4 Textiles That Can Damage Your Washing Machine and Favourite Clothes

Many households unknowingly damage both their washing machine and favourite garments because certain textiles are simply thrown in with the rest – even though they should not be there at all.

A quick wash between appointments, load the drum as usual, press start – and suddenly the machine rattles, vibrates or “walks” across the floor. Often, the appliance itself is not to blame. A few common textiles behave very differently in the drum from a towel or T-shirt. Washing them incorrectly can harm both the machine and the clothes.

Why some textiles become a problem in the washing machine drum

People often expect more from a washing machine drum than it can safely handle. It turns, speeds up and slows down, meaning anything hard, heavy or particularly delicate can become a risk. Three factors are especially troublesome: heavy impacts, continuous friction and water trapped inside the fabric.

Every hard item in a wash load acts like a small hammer during spinning, repeatedly striking the drum.

As soon as a load becomes unevenly distributed, the machine is unbalanced. It may vibrate, nearly move away during the spin cycle or repeatedly stop the programme. Delicate fibres suffer at the same time: they can snag, lose their shape or shrink completely. This is where four categories of textile, commonly washed incorrectly in many homes, become relevant.

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

Underwired bras are among the biggest troublemakers in a washing machine. Their metal wires are held in place by the fabric, but intense movement can quickly change that. During washing, the wires may bend, slip out of their casing or, in the worst case, pierce through the fabric.

The fastening hooks cause further issues. They can catch on knitwear, pull threads or tear fine fabrics. Meanwhile, the metal components can strike the drum directly during spinning.

Bent wires, misshapen cups and scratches inside the drum are classic results of incorrect bra care.

How to wash bras gently

• Always wash them with the fastening closed, so the hooks cannot snag.
• Use a laundry bag to keep metal parts away from the rest of the load.
• Choose a delicates or gentle programme and set a low spin speed.
• Do not wring bras out after washing; press them gently instead and dry them flat.
• Do not use a tumble dryer: heat distorts cups and wires, while causing elastic fibres to age more quickly.

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

Shoes in the washing machine: seemingly harmless, potentially costly

Throwing sports shoes or trainers into the washing machine may seem tempting. It is quick, convenient and avoids scrubbing. Yet something quite different happens inside the drum: the heavy soles hit the metal and glass forcefully with every rotation. The spin cycle in particular creates severe impacts and vibrations.

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

What appears to be a clever shortcut can significantly shorten the lifespan of the washing machine.

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

• Always place them in a sturdy laundry bag or dedicated shoe bag.
• Add a few towels to soften impacts and reduce noise.
• Select a low temperature (maximum 30°C) and use a delicates or sportswear programme.
• Use a low spin speed or, better still, avoid spinning altogether and air-dry them.

The traditional method is much 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 programme: the sure route to a jumper fit for a doll

Wool jumpers, scarves and cardigans react badly to two things: heat and vigorous movement. Together, they create a result many people know well – a favourite jumper comes out two sizes smaller and with a felt-like appearance.

The process known as felting occurs when wool fibres rub together under pressure and warmth. They permanently interlock, causing the fabric to shrink and harden. 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 go.

How to keep wool soft and shape-retaining

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

For added certainty, check for the small symbol showing a hand in a wash basin before washing. This marking means hand-washing is considerably safer than any machine programme, even the wool setting.

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

Membrane jackets, waterproof trousers, outdoor covers and coated covers present a different issue: they allow very little water to pass through. While that is useful in the rain, it places stress on the washing machine during a wash.

Water collects in folds and hollow spaces but cannot drain away properly. This creates isolated, extremely heavy “packages” in the drum. During spinning, the weight shifts abruptly, unbalancing the machine. It may stop the programme or, in the worst case, hammer against the wall and floor.

Waterproof fabrics can turn into genuine water bombs in the wash, 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 overfill the drum.
• Use a gentle programme with plenty of water and a low, mild spin speed.
• Do not use fabric conditioner – it can clog membranes and reduce breathability.
• If necessary, run an additional rinse programme to remove detergent residue.
• Restore the water-repellent treatment after several washes, for example with a spray or specialist wash-in product.

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

Washing machine warning signs you should take seriously

Certain signs 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 distorted, compressed or with pulled threads

When this happens, it is worth stopping the wash, opening the drum carefully and checking the load. An underwire may be caught in a hole, a shoe may have become wedged or a heavy wet item may be hanging to one side.

Useful extras: small accessories with a big effect

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

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

These helpers cost little but can save genuine repair costs over time. Clothing also stays wearable for longer because it is not pushed to its limit with every wash.

How to carry out a “drum check” before every wash

A quick inspection before starting can prevent a great deal of damage. Before every wash, ask yourself three questions:

• Is there anything hard or heavy inside a garment, such as metal wires, heavy soles or large buckles?
• Could water collect inside the textile, for example because it is waterproof, thickly padded or made with a membrane?
• Is the fabric among delicate fibres such as wool, silk or fine lace?

If the answer to any of these questions is “Yes”, select a gentler programme, place the item in a laundry bag or, if in doubt, clean it by hand instead. This will not only help the washing machine stay in good working order for longer: bras, trainers, wool jumpers and rain jackets will also survive far more seasons without becoming unwearable.