7 Clothing Items You Should Never Put In the Washing Machine
Expertise: Beauty, Health, & Wellness
Experience: 2 years
Indrani is a writer and artist who likes to add a dash of humor to everything she does. She has two years of experience in writing articles across beauty, health, and lifestyle genres. After graduatin... more
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Ever thought of that tiny tag in clothes that settles at the back of your neck or waist? Yes, most of us know it because it’s a source of irritation to us. Who would want an itchy unwanted tag reminding you of its placement when all you want is to feel comfortable in your clothes. However, before you get any ideas for ripping them out, you should know that they carry important instructions on how you should maintain that piece of cloth. If you look at it closely, you will find instructions on washing, ironing, and many more things that usually go unnoticed. So if you have been ignoring instructions before attending to different kinds of clothing, only to find your clothes getting damaged, we have something that will help you. Read on for the tips that will keep your clothes new looking and clean even after several washes.
1. Memory Foam Cushions
Of course, cushions are not clothes, yet most of them end up getting washed in our washing machine. Memory foam pillows are easier to maintain than traditional pillows since they are hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites. Once or twice a year, simply use a light detergent to clean the discolored spots by hand. If the cushion can be washed by hand, you can use a sink or bathtub and some water and detergent without any added scent. After removing the excess water by gently squeezing the pillow, hang it up to dry. Machine washing may still be an option for some memory foam pillows; check the label to be sure.
2. Delicate Fiber Clothes
Wool, velvet, silk & cashmere are not materials that can be machine washed. Even after one wash cycle, the abrasive action of the washing machine can harm the framework of these sensitive materials, distorting them permanently. Wash by hand in warm water with a gentle detergent. And use detergent formulated specifically for use on fragile materials is recommended. When you’re done, give the garment a quick wring to remove excess water, but don’t twist it. After that, place it onto a drying rack wrapped in a dry towel.
3. Clothes With Stitched Ornaments
Embroidered, laced, or other embellished garments may not survive being washed in the washing machine. Buttons, hooks, & other kinds of fastenings on clothing can rip lace and cause other ornamental pieces to break or fall off. Hand wash these garments unless the care label specifies dry cleaning. Wrap the ornamental items in foil or fabric to protect them from chemicals if dry cleaning is the only option.
4. Bras
The hooks on the bra cups might catch on other garments and cause damage, and machine washing can distort and stretch out the cups. Wash delicate items separately in cold water using a gentle detergent. If you wash your bra, be sure to wring it out carefully so you don’t ruin the fabric. Lay it down flat and wait for it to dry. Do not dry a bra by hanging it on a clothes rack. The cups may get deformed as a result. A bra may be machine washed, but only with extra care if you’re in a hurry. Make sure you clasp the hooks in first so the hooks don’t catch on anything and tear them.
5. Coats And Suits
Even if the outside fabric is made of polyester, cotton, or another machine-washable fabric, it might be a mistake to wash a coat, jacket, suit, or anything with shoulder protectors in the washing machine. Materials are inserted between the cloth and the liner to ensure a snug fit.
6. Leather Clothes
Leather absorbs moisture and it contracts. Deformation and “wrinkling” of the surface may also occur. Clean the spots with a moist towel, or use a leather cleaner on the entire item.
7. Clothes Covered In Pet Hair
Getting rid of cat hair from fabric is a huge chore. However, if you wash them in the washer, the hair might gather dust and attach to the garments, stick to the edges of the container, or clog the drain pipes, all of which will reduce the machine’s efficiency. Pre-washing pet hair removal is recommended before machine washing. A lint roller or a pair of rubber gloves will work for this purpose. Simply wet your palm and run it over the dress.
We understand the urge to put every piece of clothing in your washing machine, but that never works out, does it? No matter how robust your clothes look, regular and improper washing can damage them beyond repair. Make sure you read the instructions and even look on the internet before attempting to clean a piece of clothing.
