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Washing machines have made doing laundry simpler than ever. However, not all clothes are meant for washing machines, considering the machine’s agitation, water pressure, and spinning action. Washing some clothes in a washing machine could ruin their texture, shrink them, or even damage them beyond repair.
Some people are unknowingly ruining their expensive clothes just because they are not aware of clothes that should never be washed in a washing machine. Some clothes, including delicate materials such as silk, blazers, and other clothes, need special washing methods other than washing machines.
In this detailed article, we are going to discuss clothes that should never be washed in a washing machine, why they are damaged when washed in a washing machine, and other ways of washing them. The clothes that we are going to discuss are 10 in number.
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Why Some Clothes Should Never Go In a Washing Machine
A washing machine washes clothes through agitation, water pressure, detergent, and spin cycles. Though these processes are successful for normal fabrics like cotton or polyester, they can be damaging to certain clothes. So, here are some common reasons why certain clothes are not to be machine washed.
- Delicate fabrics can tear or stretch
- Structured garments can lose their shape
- Decorative elements may fall off
- Some fabrics shrink in water
- Certain materials require special solvents instead of water
This is why many garments come with “Dry Clean Only” labels.
10 Clothes You Should Never Put In Washing Machine
1. Silk Clothes
Silk is one of the most delicate fabrics used in clothing. Washing silk garments in a washing machine can cause:
- Fabric weakening
- Color bleeding
- Shrinkage
- Loss of shine
The aggressive spinning cycle damages the natural silk fibers.
Best cleaning method:
Hand wash with mild detergent or opt for professional dry cleaning.
Common silk garments include:
- Silk sarees
- Silk blouses
- Luxury scarves
- Silk shirts
2. Woolen Clothes
Wool is extremely sensitive to heat and agitation. Machine washing woolen clothes can cause felting, which means the fibers tighten and shrink.
You may notice:
- Smaller size after washing
- Rough texture
- Misshaped garments
Best cleaning method:
- Hand wash in cold water
- Use a wool-safe detergent
- Air dry flat
Examples include:
- Wool sweaters
- Cashmere pullovers
- Wool scarves
3. Leather Clothing
Leather should never be washed in a washing machine.
Water and detergent can:
- Crack the leather
- Cause stiffness
- Fade the color
- Damage the texture
Leather garments require special treatment.
Best cleaning method:
- Spot cleaning with leather cleaner
- Professional leather cleaning services
Examples:
- Leather jackets
- Leather pants
- Leather skirts
4. Structured Blazers and Suits
Blazers and suits contain internal padding, linings, and stitching that give them structure. Washing machines can distort this structure.
Possible damage includes:
- Shoulder padding shifting
- Wrinkles that cannot be fixed
- Fabric distortion
Best cleaning method:
Dry cleaning is recommended for:
- Formal suits
- Blazers
- Tuxedos
5. Clothes With Heavy Embroidery
Garments with delicate embroidery or embellishments should stay out of washing machines.
The spinning motion can cause:
- Threads to loosen
- Beads to fall off
- Fabric tearing
This is especially common in traditional garments.
Examples:
- Designer sarees
- Embroidered kurtas
- Party dresses
Best cleaning method:
Hand wash gently or dry clean.
6. Bras and Lingerie
Bras and delicate lingerie are often damaged in washing machines.
Common problems include:
- Bent underwires
- Stretched elastic
- Torn lace
Machine spinning puts extreme stress on these garments.
Best cleaning method:
- Hand wash with mild detergent
- Use a lingerie washing bag if machine washing is necessary
7. Clothes With Zippers or Metal Details
Clothes with heavy zippers, metal buttons, or studs can damage both the garment and the washing machine.
Possible issues:
- Scratches on fabric
- Damage to other clothes
- Zipper breakage
Examples:
- Denim jackets with metal hardware
- Studded tops
- Heavy fashion garments
Best cleaning method:
Hand wash or gentle cycle inside out.
8. Delicate Lace Clothes
Lace fabrics are extremely fragile. Washing machines can easily tear lace fibers.
You might notice:
- Snagged threads
- Torn patterns
- Fabric stretching
Best cleaning method:
- Hand wash in cold water
- Dry flat on a towel
Examples:
- Lace dresses
- Lace tops
- Bridal garments
9. Rayon and Viscose Fabrics
Rayon is semi-synthetic and becomes very weak when wet. Washing machines can easily distort rayon garments.
Common problems include:
- Fabric shrinking
- Shape distortion
- Wrinkling
Best cleaning method:
- Hand wash carefully
- Dry clean for best results
10. Heavily Stained Delicate Clothes
If delicate garments have tough stains, washing them in a machine may set the stain permanently.
This often happens with:
- Wine stains
- Oil stains
- Makeup stains
Best cleaning method:
- Spot treat stains first
- Use professional stain removal services
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What Happens If You Put These Clothes In Washing Machine?
Putting delicate garments in the washing machine can cause permanent damage such as:
1. Fabric Shrinking
Heat and agitation tighten fibers, reducing garment size.
2. Color Fading
Strong detergents remove dye from delicate fabrics.
3. Shape Distortion
Structured garments lose their form.
4. Thread Damage
Embroidery and stitching may loosen.
5. Texture Damage
Fabrics like silk and wool lose their softness.
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Best Alternatives to Washing Machine Cleaning
If certain clothes cannot be washed in the machine, here are better cleaning methods.
Hand Washing
Perfect for delicate fabrics like silk, lace, and lingerie.
Spot Cleaning
Useful for removing stains without soaking the entire garment.
Professional Dry Cleaning
The safest method for expensive or delicate garments.
Professional cleaners use chemical solvents instead of water, which protects delicate fibers.
Tips to Protect Delicate Clothes During Laundry
Follow these laundry tips to extend the life of your clothes:
✔ Always read the garment care label
✔ Separate delicate fabrics from regular laundry
✔ Use mild detergent
✔ Avoid hot water for delicate fabrics
✔ Use mesh laundry bags for fragile items
✔ Air dry delicate garments instead of tumble drying
What Happens If You Wash Dry Clean Only Clothes?
Many people wonder what happens if they ignore the dry clean only label.
Here are common problems that occur:
Shrinkage
Natural fibers may shrink dramatically.
Fabric distortion
Garments can lose shape and structure.
Color fading
Dyes may bleed or fade.
Texture damage
The fabric may become stiff or rough.
Once damaged, these issues are often irreversible.
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Conclusion
It is very important to know what clothes should never be machine washed in order to maintain your clothing. While machine washing is convenient, some clothes need to be cleaned in a different manner in order to maintain their quality. Clothes such as silk clothes, wool clothes, leather clothes, embroidered clothes, lace clothes, and suits should always be cleaned in a different manner.
Using the right cleaning method for your clothes can greatly help in extending the life of your clothes. If you want to maintain your expensive clothes in their original condition for a long time, it’s always better to use different cleaning methods instead of machine washing.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not necessarily purport to reflect the values or views of Tumbledry.
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