The washing machine has become an indispensable appliance in modern life. It simplifies the routine and saves time, but not everything can be treated the same way. There are parts that, when subject to movement and drum pressure, are damaged that difficult to repair. And in some cases the problem extends to the machine itself.
According to the health and well-being site, Women’s Health, there are seven examples of objects and clothing that should not be washed in the drum. Ignoring these recommendations can mean high costs or irreversibly ruined parts.
Bras with rims
Lingerie pieces with metal rims are especially fragile. Rotation can bend the wires and completely change the shape, making the bra uncomfortable for daily use.
In addition, the rims themselves can be released during washing and stuck in the drum. In addition to the risk of drilling, they can also affect the internal functioning of the machine. For this reason, manual washing or using lingerie bags is recommended.
Sports shoes
The shoes are another recurring case. Although it may seem practical, putting them on the machine compromises the durability of the shoes. The glues that unite the different layers tend to release and the soles can deform.
According to the same source, this type of footwear should be cleaned with soft bristle brushes and suitable products, thus preserving the material and the original form. It is a longer process, but it avoids premature wear.
Clothes with closed or metallic buttons
The pieces with cloth or metallic buttons raise a double risk. On the one hand, friction inside the machine can scratch and damage other clothes. On the other hand, constant contact with detergent and water can accelerate the corrosion of the metal.
One way to minimize this impact is to close all locks before washing and, when possible, resort to protective bags. This protects the fabric and also the machine.
Oil and fat stains
Washing directly on the machine with oil or fat stains is a common mistake. These substances hardly disappear only with the washing cycle. Most likely they spread to other pieces, making the situation even harder to solve.
The ideal is to pretrate stains with suitable products before washing. Thus, the probability of the fabric increases to become clean and other clothes from being stained.
Embroidery and Applications
Pieces with embroidery, sequins or other applied elements require extra care. Movement inside the machine can pull wires or release applications, ruining the original design.
In these cases, manual washing is the safest option. If this is not possible, the use of protective bags helps to reduce the impact and prolongs the life of the parts.
Special Care Tags
Tags are often ignored, but they are the main indication of how to treat each piece correctly. When the indication arises “hand washing” or “not washing”, doing so contrary can irreversibly damage the fabric.
Respecting these instructions is critical to preserving clothes. After all, each material reacts differently to temperature, detergent and machine rotation.
Bedding and heavy towels
Broken bedding or very heavy bath towels represent a significant overload for the machine engine. Putting them together with other parts increases equipment wear and reduces the effectiveness of washing.
To avoid this problem, these pieces should be washed separately and with your own heavier tissue programs. This practice protects the machine and ensures more effective cleaning.
According to, following these recommendations does not require major changes, but can make a difference between preserved clothing and damaged equipment. Ultimately, it is simple care that avoids unnecessary expenses and extend the life of the parts and the machine itself.
Also read:
