Six items to never put in the washing machine that can cause ‘damage’ to appliance

Oct 27, 2023

The experts at RGBDirect recommended never putting your shoes in the washing machine because it can cause “damage to both the shoes and the machine”.

They said: “The tumbling action can scratch the washing machine’s drum, and the shoes themselves may lose their shape or cause imbalances, potentially leading to loud vibrations during the spin cycle.”

Instead, clean shoes by hand using a soft brush and a mild detergent to help get rid of any marks.

If you do want to wash trainers in the washing machine, Britons could opt for using a pillowcase to help protect them.

Pet beds can get smelly, especially if they have not been cleaned in a while, so it can be tempting to just throw them into the machine for a cycle.

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However, if your pet bed has a loose filling, it should not be placed in the machine, according to the experts.

They explained: “Pet beds that have loose filling like foam beds or shredded foam should not be washed in a machine.

“The filling can clump together, causing imbalances and potentially damaging the washing machine’s motor. Additionally, pet hair and fur can clog the machine’s filter and drainage system.”

According to Deyan Dimitrov, CEO of Laundryheap, most silk items require dry cleaning treatments because high temperatures and fast spin cycles can cause delicate fabrics to tear.

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They could also even lose their shape or shrink if they are placed in the washing machine.

Deyan said: “You may also run the risk of staining other clothes in your washing load, as dyes from coloured skills can often run onto other fabrics.”

Britons should also be wary about putting ties in the wash as most are made from delicate fabrics.

Deyan explained: “Fabrics such as silk and wool run the risk of shrinking, losing their shape and staining other clothes during a quick washing machine cycle.

“To keep them smelling fresh and in good shape, I would recommend hand washing them, or having them cleaned professionally.”

It is also important to be mindful before placing any stuffed toys in the machine as some delicate older fabrics may disintegrate.

Also, make sure it doesn’t have any batteries or electric components as it can damage the washer, and the item itself.

Again, opting to spot clean or using a damp sponge is a much safer option to clean any stuffed toy to avoid risking the toy being damaged.