Washing Machine: Textiles You Should Never Wash Carelessly

Many households unknowingly damage both their washing machine and favourite items because certain textiles are simply thrown in with the rest of the load, even though they should not be there.

A quick wash between appointments, everything goes into the drum as usual, press start – and suddenly the machine rattles, shakes or seems to ‘walk’ across the floor. Often, the appliance itself is not the cause: a few common textiles behave very differently in the drum from a towel or T-shirt. Handling them incorrectly can harm both the machine and the clothes.

Why certain textiles become a problem in the washing machine drum

People often ask more of the washing machine drum than it can safely handle. It turns, speeds up and slows down, meaning anything hard, heavy or highly delicate can create a risk. Three factors are especially troublesome: powerful impacts, continual friction and water trapped within the fabric.

“Every hard item in a wash load acts like a small hammer during the spin cycle, striking the drum again and again.”

As soon as a load is unevenly distributed, it becomes unbalanced. The machine vibrates, nearly moves away during spinning or repeatedly stops the cycle. Delicate fibres suffer at the same time: they snag, lose their shape or shrink completely. This is exactly where four textile groups, often washed incorrectly in many homes, come into play.

Underwear in particular: how underwired bras damage the drum and fabric

Underwired bras are among the biggest causes of problems in a washing machine. Their metal wires are held in place by the fabric, but vigorous movement can quickly change that. During a wash, they may bend, slip out of their fabric channels or, in the worst case, pierce through the laundry.

The fastening hooks create an additional issue. They can catch on knitwear, pull threads or tear delicate fabrics. Meanwhile, the metal components strike the drum directly during spinning.

“Bent wires, misshapen cups and scratches inside the drum are classic consequences of caring for bras incorrectly.”

How to wash bras gently

• Always fasten the clasp before washing, so the hooks cannot catch on other items.
• Use a laundry mesh bag to keep metal parts away from the rest of the load.
• Select a delicates or gentle cycle and set a low spin speed.
• Do not wring bras out after washing; press out the water gently and dry them flat.
• Avoid the tumble dryer: heat distorts cups and wires, while making elastic deteriorate faster.

If you own particularly high-quality lingerie, it is better to hand-wash some pieces in a basin using lukewarm water and a small amount of delicates detergent. This helps the items last longer and keeps loose wires out of the machine.

Shoes in the washing machine: a seemingly harmless choice with an expensive outcome

It may be tempting to put trainers or sneakers straight into the washing machine. It is quick, convenient and avoids scrubbing. Yet something quite different happens in the drum: heavy soles hit the metal and glass forcefully with every rotation. The spin cycle in particular creates substantial impacts and vibrations.

For the appliance, this puts strain on the bearings, suspension and shock absorbers. The shoes themselves may develop loose glued sections, distorted toe caps and cracked materials, especially if they are made from synthetic leather or delicate foam.

“What appears to be a clever shortcut can considerably reduce the lifespan of a washing machine.”

If shoes must go in the washing machine, do it this way

• Always place them in a sturdy laundry bag or purpose-made shoe bag.
• Add a few towels to cushion impacts and reduce noise.
• Choose a low temperature (maximum 30°C) and a delicates or sportswear programme.
• Use a low spin speed or, preferably, skip spinning altogether and air-dry them.

The traditional approach is far kinder to the materials: remove the laces, wash the insoles separately, then clean the uppers with a brush and mild cleaner. Afterwards, loosely fill the shoes with newspaper and allow them to dry slowly in the air – never on a radiator.

Wool on a standard cycle: the sure route to a doll-sized jumper

Woollen jumpers, scarves and cardigans are sensitive to two things: heat and vigorous movement. Combined, these cause a familiar result – a favourite jumper emerges from the machine two sizes smaller, with a felted appearance.

The process known as felting occurs when wool fibres rub together under pressure and heat. They permanently lock together, causing the fabric to shrink and become stiff. A standard cotton programme is far too harsh for this.

“One ordinary wash cycle can turn an expensive wool jumper into an unwearable item in a single load.”

Keeping wool soft and in shape

• Always select the wool or delicates programme.
• Set the machine to cold or a maximum of 30°C, and use a specialist wool detergent.
• Choose a very low spin speed, ideally with only a brief, gentle spin.
• Never twist or wring wool vigorously, as this intensifies the felting process.
• Lay it flat on a towel, reshape it and leave it to dry horizontally.

For complete peace of mind, check the small symbol showing a hand in a wash basin before washing. This marking means hand-washing is considerably safer than any machine cycle, even the wool setting.

Water-repellent and waterproof textiles: a hidden risk during spinning

Membrane jackets, waterproof trousers, outdoor covers and coated fabrics present a different problem: they allow very little water to pass through. While that is useful in rain, it puts the washing machine under pressure during a wash.

Water collects in folds and enclosed spaces but cannot drain away properly. This creates individual, extremely heavy ‘bundles’ inside the drum. During spinning, the weight shifts abruptly, throwing the machine off balance; it may stop the cycle or, in the worst case, bang against walls and the floor.

“Waterproof fabrics can turn into genuine water bombs during a wash cycle – with consequences for the drum and suspension.”

How to care for rain jackets and similar items correctly

• Wash only a few items at once and never pack the drum tightly.
• Use a gentle programme with plenty of water and a low-speed spin.
• Do not use fabric conditioner, as it can clog membranes and reduce breathability.
• If necessary, run an additional rinse cycle to remove detergent residue.
• Renew the water-repellent treatment after several washes, for example with a spray or specialist detergent.

Many manufacturers provide precise instructions on the label about permitted programmes and temperatures. It is worth following them, especially for costly technical clothing.

Warning signs from your washing machine that should not be ignored

Several symptoms clearly indicate that something is wrong inside the drum:

• unusually loud banging or metallic clattering during spinning
• the machine repeatedly stops the spin cycle or turns only briefly
• laundry comes out badly misshapen, compressed or covered in pulled threads

When this happens, it is worth stopping the cycle, carefully opening the drum and inspecting the load. A wire may be lodged in a hole, a shoe may have become wedged or a heavy wet item may be hanging on one side.

Useful extras: small accessories with a big effect

A few straightforward aids can noticeably reduce the strain on both the washing machine and textiles:

• laundry mesh bags for bras, sheer tights and small items
• shoe bags or old pillowcases for sneakers
• laundry balls for down and synthetic jackets to loosen the filling
• anti-vibration mats beneath the machine if the surface is unsuitable

These helpers are inexpensive, but they can save genuine repair costs over time. Clothes also remain wearable for longer because they are not pushed to their limits with every wash.

How to carry out a ‘drum check’ before every wash

A quick inspection before starting prevents a great deal of damage. Before each cycle, ask yourself three questions:

• Is there anything hard or heavy inside an item of clothing, such as metal wires, heavy soles or large buckles?
• Could water collect in the textile, for example because it is waterproof, heavily padded or made with a membrane?
• Is the material a delicate fibre, such as wool, silk or fine lace?

If the answer to any of these questions is ‘yes’, choose a gentler programme, place the item in a mesh bag or, if in doubt, clean it by hand instead. This not only keeps the washing machine working well for longer: bras, sneakers, wool jumpers and rain jackets will also survive far more seasons without becoming unwearable.