{"id":3505,"date":"2025-09-24T15:19:39","date_gmt":"2025-09-24T14:19:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/?p=3505"},"modified":"2026-01-11T15:42:07","modified_gmt":"2026-01-11T15:42:07","slug":"6-things-never-put-in-washing-machine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/6-things-never-put-in-washing-machine","title":{"rendered":"6 Things You Should Never Put in Your Washing Machine"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"3505\" class=\"elementor elementor-3505\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-684751aa e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"684751aa\" data-element_type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3624e72c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3624e72c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.23.0 - 05-08-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<h1><strong style=\"font-size: 16px\" data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"57\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">6 Things You Should Never Put in Your Washing Machine<\/strong><\/h1><div class=\"flex flex-col text-sm pb-25\"><article class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-WEB:74e34048-bc9f-4742-93f5-6fb7b2d7633b-25\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-24\" data-scroll-anchor=\"true\" data-turn=\"assistant\"><div class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:--spacing(4)] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(6)] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:--spacing(16)] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"><div class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\"><div class=\"z-0 flex min-h-[46px] justify-start\">If you\u2019ve ever pulled something out of the washer looking <em>worse<\/em> than when it went in\u2014shrunk, misshapen, snagged, or oddly stiff\u2014you\u2019re not alone. From the perspective of a professional <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/best-laundry-service-and-dry-cleaning-in-berrylands\">laundry<\/a> team, the washing machine is brilliant at cleaning <em>most<\/em> everyday fabrics\u2014but it\u2019s also a powerful abrasion-and-spin system that can permanently damage the wrong items (and sometimes the machine itself).<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/article><\/div><p>At <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/\"><strong>Hamlet Laundry Ltd (London)<\/strong><\/a>, we see the same preventable laundry mistakes again and again\u2014often after a favourite garment (or a home washer) has already paid the price. This guide is designed to help you avoid the most common \u201cnever wash\u201d items, plus what to do instead.<\/p><p>A quick science note: washing isn\u2019t just \u201csoaking.\u201d Agitation and friction can physically break down fibres. One peer-reviewed study measuring microfiber shedding across consumer textiles found microfiber loss varied dramatically by material and construction\u2014ranging from <strong>9.6 mg to 1,240 mg per kg of textile per wash<\/strong> (over multiple domestic laundry cycles).<\/p><h2>Quick checklist: what you should never put in a washing machine<\/h2><ol><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/service\/dry-cleaning-service\">Dry-clean-only<\/a> &amp; structured garments<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>True delicates (silk, velvet, cashmere, lace)<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Sequins, beads, and embellished pieces<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Leather and suede (including trims)<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Memory foam pillows<\/strong><\/li><li><strong>Rugs and heavy\/bulky items unless labelled washable<\/strong><\/li><\/ol><p><strong>Bonus:<\/strong> Two habits that quietly damage washers: <strong>overloading<\/strong> and <strong>using too much detergent<\/strong>.<\/p><h2>The 30-second decision rule (before you wash anything \u201cquestionable\u201d)<\/h2><p><strong>1) Read the care label\u2014literally<\/strong><\/p><p>If it says <strong>\u201cDry <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/best-laundry-service-and-dry-cleaning-in-canary-wharf\">Clean<\/a> Only\u201d<\/strong>, treat that as a hard stop. Multiple laundry experts and publications flag this as one of the most common causes of irreversible shape and finish damage.<\/p><p><strong>2) Ask two practical questions<\/strong><\/p><ul><li><strong>Could this deform in a high-speed spin?<\/strong> (structured pieces, foam, heavy items)<\/li><li><strong>Could parts detach or snag?<\/strong> (sequins, beads, hooks, leather trims)<\/li><\/ul><p>If the answer is \u201cyes,\u201d your safest move is <strong>hand-wash, spot-clean, or professional care<\/strong>.<\/p><h2>Why washing machines damage certain items<\/h2><p>A typical cycle combines <strong>water + detergent + mechanical action + spin force<\/strong>. That\u2019s perfect for durable cotton tees and towels. But for delicate fibres, coatings, adhesives, foams, and heavy items, that same process can:<\/p><ul><li>abrade fibres and finishes,<\/li><li>stretch or warp structure,<\/li><li>loosen glues\/interlinings,<\/li><li>detach embellishments,<\/li><li>unbalance the drum and stress the machine.<\/li><\/ul><p>And beyond fabric care, domestic laundry is also a known source of microfiber emissions. Research continues to quantify this and identify factors (textile type, construction, washing conditions) that influence shedding.<\/p><h3>1) Dry-clean-only &amp; structured garments<\/h3><p><strong>Never wash:<\/strong> \u201cDry clean only\u201d items; structured blazers; tailored coats; lined pieces.<\/p><p><strong>Why it\u2019s risky<\/strong><\/p><p>\u201cDry clean only\u201d often means the garment\u2019s <strong>shape and finish<\/strong> depend on materials that don\u2019t tolerate water and agitation\u2014like interlinings, adhesives, special dyes, or delicate surface finishes. Experts specifically warn that machine washing can distort structure and damage the piece.<\/p><p><strong>What to do instead<\/strong><\/p><ul><li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-the-best-dry-cleaning-service-in-london\">Best<\/a>:<\/strong> professional cleaning that matches the garment\u2019s construction.<\/li><li><strong>At home (if label allows):<\/strong> \u201cDry clean\u201d is different from \u201cdry clean only.\u201d If it says <em>dry clean<\/em> (not \u201conly\u201d), you may have options\u2014but follow the label strictly.<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Hamlet Laundry pro note (<a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/travel-guide-to-london\">London<\/a>)<\/strong><\/p><p>The most common \u201cregret wash\u201d we see is a <strong>structured jacket that loses its shape<\/strong> after one home cycle. If you\u2019re unsure, bring it to a professional before experimenting\u2014especially with tailored pieces.<\/p><h3>2) True delicates: silk, velvet, cashmere, lace<\/h3><p><strong>Never wash:<\/strong> silk blouses, velvet items, lace garments, many cashmere knits (unless explicitly machine-wash safe).<\/p><p><strong>Why it\u2019s risky<\/strong><\/p><p>Delicate fibres and weaves are more vulnerable to <strong>abrasion, stretching, snagging, and surface wear<\/strong>. Clothing-care experts frequently caution against machine washing high-sensitivity materials.<\/p><p><strong>What to do instead<\/strong><\/p><ul><li><strong>Best:<\/strong> professional wet-cleaning or specialist hand-wash (depending on item).<\/li><li><strong>At home:<\/strong> hand-wash in cool water with a gentle detergent; avoid wringing; reshape and dry flat.<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Hamlet Laundry pro note<\/strong><\/p><p>If you want one rule that saves wardrobes: <strong>separate \u201cdelicates\u201d from \u201cdurables.\u201d<\/strong> A single zip, hook, or rough textile can permanently snag silk or lace.<\/p><h3>3) Sequins, beads, and embellished pieces<\/h3><p><strong>Never wash:<\/strong> sequined dresses, beaded tops, garments with glued-on details.<\/p><p><strong>Why it\u2019s risky<\/strong><\/p><p>Embellishments can:<\/p><ul><li>snag on the drum or other garments,<\/li><li>detach and become a <strong>mechanical problem<\/strong> (clogging filters\/drains),<\/li><li>cause surface abrasion (sequins can act like tiny \u201cscrapers\u201d).<\/li><\/ul><p>This category is routinely listed by laundry-pro sources as \u201cdo not machine wash.\u201d<\/p><p><strong>What to do instead<\/strong><\/p><ul><li><strong>Best:<\/strong> professional cleaning where the method is chosen based on embellishment type (stitched vs glued).<\/li><li><strong>At home:<\/strong> spot-clean carefully; if the label permits gentle washing, use a protective garment bag and minimal agitation.<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Hamlet Laundry pro note<\/strong><\/p><p>When customers tell us \u201cthe washer started making noise,\u201d it\u2019s sometimes not the machine\u2014it\u2019s an item shedding hardware or embellishments inside the system.<\/p><h3>4) Leather and suede (including trims)<\/h3><p><strong>Never wash:<\/strong> leather jackets; suede shoes; anything with leather panels or trims.<\/p><p><strong>Why it\u2019s risky<\/strong><\/p><p>Leather and suede don\u2019t behave like fabric. Water and detergent can strip oils, stiffen the material, and change texture permanently. Laundry-pro guidance consistently flags leather and suede as \u201cnever\u201d items for the washing machine.<\/p><p><strong>What to do instead<\/strong><\/p><ul><li><strong>Best:<\/strong> a leather\/suede specialist.<\/li><li><strong>At home:<\/strong> spot-clean with products intended for leather\/suede; avoid soaking.<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Hamlet Laundry pro note<\/strong><\/p><p>Even \u201csmall leather accents\u201d on otherwise washable items (like certain trainers) can be the part that fails first\u2014cracking, fading, or deforming.<\/p><h3>5) Memory foam pillows<\/h3><p><strong>Never wash:<\/strong> memory foam pillows (and many foam inserts).<\/p><p><strong>Why it\u2019s risky<\/strong><\/p><p>Laundry professionals commonly warn that washing can damage foam structure\u2014tearing, clumping, or breaking it down\u2014making the pillow less supportive.<\/p><p><strong>What to do instead<\/strong><\/p><ul><li><strong>Best:<\/strong> follow the pillow label exactly.<\/li><li><strong>At home:<\/strong> spot-clean and air dry thoroughly (avoid trapping moisture).<\/li><\/ul><p><strong>Hamlet Laundry pro note<\/strong><\/p><p>People usually discover this the hard way: the pillow <em>looks<\/em> okay wet, then dries lumpy or misshapen.<\/p><h3>6) Rugs and heavy\/bulky items unless labelled washable<\/h3><p><strong>Never wash:<\/strong> wool, jute, silk rugs; heavy bath mats; oversized comforters\/duvets that strain the drum.<\/p><p><strong>Why it\u2019s risky<\/strong><\/p><p>Many rugs and heavy items:<\/p><ul><li>shed fibres and break down,<\/li><li>absorb water and become extremely heavy,<\/li><li><strong>unbalance the spin<\/strong>, stressing the machine.<\/li><\/ul><p>Laundry-pro guidance often recommends only machine washing rugs <strong>if they\u2019re explicitly labelled washable<\/strong>, and warns against other fibres like wool, jute, and silk.<\/p><p><strong>What to do instead<\/strong><\/p><ul><li><strong>Best:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/service\/laundry-service\">professional cleaning<\/a> (or commercial-grade machines for truly machine-safe bulky items).<\/li><li><strong>At home:<\/strong> shake\/vacuum, spot-clean, and only machine wash if the manufacturer says it\u2019s safe.<\/li><\/ul><h3>Hamlet Laundry pro note (London)<\/h3><p>If an item becomes \u201castonishingly heavy\u201d when wet (common with bath mats and thick rugs), it\u2019s often safer to avoid the home washer entirely.<\/p><h3>Bonus: two habits that quietly damage washers (and laundry)<\/h3><p>These aren\u2019t \u201citems,\u201d but they\u2019re responsible for a lot of poor results and washer strain.<\/p><p><strong>1) Overloading the washing machine<\/strong><\/p><p>Overloading can cause imbalance and stress the machine during spin. It also reduces wash performance because water and detergent can\u2019t circulate properly.<\/p><p><strong>2) Using too much detergent<\/strong><\/p><p>More detergent doesn\u2019t mean cleaner clothes. Excess detergent can leave residue, extend cycles, and contribute to washer issues over time, according to laundry-pro guidance.<\/p><h3>At-a-glance guide: risk and safer alternatives<\/h3><table><thead><tr><td><strong>Item \/ habit<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Why it\u2019s risky<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Safer alternative<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Dry-clean-only &amp; structured garments<\/td><td>Shape\/finish can distort; interlinings\/adhesives may fail<\/td><td>Professional cleaning; follow care label exactly<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Silk \/ velvet \/ cashmere \/ lace<\/td><td>Abrasion, snagging, stretching; surface wear<\/td><td>Hand-wash cold; gentle detergent; dry flat<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sequins \/ beads \/ embellishments<\/td><td>Snagging + detachment; potential machine issues<\/td><td>Spot-clean; professional care for embellished pieces<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Leather \/ suede<\/td><td>Loss of oils, stiffness, permanent texture change<\/td><td>Leather\/suede specialist; careful spot-clean<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Memory foam pillows<\/td><td>Foam can break down, tear, deform<\/td><td>Spot-clean; air dry thoroughly<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Rugs \/ bulky heavy items<\/td><td>Water weight + imbalance; fibre damage; washer strain<\/td><td>Professional clean; only machine wash if labelled washable<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Overloading<\/td><td>Poor wash + imbalance stress<\/td><td>Leave space for movement; follow load guidelines<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Too much detergent<\/td><td>Residue, longer cycles, washer issues<\/td><td>Measure detergent; match dose to soil level<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><h2>People Also Ask<\/h2><p><strong>Can I wash \u201cdry clean only\u201d if I use cold water?<\/strong><\/p><p>If the label says <strong>dry clean only<\/strong>, don\u2019t assume cold water makes it safe. Experts warn these garments often rely on construction materials and finishes that can fail in a wash cycle.<\/p><p><strong>Can rugs ever go in the washing machine?<\/strong><\/p><p>Sometimes\u2014but only if the rug is <strong>explicitly labelled washable<\/strong>. Many fibres (including wool, jute, and silk) aren\u2019t good candidates for machine washing and may shed, warp, or degrade.<\/p><p><strong>Why are memory foam pillows not machine washable?<\/strong><\/p><p>Laundry professionals caution that washing can damage the foam\u2019s internal structure, leading to clumping, tearing, or permanent deformation. Spot-cleaning is usually safer unless the label says otherwise.<\/p><p><strong>What happens if I overload my washer?<\/strong><\/p><p>Overloading can reduce cleaning performance and create imbalance during the spin cycle, which stresses the machine. Laundry pros commonly flag overloading as a cause of both poor results and washer wear.<\/p><p><strong>Is \u201cwashing machine damage\u201d really a concern\u2014or just a scare tactic?<\/strong><\/p><p>It\u2019s real. Many of the \u201cnever wash\u201d categories (heavy rugs, items that detach hardware, persistent imbalance from overload) create mechanical stress or clog risks. That\u2019s why consumer-facing guidance repeatedly includes both garment damage and washer damage in the same warning lists.<\/p><h4>A London note: when it makes sense to use a professional laundry service<\/h4><p>Most everyday laundry is easy to handle at home. But if you\u2019re dealing with:<\/p><ul><li>structured tailoring (blazers, coats),<\/li><li>delicates with expensive fibres,<\/li><li>heavy rugs or bulky items,<\/li><li>embellished pieces you can\u2019t replace,<\/li><\/ul><p>professional garment care can be the difference between \u201ccleaned\u201d and \u201cruined.\u201d<\/p><p>If you\u2019re in London, <strong>Hamlet Laundry Ltd<\/strong> can help you choose the right treatment\u2014especially for items where the care label is confusing or the materials are mixed (e.g., wool with leather trim, sequins on silk). We aim to keep this guidance practical: if it\u2019s safe to do at home, we\u2019ll tell you; if it\u2019s risky, we\u2019ll recommend a safer route.<\/p><h3>Final takeaway<\/h3><p>The washer is powerful\u2014so the best laundry habit isn\u2019t \u201cwash everything,\u201d it\u2019s <strong>wash the right things the right way<\/strong>. When in doubt:<\/p><ol><li>check the label,<\/li><li>think about structure\/weight\/embellishments,<\/li><li>choose the gentlest safe alternative.<\/li><\/ol><p>That approach saves clothes, avoids machine stress, and (quietly) saves money in the long run.<\/p><h2>\ud83d\udc54 Want to Stop Guessing and Start Caring for Your Clothes the Right Way?<\/h2><p>Some garments are simply <strong data-start=\"312\" data-end=\"362\">too valuable, too delicate, or too complicated<\/strong> to risk in a home washing machine. That\u2019s where professional care makes all the difference.<\/p><p data-start=\"456\" data-end=\"596\">At <strong data-start=\"459\" data-end=\"481\">Hamlet Laundry Ltd<\/strong>, we help Londoners protect their clothes\u2014and their time\u2014by taking the uncertainty out of laundry and garment care.<\/p><h3 data-start=\"598\" data-end=\"628\">Why choose Hamlet Laundry?<\/h3><p>\u2714\ufe0f <strong data-start=\"632\" data-end=\"655\">Expert garment care<\/strong> for delicates, structured pieces, and special fabrics<br data-start=\"709\" data-end=\"712\" \/>\u2714\ufe0f <strong data-start=\"715\" data-end=\"754\">Professional <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/best-laundry-service-and-dry-cleaning-in-beddington\">dry cleaning<\/a> &amp; laundry<\/strong> tailored to each item\u2019s care label<br data-start=\"789\" data-end=\"792\" \/>\u2714\ufe0f <strong data-start=\"795\" data-end=\"841\">Convenient pickup &amp; delivery across London<\/strong> (no trips, no queues)<br data-start=\"863\" data-end=\"866\" \/>\u2714\ufe0f <strong data-start=\"869\" data-end=\"893\">Wash &amp; fold services<\/strong> for everyday laundry\u2014clean, fresh, ready to wear<br data-start=\"942\" data-end=\"945\" \/>\u2714\ufe0f <strong data-start=\"948\" data-end=\"965\">Honest advice<\/strong>: if it\u2019s safe to do at home, we\u2019ll tell you<\/p><p data-start=\"1011\" data-end=\"1150\">\ud83e\uddfa Whether it\u2019s a tailored blazer, a silk blouse, a bulky duvet, or just a busy week of laundry\u2014you don\u2019t have to gamble with your clothes.<\/p><p data-start=\"1152\" data-end=\"1264\">\ud83d\udc49 <a href=\"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/order\"><strong data-start=\"1155\" data-end=\"1199\">Let Hamlet Laundry handle the hard parts<\/strong><\/a>, so your clothes last longer, look better, and stay stress-free.<\/p><p data-start=\"1266\" data-end=\"1337\"><strong data-start=\"1266\" data-end=\"1337\">\ud83d\udccd<\/strong><strong> Based in London | Trusted by locals who care about their clothes<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>6 Things You Should Never Put in Your Washing Machine If you&rsquo;ve ever pulled something<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":3506,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[419,510,631,19],"tags":[438,222,21,437,42],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3505"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3505"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3505\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3510,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3505\/revisions\/3510"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3506"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3505"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3505"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hamletlaundry.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3505"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}