Everyone who owns a washing machine appreciates its value. This appliance saves people a lot of valuable time and energy that they would have used to do their laundry. However, it is important to note that there are certain things that you should never put in your washing machine.
Some of these things are very obvious—like your cell phone, wallet, coins, keys, and pens. However, there are other items that most people are not aware that they should be put in a washing machine since they can be damaged. This article shall shed more light on some of these items.
Tailored Suits
You should never try to put tailored suits in a washing machine—even if the outer fabric is cotton or polyester. What you don’t know is that these clothes have materials known as interfacings, and these are sandwiched between the lining and the outer fabric.
Exposing these materials to water can make them lose their shape or to become disintegrated. Such kind of clothes should be taken to dry cleaners, together with their corresponding pieces—this ensures that the overall color remains even.
Lingerie
Lingerie comes with wires and hooks that can cause damage to the interior of a washing machine. If you want to clean your lingerie, consider washing it or using a protective mesh washing bag. If you don’t have a mesh bag, just use your normal pillowcase—it will get the job done!
Fabrics Stained With Flammable Liquids
You should never attempt to put garments that are heavily stained with gasoline, motor oil, alcohol, paint thinner, or cooking oil in your washing machine. It’s always a good idea to soak them in a laundry sink or plastic basing with heavy-duty detergent before putting them in the washing machine.
Note that if the fabric is heavily stained with flammable liquids, it has a high potential of combustion, thus causing a fire in your home. Moreover, if the fabric is soaked in these materials, you’ll end up with scum left on the drum, which can be transferred to the next load.
Swimwear
Although your swimming costume is designedto be used in water, you should never put it in a washing machine. What you don’t know is that both the straps and internal design of women’s swimming costumes can be damaged by the mechanical action of a washing machine. Moreover, washing the delicate fabric of most swimming costumes together with other clothes that have hooks and zippers can cause snags or holes.
Leather Clothes and Sneakers
Even though your fabric sneakers are well suited for machine wash, you should never attempt to machine-wash your leather sneakers. When making leather shoes, some parts are normally put together with glue, and this can be damaged by excess moisture, as well as heat.
For leather clothes, on the other hand, it’s easy to recondition their surfaces after getting wet. However, a washing machine can leave these clothes wrinkled and marred. If you have leather sneakers and clothes, consider engaging the services of a professional cleaner who’s experienced in leather care.
Beaded, Sequined, or Embroidered Items
A washing machine can damage your beaded or embroidered clothing, particularly if the embroidery or beading is glued, rather than sewn. Moreover, you should take care of your clothes if they have lace since it can be damaged when it comes into contact with clothes that have buttons, zippers, or hooks. Always consider handwashing these items if you don’t have a mesh bag.
Baby Socks
There’s one thing that all parents agree on—baby socks normally vanish at an alarming rate. Recent statistics have revealed that the washing machine is the number one culprit. According to experts from Tampa Appliance Repair, baby socks can be easily sucked into the hose of your machine. This can cause your washing machine to clog, thus causing flooding and expensive repairs. So, you should consider buying a laundry bag if you want to clean baby socks, for their safety, as well as the safety of the washing machine.
