Don’t Put These Types of Clothes in the Washing Machine: A Guide to Avoiding Cleaning Disasters and Maintaining the Perfect Fit

The convenience of washing machines has long been a time-saver for families, efficiently cleaning and drying clothes. But, are all garments machine-washable? Today, we explore the types of clothing that are not machine-friendly, helping you preserve the quality of your beloved wardrobe.

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It is a common habit for many families to throw all their dirty clothes into the washing machine without sorting them first. This is not a good habit as it can damage the quality of the clothes in the long run. In fact, for some types of garments, machine washing can cause damage to both the clothes and the machine. That’s why it’s important to sort your laundry before washing.

In this article, let’s explore which items are not suitable for machine washing and learn how to take care of them properly.

1Coats

Coats

Coats are usually made of thick fabric and often have small accessories like zippers or buttons. Machine washing coats can cause them to lose their shape, become unevenly puffy, or get torn and scratched due to the hard accessories. Additionally, the thick fabric of coats retains moisture, preventing even water distribution during washing.

Soak the coat in warm water

To clean your coat effectively, soak it in warm water at around 30 degrees Celsius, and add a specialized detergent or vinegar. Let it soak for about 10 to 15 minutes.

After soaking, gently scrub the coat with your hands or use a soft brush to remove any dirt. Finally, rinse the coat with clean water.

Avoid using the washing machine for spinning

It’s important to note that you should avoid using the washing machine to spin the coat as it may cause deformation. Instead, gently squeeze the water out of the coat by hand, starting from the top and moving downwards to maintain its shape.

After squeezing out the excess water, hang the coat in a well-ventilated area and let it air dry naturally. Avoid hanging it in direct sunlight as it may cause color fading.

2Silk Clothing

Silk Clothing

Silk clothing is characterized by its thin, lightweight, and soft fabric. If you machine wash silk garments along with other types of clothing, they can become matted, scratched, or even completely damaged.

Soak silk clothing in water with a mild detergent

To clean silk clothing, start by soaking it in water mixed with a small amount of mild detergent for about 5 minutes.

Gently squeeze the water out of the silk clothing

After soaking, gently squeeze the water out of the silk clothing and rinse it with clean water. Shake the garment to remove excess water, and then hang it to dry. Avoid wringing the silk clothing as it may cause wrinkles.

Add a little white vinegar to the water and soak the silk clothing

For white silk garments, add a little white vinegar to the water and soak the clothing for about 3 minutes. Vinegar will help brighten the fabric.

3Clothing with Accessories

Clothing with Accessories

These types of garments often include formal wear or evening gowns with small attached accessories. Machine washing these items can lead to a disaster as they can get scratched, torn, or lose their shape. Additionally, the accessories may come off and get stuck in the machine, causing damage.

Place clothing with accessories in a separate laundry bag

To simplify the cleaning process for these garments, place them in a separate laundry bag and then put them in the washing machine along with other clothes. This will prevent damage to the machine and effectively clean the garments.

4Bras

Bras

Bras are delicate garments that should never be machine washed. Doing so can cause deformation, damage to the padding or underwire, and even harm to your breasts.

Gently rub the bra cups together to clean

To clean your bras effectively, soak them in water mixed with a small amount of mild detergent for about 5 minutes. Then, gently rub the bra cups together to clean them, and at the same time, use clean water to remove any dirt around the underwire and straps.

Place bras in a laundry bag before machine washing

If you’re short on time, you can place your bras in a laundry bag and then put them in the washing machine. This will help prevent damage to the bras.

5Woolen Clothes

Woolen Clothes

Machine washing woolen garments can cause them to shrink and lose their shape, or the fabric may become fuzzy. Instead, hand wash these items by adding a small amount of mild detergent to warm water at around 40 degrees Celsius. Gently squeeze the garments and then rinse them with cold water.

After rinsing, use a dry towel to lay the woolen clothes flat and absorb the excess water. This will help maintain the shape and prevent wrinkles.

6Leather Clothing

Leather Clothing

Leather clothing is prone to deformation and color fading, so it’s not suitable for machine washing. Additionally, leather should not be dried in direct sunlight as it may become damp and moldy.

The best way to clean leather clothing is to use a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or dust.

If the leather has yellow stains, gently apply a cleaning agent to the stained area for about a minute, and then use a damp cloth to wipe it clean. Hang the garment in a well-ventilated area to dry, avoiding direct sunlight.

7Clothing with Sand or Dirt

Clothing with Sand or Dirt

For clothes that are heavily soiled with mud or sand, it’s risky to put them directly into the washing machine. Sand can get into the nooks and crannies of the machine and cause damage.

Make sure to remove any sand or dirt from the clothing before putting it in the washing machine.

We hope that through this article, you will be able to better take care of your clothes during the cleaning process and also prolong the lifespan of your washing machine. Stay tuned for more useful tips and updates from our website!

Frequently asked questions

Some clothing items are delicate and can be easily damaged in a washing machine. For example, woolen items can shrink and become misshapen, and bras can lose their shape and support. Putting these items in the washing machine can also damage the machine itself, as some materials may shed fibers and cause blockages.

For woolen items, hand washing is recommended. Fill a basin with cool water and a mild detergent, then gently soak and agitate the garment. Rinse thoroughly and lay flat to dry. For bras, hand washing is also best; use a gentle detergent and avoid twisting or wringing the cups. Again, lay flat to dry. For activewear, check the care label, but often these items can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle with cold water.

Always read the care label on your clothing and follow the instructions. Separate your laundry into lights and darks to avoid color bleeding. Use a laundry bag for delicate items to provide extra protection in the washing machine. When drying clothes, avoid direct sunlight as it can cause colors to fade and fabrics to weaken. Also, ensure you don’t overload your washing machine, as this can lead to inadequate cleaning and rinsing.
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