In our modern times, washing machines have become indispensable helpers in everyday life. They significantly facilitate the task of caring for clothes and textiles, saving our time and effort.
However, it is important to remember that not all items are safe to wash in the washing machine.
There are a number of materials, structures and objects that are at risk of being damaged or even destroyed when machined.
Clothes made from delicate fabrics such as silk, chiffon, organza or lace require special care.
These materials can be easily damaged in the washing machine due to intense friction and mechanical elements.
For such clothes, it is better to hand wash or dry clean to preserve their original appearance and structure.
Clothes with embroidery, beads or sequins also require careful handling.
Washing machines can damage embroidery or tear off decorative elements, which can ruin the appearance of the item. Hand washing or dry cleaning will help keep these decorations in their original condition.
Leather or suede clothing, as well as accessories (bags, shoes, etc.) often require special care.
Washing machines can deform, fade or even tear such materials. Leather and suede should be cleaned using specialized products.
Down jackets, duvets and pillows filled with down or feathers are at risk of losing volume and deformation in the washing machine.
It is better to wash such items in large commercial machines on a delicate cycle or dry clean them.
Items containing metal parts (buttons, fasteners, rivets, etc.) may damage the washing machine drum or even cause a short circuit.
In addition, metal parts can damage the clothes themselves during washing. It is better to remove such elements before washing.
Shoes and hats are too bulky for the washing machine and may cause damage to both the machine itself and other items.
However, some types of shoes (such as sneakers) can be machine washed using special shoe bags.
Wool items may shrink, become misshapen and lose their softness when machine washed.
For wool, hand washing in cool water using special detergents is recommended.
Items with a water-repellent finish, such as raincoats or jackets, may lose their properties when machine washed.
This coating protects against rain and moisture, and its loss can affect the functionality of the garment.
Sportswear and gear made from technical materials (e.g., track jackets, running pants) often have special properties such as moisture wicking or temperature regulation. Machine washing can compromise these properties and reduce the performance of the garment.
If your clothing or other items have special fittings, such as wooden elements or large buttons, machine washing may damage the part. Hand washing is preferable in this case.
Being mindful and paying attention to what you can and can't machine wash will help keep your clothes and textiles looking great for years to come.
It is important to remember that the manufacturer's care instructions for each item play an important role and should be strictly followed.
When in doubt, it's best to avoid machine washing in favor of more gentle methods to preserve the beauty and quality of your clothes.
