Never Wash These 8 Things In Your Machine If You Want It to Last Longer
Many people put clothes and household items directly into the washing machine without checking the care instructions. However, some fabrics and items can be damaged during machine washing and may even affect the machine’s performance. Experts recommend reading the care label before washing any garment.
Avoid placing heavily soiled items directly into the washing machine. Blankets covered in pet hair, muddy clothes or items with excess dirt and sand should be cleaned or rinsed first. Excess debris can affect the machine and may prevent clothes from being cleaned properly.
Memory foam pillows and neck-support foam pillows should not be washed in the machine. The high-speed spinning cycle may cause the foam to crack, tear or lose its shape. Experts also advise against washing these pillows by hand.
Heavy blankets and comforters should only be washed according to the machine’s load capacity. Blankets or comforters weighing more than 6.8 kilograms may place excessive pressure on the motor and drum, even in larger machines.
Always check garments labelled “Dry Clean Only” before washing. Machine washing such clothes may cause shrinking, fading, discolouration or damage to the fabric. Following the care instructions can help maintain the quality of the garment.
Old, delicate or fragile fabrics may not withstand machine washing. These garments should ideally be hand-washed using a mild detergent and cold water or sent for professional dry cleaning to avoid damage.
Make sure zippers are fully closed before washing jeans, jackets, bedsheets or similar items. Open zippers can catch on other clothes and cause tears. Leather garments should also be kept out of the washing machine, as water and heat may cause the material to shrink or lose its original shape.
New red and orange clothes are more likely to release colour during the first few washes. Washing them separately can help prevent stains and colour transfer to other garments. Using the washing machine correctly not only protects clothes but also helps extend the life of the appliance.
