Laundry Care: Items to Avoid Putting in Washing Machines

To prevent damage to both clothing and appliances, certain household items should not be placed in a washing machine. Improper washing can lead to shrinkage, deformation, or machine imbalance due to excessive weight when items become waterlogged.

One major category includes wool and cashmere garments that lack specific machine-wash instructions. Because of their unique fiber structures, these materials can shrink, thicken, or lose their shape when exposed to improper moisture, temperature, or mechanical agitation. For these items, users should check care labels and opt for dry cleaning or gentle hand washing with cool water. After washing, it is recommended to lay them flat to dry rather than hanging them on hangers, which can stretch the fabric.

Other items, such as certain types of athletic shoes, also require caution to avoid overloading or unbalancing the machine.