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Don’t Put These in the

Washing Machine

by Maria Gracia Updated August 28, 2024 Join our newsletter to be notified when new content is added to our website. My friend Georgia recently had a problem with her washing machine—it got clogged. After the repair was finished, the technician asked if she had any long- haired pets. Georgia, who has three long- haired dogs, nodded. "Do you wash their blankets or beds in the machine?" he asked. When she confirmed, he shook his head and said that was likely the issue. Pet hair tends to clump together, potentially blocking the machine's drainage system and could even damage the drain pump. To avoid this, it's important to remove as much pet hair as possible before tossing those blankets or clothing in the washer. A lint roller, pet hair remover brush, or a good shake outdoors can do wonders in minimizing the amount of hair that ends up in your machine. While pet blankets and clothing covered in hair should be kept out of the washing machine until properly de-haired, there are other items you should also avoid tossing in. Here’s a list to help protect your machine: 1. Foam, especially memory foam pillows: Even on a gentle cycle with no spin, foam can shred, leaving you with a big, soggy lump. 2. Loose bras: These should be hand- washed or at least placed in a mesh lingerie bag. The hooks can easily get caught on other clothes or the agitator, causing damage. (Pro tip: Try rinse-free products that allow you to soak the garment briefly before letting it dry.) 3. Swimsuits: Similar to lingerie, swimsuits should be hand-washed to maintain their shape and elasticity. 4. Embellished or lace fabrics, as well as wool and cashmere: Even the delicate cycle can be too harsh for these materials. 5. Clothing or fabric with flammable stains: Fabrics stained with gasoline, cooking oil, motor oil, etc., should not go in the machine due to fire risks. Pre-treat these with a solvent-based stain remover and, if possible, hand- wash. 6. Leather clothes, purses, or sneakers: These items are too delicate to withstand the water and tumbling. Even leather-trimmed sneakers can be damaged. 7. Running sneakers: Unless labeled machine washable, avoid putting them in the washer. Athletic shoes may shrink, and glued parts can become unfastened. 8. Suits: Even if the fabric can be machine washed, the interfacing that gives the suit its shape may be ruined. Dry cleaning and steaming are the best options. 9. Neckties: Often made of delicate fabrics like silk, neckties usually have a lining that can’t handle machine washing. Take them to the cleaners instead. 10. Open zippers: It’s easy to forget to close zippers before washing, but they can catch on other clothing and damage the machine. Always zip them up before starting the wash cycle. 11. Velcro closures: Velcro might not damage the machine, but it can catch on other fabrics. If you need to wash Velcro items, secure the Velcro and place the item in a mesh bag. 12. Coins, keys, pens, etc.: These small items can ruin your clothes and damage the machine. Always check pockets before washing. 13. Baby socks, hair scrunchies, and other small items: These can be washed in the machine, but they should be in a mesh bag to prevent them from getting lost or sucked into the hoses. 14. A single large item like a pillow or blanket: These can unbalance the machine, causing it to “walk” or even get damaged. Add a few bath towels to balance the load. 15. Oversized items: Large comforters or blankets that barely fit in the machine won’t get cleaned properly and could damage the agitator. Use extra-large capacity machines at a laundromat instead. 16. Too many clothes or items:  Overloading the machine can prevent proper cleaning and strain the motor or other parts. 17. Items labeled “Dry Clean Only”:  There are products that can freshen dry-clean only clothes in the dryer. Otherwise, it’s best to take them to a professional cleaner. 18. Too much detergent: More detergent doesn’t mean cleaner clothes. Excessive suds can leave a residue on your laundry and build up in the machine. 19. Rubber-backed mats: These are great at catching dirt but shouldn’t be thrown in the machine if they have a rubber backing. The washer can damage the backing, which can then harm the machine. Replace rubber- backed mats when necessary. 20. Precious items: Some things may technically be washable, but the risk isn’t worth it. Family heirlooms, handmade quilts, and cherished stuffed animals should be spot cleaned or professionally cleaned. One item you should add to your machine every month or so is a washing machine cleaning tablet. These break down dirt and residues that can cause odors. A repair person once told me they’re not just a gimmick—they’re highly recommended. Remember, washing machines are expensive, as are repairs. While we can't prevent every issue, being mindful about what we put in the washer can save us a lot of trouble. Back to Cleaning Secrets Index