Things you should not put in a Washing Machine

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Washing machines are probably one of the best household appliances (after a stove of course), they literally save us hours. Unlike the old days where women would have to boil water and hand wash every piece of clothing. While it is efficient and allows us to do more with our time, there are certain rules we must follow to maintain the machines and tenure of our garments.  Here is a list of things that should not be washed in a machine.  

Wool, Velvet or Cashmere Clothes

  These warm materials in which we find comfort are too delicate for washing machines. First and foremost, read the care label; it evidently states the best way to maintain it. The abrasive motion of the washing machine, even in the most gentle cycle can damage the material. It will form small balls of fluff and probably be deformed after just one wash. The best thing to do to care for it and extend its longevity, is to always hand wash, and if it is a heavy piece of clothing, it should be dry cleaned.   

Flammable Stains 

  If your clothing has been seriously stained by gasoline, cooking oil, paint thinner or other combustible materials, you absolutely have to hand wash them. You cannot put them in the machine when they have flammable stains as the toxins can transfer to the machine, and the heat from the dryer can cause the stain to combust and start a fire.  You have to spot treat the stains. For best results, use solvent-based stain remover; spray it and let it sit for 10-20 minutes. Afterwards, soak in the bathtub with cold water and a gentle detergent for a few minutes, and wash and rinse by hand, repeat if stains are not fully gone. Once done, let it hang dry.  For future washes, you can use the washer and dryer machines again.   

Foam Pillows and Pads

  To maintain the efficacy of your bedding accessories, hand wash them. If you toss them in the washing machine, you will end up with shredded foam. Once again, the agitation is too much for them. Best way to clean them is to soak them in the bathtub in lukewarm water and a gentle detergent, for an hour and then hand squeeze and rinse them.   

Clothes Covered with Pet Hair

  Your pet is everywhere so evidently its hair has touched your bedding and all your clothes, you cannot do anything about that. You just need to learn how to control the damage. If you put clothes with animal hair on it, it will eventually break the machine as pet hair is bad for the water pump filter and the drains in the washer. A cautious thing to do is to toss them in the dryer, with a few dryer sheets and let them tumble on low heat or air cycle for 15-20 minutes. By doing so, a lot of the hair will be removed and it will be safe to wash it in the machine afterwards without affecting it.     Your appliances ease your daily tasks; it’s always good to be proactive and maintain them properly. We hope this list helps you extend its longevity and provide better treatment for your garments!   

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