The washing machine is one of the most useful everyday appliances, but it is also one of the most easily damaged parts when you are not careful. What seems like a simple wash can end up with fabrics that are deformed, discolored or riddled with pulls. And, according to this expert, there are clothes that should never end up in the drum, and it is much more effective to wash them by hand.
Alicia Sokolowski, cleaning specialist and responsible for the Canadian brand AspenClean, explained to the American magazine Real Simple that there are materials and finishes that require special attention, as the movement and heat of the machine can completely alter the fibers.
Wool and cashmere: fibers that are not forgiving
Wool or cashmere items are among the most sensitive. Friction and temperature variation can cause them to shrink or lose their original shape, even on delicate programs. It is best to wash them by hand, in cold water and a mild detergent, without wringing them and leaving them to dry on a flat surface.
Lace and silk: elegance that demands care
Lace, being delicate, can tear, stretch or get caught in the machine drum. Silk, despite its resistant appearance, loses shine and color easily with heat and centrifugation. For both, the safest option is to wash manually, using cold water and light movements, according to the expert.
Lace and silk: elegance that demands care
Clothes with embroidery, beads or sequins should stay away from the machine. These details, in addition to being easily attached, become more fragile with heat and friction. Gentle hand washing helps preserve both the fabric and the embellishments.
The golden rule to extend the life of clothes
When in doubt, always choose to wash these clothes by hand with cold water and a detergent suitable for delicate fabrics, according to the expert, cited by . If you really need to use the machine, place the items in washing bags, choose the program for delicate clothes and reduce the spin cycle to a minimum.
More than a question of aesthetics, treating clothes well is a form of savings and sustainability: the longer they last, the less often they will have to be replaced, and the planet will be ‘thank you’.
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