It is a household chore that many people dread, and now it turns out you have likely been doing your laundry incorrectly this entire time. Experts from the consumer champion Which? have revealed the surprising items you should absolutely never put in the washing machine, highlighting common mistakes that could lead to damage or safety hazards.
The Top Items to Avoid in the Washing Machine
Topping the list are clothes with embellishments, glitter, lace, and fringing. These delicate items can disintegrate under the high heat of a washing cycle. The hot water in your machine can break down adhesives, and things like sequins can also damage the drum or door glass as they spin round at high speed, Which? explained. This warning is particularly relevant for festival-goers who might be tempted to wash glittery outfits.
Why Suits and Ties Are a No-Go
Suits and ties are next on the list, even if they are made from materials like cotton or polyester that typically cope well in machines. Even if your suit is made from cotton or polyester, the interfacing (which gives them their structured shape) can dissolve and bend out of shape in water, Which? added. Ties are especially prone to shrinking or damage, making them unsuitable for machine washing.
Other Delicate and Hazardous Items
Memory foam pillows are too delicate and can easily be torn in a washing machine. Additionally, items made from fabrics such as fur, leather, suede, velvet, or rayon should be avoided. These fabrics are better off going to the dry cleaners as they will only get damaged in a washing machine, the consumer champion advised.
For those who wear workwear, washing these garments in a machine could prove dangerous. Workwear items are often designed to be non-flammable, and washing them might remove the safety coating, increasing fire risks. Heavy items that can throw the washing machine off balance are also on the list, followed by some cuddly toys. Always check the label, but certain brands of soft toys (including Jellycats and Beanie Babies) are handwash-only for the most part, Which? noted.
Finally, and somewhat unsurprisingly, coins, keys, and jewellery are an absolute no-go. Make sure these items are removed from your pockets before washing to avoid them damaging the drum or door glass, or getting lodged in the drainage system, Which? added.
Surprising Items You Can Safely Wash
On a more positive note, Which? has also revealed several surprising items that you can safely put in the washing machine. Instead of hand-scrubbing shower curtains, you can remove them from the shower rail and pop them in the machine. Choose a delicate or handwash cycle if your machine has one, as they have the slowest spin speeds, Which? advises. Adding in a couple of large towels will help to balance out the load too. There is no need to use a specific detergent.
Additional Washable Items
Many exercise mats can go in the washing machine, as well as smelly pet accessories like collars and leads. Backpacks are generally fine too, although it is best to avoid anything with leather, added embroidery, or specialist waterproof coating. Most hats and hair accessories can be popped in the machine, along with rugs.
Several cleaning items are also on Which?'s list of washable items. Many cleaning items such as mop heads and microfibre cloths are now marketed as machine-washable – great news for the planet and your pocket, since you won't need to keep replacing them, it added.
Key Takeaways for Better Laundry Practices
To summarise, here are the main points from Which?'s advice:
- Avoid washing clothes with embellishments, glitter, lace, or fringing to prevent damage.
- Never put suits, ties, memory foam pillows, or items made from delicate fabrics like leather or suede in the machine.
- Be cautious with workwear, heavy items, and some cuddly toys to avoid safety hazards or imbalance.
- Always remove coins, keys, and jewellery from pockets before washing.
- You can safely wash shower curtains, exercise mats, pet accessories, backpacks, hats, and cleaning items with proper care.
By following these guidelines, you can extend the life of your clothes and appliances while ensuring a safer and more effective laundry routine.
