Washing machines can be costly, which means making them last for many years is crucial. According to the experts at RGBDirect, there are a variety of items which Britons should never wash in the appliance, including shoes.
According to the pros, all types of shoes can cause “damage to both the shows and the machine”. They added: “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 trainers with soapy water and a brush, or if you really want to run them through a wash cycle, use pillowcases.
Pet beds can get smelly and harbour bacteria, so it can be tempting to throw them in the washing machine, but this isn’t advised, especially if they have loose filling.
The experts said: “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 imbalance 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 also shouldn’t be washed as they require professional cleaning treatments.
The expert noted: “You may run the risk of staining other clothes in your washing load, as dyes from coloured silks can often run onto other fabrics.”
Fabrics such as wool runs the risk of shrinking, so if you have a wool item, seek professional help or wash at a low temperature, following the label inside the clothing item.
The laundry pro also said that it’s important to be careful when placing any stuffed toys in the machine as some delicate older fabrics may disintegrate.
If you have a toy you wish to wash, make sure it doesn’t have any batteries or electric components, as it may damage the appliance and the item itself.
When it comes to delicate items such as baby items or underwear, place these in mesh bags for proper cleaning.
Small items can easily become lost in the machine and end up in the filter, which may clog the machine or get stuck in the silicone entrance.