Ever wondered why your delicates in the washing machine sometimes come out less than perfect? While it’s tempting to throw everything into the machine and hope for the best, some items can do more harm than good. Whether it's to prevent damage to your garments or to safeguard the health of your washing machine, understanding what not to wash is crucial. From washing clothes that are too delicate fabric to mishandling bulky items, we will guide you through the no-goes of laundry day, ensuring your clothes and machine stay in tip-top shape!

Things we should not put in our washing machine:

01: Sequined clothes or Heavily Decorated Items

All that glitters...shouldn’t go in the washing machine. Embellishments that are sewn on can easily tear in the washer and, if they are glued, the intensity of the hot water can break down the adhesive.

• Embellishments like sequins and beads can detach, damaging the washing machine’s spin cycle.

• Delicate fabric requires careful handling to maintain its allure. 

Hand washing is the safest choice and will keep you sparkling without preventing washing machine damage.

02: Memory Foam Pillows

A foam pillow can be easily torn by the washing machine’s spin since it is too delicate. No matter what you do, you’ll end up with a heavy, wet mess, so don’t do it.

• They absorb water and become very heavy, risking damage to the machine’s drum.

• Risk of mold if not dried thoroughly.

Spot-clean memory foam to extend the life and health of your washing machine.

03: Pet Hair-Laden Fabrics

Pet owners know the struggle of finding fur all over clothes and upholstery. If you have an item that’s coated in excessive amounts of pet hair, don’t just toss it into the washer.

• Wet fur can clump together and stick to the sides of the machine, get on other clothing items, or even clog the drain pipes

• Cleaning heavy or bulky items like dog beds should be done according to manufacturer instructions.

Instead, use a lint roller to rid your clothes of as much pet hair as possible before you put them in the washing machine.

04: Running Shoes

While you can wash some sneakers in the washer, running shoes with leather are never washer-safe.

• You shouldn't wash anything with leather accents because it has a tendency to peel off.

• High heat from the dryer can warp the shape.

It's safest to hand-wash your expensive running gear and let them air dry Maintaining Laundry machine safety is better than risking your favourite sneakers.

05: Too Much Laundry

Your washer and dryer can do a lot, but overstuffing tends to cause bigger problems than forcing you to do a second load of laundry.

• Overloading the machine means the washer can't clean your clothes properly, and the dryer won't be able to generate air flow to dry clothes evenly. Plus, overloading can lead to breakdowns.

• Not only do heavy loads strain the drum belt and bearings, but they can also cause the motor to overheat and burn out. Check the manufacturer's suggestions for your particular model's capacity.

Never put delicate clothes which are small in size with large clothes. Washing machine care tips often recommend dry cleaning for best results.

Things you should never wash together in the washing machine

Sorting clothes for laundry by fabric, size, and color may sound like the opposite of a laundry hack to save time, but it will help to save you time on chores in the long run.

• Large items with loose small items: If you have ever tried to wash bed sheets with your socks, you will know the pain of having to climb into your duvet cover to retrieve all the smaller items. 

• Natural and synthetic fibres: Washing and caring for cotton, linen, and wool requires a lot more effort than caring for synthetic fibres such as polyester. 

• Hardware with delicates: A common laundry mistake is failing to take into account the hardware details on your garments. Paying attention to the type of fabric is all well and good, but if a sturdy zipper meets with a lace detail top in the washer, you are in for a bad time.

Tips to take care of your Washing Machine:

• Always unplug the appliance and turn off the water after use.

• Make sure that the pockets of all clothing to be washed are empty. Hard, sharp objects, such as coins, safety pins, nails, screws, or stones can cause extensive damage to the appliance.

• Pets and small children may climb into the appliance. Check the appliance before each use.

• Before you open the door of the appliance, check that the water has drained. Do not open the door if you can still see water.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1) Which clothes should not be washed in the machine?
A) Sequins, embellished and delicate clothes tend to get damaged in washing machines, so it's better to avoid them in the washing machine.
Q2) What is the safest way to wash clothes?
A) Cold water is a gentle wash that won't add to the wear and tear of your clothes, so use it whenever possible. 
Q3) What is bad for your washer?
A) Items left in pockets and metal fasteners can damage the door seal, scratch the drum, break impeller blades, or become lodged in the drain pump of a washer. Pocket treasures, like crayons, lip balm, gum, and pens, can melt in the dryer and leave a mess on the drum and the rest of the laundry load.

 Taking care of what you put into your washing machine not only preserves your clothes but also extends the lifespan of the appliance itself. For those special care items, like fabrics needing a fresh scent or a disinfectant boost, check out Premium Bionaturals Fabric Refresher and Disinfectant to keep them in pristine condition without the wash. Remember, treating your laundry with a bit of knowledge and care can make a significant difference in the longevity of both your garments and your machine. Stay savvy and keep your laundry fresh and fabulous!