The electric washing machine is considered one of the most significant inventions of the 20th century. In the past, people had to spend hours boiling water, scrubbing clothes by hand, drying them, ironing, folding, and putting them away, only to repeat the process. This modern appliance revolutionized our lives, allowing us to avoid spending excessive time in the laundry room. While it is a miraculous product, it has limitations. The machine cannot discern which items are safe for washing based on their tags or select the appropriate settings without human intervention.
Delicate Embellishments
Items adorned with delicate sequins, beads, or fragile embroidery can be ruined in the washing machine, especially if the embellishments are glued instead of sewn. Similarly, caution should be exercised when washing lace items, as they can tear or rip in the washer, especially if they come into contact with garments containing hooks, buttons, or zippers. It is advisable to hand-wash or dry clean such delicate items instead.
Lingerie
Underwire and hook-and-eye closures in lingerie can harm the washing machine’s interior, potentially leading to costly damage. Lace items can also be affected. It is recommended to hand-wash your lingerie or use a protective mesh bag to safeguard both your garments and the machine. In the absence of a mesh bag, a pillowcase can serve as a suitable alternative.
Coins and Keys
Although it may not be intentional, coins or keys left in pockets can accidentally end up in the washing machine. If these objects remain contained, it is harmless. However, if they become loose, they can cause significant damage, such as blocking the drain, harming the drum, or breaking the glass of a front-loading washer. To prevent such mishaps, it is best to check pockets before loading the machine.
Running Shoes with Leather
While some sneakers can be washed in the machine, it is important to note that this process may shrink the shoes or compromise their durability. Shoes featuring leather accents should never be machine-washed, as it can harm the leather material.
Flammable Stains
Clothing stained with flammable substances like gas or paint thinner should not be put in the dryer, as the heat could cause the stain to ignite. Instead, consider spot-treating the stain with a solvent-based remover, washing the garment separately, and air-drying it to avoid transferring the flammable residue and minimize the risk of fire.
Pet Hair-Covered Clothing
Before washing clothes covered in pet hair, it is advisable to remove the hair using a lint roller or brush to prevent it from clumping in the machine and clogging pipes. Alternatively, you can toss the garment in the dryer first to help remove and capture the hair effectively.
Too Much Laundry
Overloading the washer and dryer may lead to ineffective cleaning and drying, necessitating a second load of laundry. It is recommended to avoid cramming the machine to ensure optimal cleaning results.
