycle, especially those with glued-on embellishments. Lace garments, too, are susceptible to damage during washing, particularly when they rub against articles with hooks, buttons, or zippers. It's advisable to hand-wash or dry-clean such items to preserve their beauty.
Intimate Apparel
The delicate structure of undergarments, such as bras with underwire and hook-and-eye fastenings, can damage the machine if not handled with care. Lace can also be compromised during the wash cycle. To prevent such damage, it's best to either hand-wash your undergarments or store them in a protective mesh bag. If a mesh bag is unavailable, a standard pillowcase will suffice.
Coins and Keys
While intentional washing of keys or change in the machine is unlikely, many of us have accidentally left coins or keys in the pockets of our clothes. While this may seem harmless, loose coins or keys can cause significant damage to the machine, potentially getting stuck in the drain, damaging the drum, or even shattering the glass of front-loading washers. To avoid such predicaments, always check the pockets of your clothes before loading the machine.
Running Shoes with Leather
Although some running shoes can be washed in the machine, it's important to note that the machine may shrink the shoes or compromise certain qualities that make them durable for outdoor use. Leather-accented shoes should never be machine-washed to avoid damage.
Combustible Spills
If flammable substances like gasoline, paint thinner, or other combustible solvents stain your clothes, refrain from drying them. The heat could cause the stain to ignite and result in a fire. To address this issue, apply a solvent-based stain remover to the stain, allow it to sit for at least ten minutes, and then wash the item alone to prevent transfer of the toxic stain. Finally, dry the item naturally.
Pet-Hair-Covered Clothes
Pet hair is a common nuisance when cuddling with pets. While the initial impulse may be to wash the hair-covered clothes immediately, it's recommended to remove the hair first using a lint roller or brush. Hair-covered clothes can cling to the washing machine and potentially transfer to the next load, or obstruct the drain and cause plumbing issues. You could also opt to dry the clothes first, as the heat, movement, dryer sheet, and lint trap can effectively remove pet hair.
Overloading the Washing Machine
While your washer and dryer can handle a considerable load, overloading is not recommended as it can lead to inefficient cleaning, uneven drying, and even mechanical breakdowns. Overloading the machine can strain the drum belt and bearings, leading to motor overheating and potential failure. Reduce the risk of such issues by adhering to the manufacturer's capacity guidelines and considering laundry services like dry cleaning or laundromats for large items.
Suits
High-end, special-occasion suits made of quality fabric are vulnerable to damage during the wash cycle, even in delicate cycles. It's best to dry clean these garments. Between dry-cleaning sessions, you can use a steamer to de-wrinkle your suit.
After handling delicate items with embellishments or intricate designs, it's essential to consider hand-washing or dry-cleaning to preserve their beauty, as they can be damaged during the machine wash cycle. Furthermore, when it comes to undergarments with delicate structures, such as bras or lace, it's advisable to hand-wash or use a protective mesh bag to prevent damage to the items and the washing machine.
