Laundry Day. Thank goodness for automated washing machines, and the dryer! We all love the convenience of tossing a load of washing into the machine and letting it do the hard work. But not everything in your home is designed to survive a wash and spin cycle.
In fact, some items can be ruined by machine washing, while others can damage your washing machine itself. Before you throw everything into the basket, here are 10 things that should not be put in a washing machine.
That favourite leather jacket, handbag, wallet or belt might be due for a clean, but the washing machine isn’t the place for it.
Leather and water don’t get along particularly well. A trip through the wash can cause leather to crack, shrink, warp or lose its shape because it will lose its natural oils. Instead, gentle wipe with a damp cloth and a leather-specific cleaner is a much safer option and will help keep your leather looking great for years to come.
Memory foam pillows are wonderful for a good night’s sleep, but they don’t enjoy being tossed around in a washing machine.
The combination of water and spinning can damage the foam’s structure, causing it to tear, crumble or lose its supportive shape. Most memory foam pillows are best spot-cleaned, but always check the care instructions first.
Some canvas sneakers can survive a gentle wash, but many shoes contain glue, leather, suede or cushioning materials that aren’t machine-friendly.
A wash cycle can weaken adhesives, distort the shape and leave you wondering why your favourite shoes suddenly fit differently. When in doubt, a gentle hand clean is usually the safer option.
Bathroom mats and small rugs often look perfectly washable, but their rubber backing can become brittle over time.
As the rubber breaks down, pieces can come away during the wash and potentially clog filters or drainage systems. A quick check of the care label can save both your rug and your washing machine.
We love our pets, but your washing machine probably doesn’t love all that fur.
If a blanket or pet bed is covered in hair, much of it can end up stuck inside the machine rather than disappearing down the drain. The result? Hair on future loads and extra cleaning for you.
Before washing, remove as much hair as possible with a vacuum, lint roller or a quick tumble in the dryer.
Rain jackets, waterproof mattress protectors and similar items can create unexpected problems in a washing machine.
Because they repel water, they can trap large amounts of it during the cycle, creating an unbalanced load that may cause the machine to shake, stop or struggle. Many waterproof items can still be washed, but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you’ve spent the day gardening, camping or cheering on the kids from the sidelines of a muddy sports field, it can be tempting to throw everything straight into the wash.
However, large amounts of dirt, sand and mud can clog drains and leave residue inside the machine.
Give heavily soiled items a shake or rinse first. Your washing machine will thank you.
Delicate fabrics deserve a little extra care because underwires can bend or break, lace can snag, and straps can become tangled around other garments. In some cases, a loose underwire can even damage the machine itself.
A mesh laundry bag and delicate cycle can help, but hand washing is often the safest option.
A suit might survive a trip through the washing machine, but it probably won’t come out looking like a suit.
Many jackets, blazers and ties contain internal linings, padding and interfacing that help them hold their shape. When soaked in water and spun around in a machine, these inner layers can bend, shrink, separate or become distorted, leaving your garment looking rumpled and misshapen.
If you’ve invested in a quality suit, it’s best to follow the care label and use professional dry cleaning where recommended.
We’ve all tried to squeeze one more item into the machine. Sometimes it works. Sometimes the machine sounds like it’s trying to launch into orbit.
Large doonas, weighted blankets and bulky bedding can place significant strain on a household washing machine and may not wash properly if the drum is overloaded.
For larger items, a commercial-sized washer is often the safest and most effective solution.
Your washing machine works hard for you every week, and treating it kindly can help it last longer while keeping your clothes in great condition. If you’re ever unsure about an item, check the care label before washing. It’s much easier than discovering your favourite jacket now fits the dog.
At Star Laundromat, our small and large-capacity commercial washers and dryers are perfect for delicate items, as well as doonas, blankets and bedding. With plenty of room and powerful machines that are gentle on your laundry, washing day becomes quicker, easier and a whole lot less stressful.
We have free WiFi, free detergent and they are open 24/7 with plenty of parking. Our machines are modern and state of the art technology that wash efficiently and effectively while being gentle on your clothes.