Washing machine warning: 10 items you should never put inside

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• Delicate and tailored garments to keep out of your washing machine
  • Classic business suits and structured jackets
  • Bras, lingerie, and other intimate apparel
• Shoes, hats, and accessories that often suffer in the washer
  • Leather, suede, and memory-foam shoes
  • Structured caps and baseball hats
• Knit and embellished pieces that need careful handling
  • Wool sweaters and knitwear
  • Beaded garments and appliquéd items
• Bulky and dirty loads that strain the washer or make a mess
  • Too many towels or blankets in one wash
  • Garments covered in sand, soil, or heavy debris
• Safety risks and specialty bedding that need special care
  • Clothes soaked with flammable liquids
  • Certain weighted blankets and heavy bedding

Modern washers do more than spin and rinse; they promise convenience and cleaner clothes with the push of a button. Still, not every item belongs in a machine. Putting the wrong thing in the drum can ruin a garment, clog plumbing, or even create a safety hazard. Read on to learn which items to leave out of the washer and what to do instead.

Delicate and tailored garments to keep out of your washing machine

Classic business suits and structured jackets

Suits often use linings, interfacings, and precise stitching that water and agitation can destroy. Machine cycles can warp shoulder pads, loosen seams, and distort the fabric’s drape. Dry clean or follow the garment’s care label instead of guessing at a gentle cycle.

• Check the label: some modern suiting is labeled machine-washable. Don’t assume.
• If you must clean at home, spot-treat stains and air garments between wears.

Bras, lingerie, and other intimate apparel

Underwire, hooks, and delicate lace catch and tear in a washer. Stretch and shape can be permanently lost. Use a mesh lingerie bag only when the label permits, but handwashing remains the safest method for most pieces.

• Handwash with mild detergent and cool water.
• Reshape cups and lay flat to dry to prevent stretching.

Shoes, hats, and accessories that often suffer in the washer

Leather, suede, and memory-foam shoes

Leather and suede warp and discolor with machine agitation and water. Memory-foam insoles can break down, while glued components may separate. Canvas sneakers sometimes survive a wash, but confirm the manufacturer’s guidance first.

• Always remove insoles and laces before cleaning.
• Use gentle brushing, spot-cleaning, or specialized cleaners for leather and suede.
• If you machine-wash sneakers, place them in a pillowcase or mesh bag and use cold, gentle cycle.

Structured caps and baseball hats

Brims and stiffeners in caps can twist or shrink under spinning force and heat. Even with protective bags, many hats lose their shape. For prized caps, hand-clean the sweatband and spot-wash the shell.

• Use a soft brush and mild soap for stubborn spots.
• Reshape and air-dry on a form or over a bowl to keep the crown intact.

Knit and embellished pieces that need careful handling

Wool sweaters and knitwear

Wool fibers can felt and shrink when exposed to heat and friction. Not all wool is machine-wash-safe, even on a wool cycle. When the tag allows a machine, use cold water and the gentlest setting.

• Lay flat to dry to preserve shape and avoid stretching.
• Use wool-specific detergent or a mild, pH-neutral soap.

Beaded garments and appliquéd items

Beads and delicate trims hold on by thread. Agitation can snap those threads, sending beads down the drain or tearing surrounding fabric. Handwash or spot-clean beaded items to protect the details.

• Store embellished pieces flat and separated to avoid rubbing.
• For light cleaning, turn the garment inside out and use a soft cloth dampened with detergent solution.

Bulky and dirty loads that strain the washer or make a mess

Too many towels or blankets in one wash

Overloading the drum prevents proper cleaning and stresses the machine. Towels packed tightly won’t circulate water or detergent. This leads to uneven drying, lingering odors, and possible mechanical failure.

• Wash bulky items separately and follow capacity guidance in your washer manual.
• If a load feels unusually heavy or the drum is cramped, split it into two cycles.

Garments covered in sand, soil, or heavy debris

Sand, dirt, and plant matter can clog filters and drains. Pet hair and crumbs build up in seals and vents. Shake out items over a trash can, brush off dry soil, or pre-rinse outdoors before introducing them to the washer.

• Use a lint roller or hand brush to remove hair and loose debris.
• Consider a pre-soak or outdoor shake for beach towels and gardening clothes.

Safety risks and specialty bedding that need special care

Clothes soaked with flammable liquids

Garments contaminated with gasoline, motor oil, paint thinner, rubbing alcohol, or cooking oil pose a fire risk. Washing these in a household machine can be dangerous and damaging. Do not put flammable-stained fabrics in the washer.

• Isolate and ventilate the items outdoors.
• Contact local hazardous-waste guidelines for proper disposal if the stain is extensive.
• For small spills, spot-treat and air out thoroughly before considering cleaning.

Certain weighted blankets and heavy bedding

Weighted blankets contain glass, plastic, or metal beads. Some are designed for machine laundering, but many are not. Overly heavy or poorly distributed fills can unbalance the drum and damage the machine.

• Check the care label and manufacturer’s instructions first.
• If machine washing is allowed, use a commercial-grade washer or wash on a gentle, cold cycle.
• Alternatives include spot-cleaning, professional cleaning, or a handwash bathtub soak.