Many people see doing laundry as a tedious chore. But now it seems that most of us have been using the washing machine wrong all this time.
Which? experts have discovered some surprising things you should never put in the machine. At the top of the list are clothes with embellishments, glitter, lace and thin straps, which can be damaged by high heat.
Ties are also a complete no-no. “Ties are easy to shorten or damage,” explains the consumer expert.
If the instructions on the label aren't clear, it's best to err on the side of caution. "If an item has a faint label or no label at all, it's best to assume it can't go in the car," adds Which?.
Things you should never put in the car
Which? lists eight items that should never be machine washed:
Garments with embellishments – Glitter and lace can damage the drum or door glass during fast spinning.
Suits and ties – Even if they are cotton or polyester, the inner structure can deform.
Memory foam pillows – Too delicate and easy to break.
Clothes or items made of leather, velvet, suede, or rayon – Better to send them to the dry cleaners.
Fire-resistant workwear – Washing may remove the protective coating.
Heavy items that can shift the balance of the car.
Some soft toys – Most require hand washing (e.g. Jellycats, Beanie Babies).
Coins, keys and jewelry – Should be removed from pockets to avoid damaging the drum or piping.
Things you can put in the car
Which? also suggests some surprising items that can be washed in the machine:
Shower Curtains – Use delicate cycle or handwash. Add a few large towels to balance the load.
Most sports mats and pet accessories – e.g. collars and leashes, can be machine washed.
Backpacks – If they do not have leather, embellishments, or special covering.
Hats and hair accessories – Except for delicate ones.
Some cleaning items – Like mop heads and microfiber towels, which are suitable for machine washing.
Top tip: always check the label and use the delicate cycle for unusual items.
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