Washing Machine Problems: Beware! These 7 Seemingly Harmless Things Can Ruin Your Laundry Appliance

You know it’s a good idea to check the care label on your clothes before washing them to avoid shrinkage, color bleeding and other problems. However, one thing you may not have thought about is that some of the things you wash can damage the machine.

“I’ve seen the worst jammed washing machines in my professional life,” said Ian Palmer-Smith, home and Domestic & General. 

We consulted the experts to find out what items you should never put in your washing machine and what could happen if you do.

These are some unexpected responses to damage your washing machine

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1. Too much detergent

Using more detergent does not necessarily clean clothes.

According to Patrick Richardson, aka The Laundry Evangelist, “[People] do the worst thing for their machines is to use too much detergent,” he told HuffPost.

Since detergents are oil-based, they are difficult to rinse off. Overwinding causes material to build up inside the machine.

“Your sensors stop working efficiently when they’re primed,” he added. “Your washing machine can also smell musty.”

So, how much detergent should be added? According to Richardson, about two tablespoons of detergent is enough for a full wash. (He stays away from pods because they usually contain more detergent than needed for one load.)

“When you use less detergent, your machine lasts longer. And it does wonders for your clothes. It’s a win-win that way,” he commented.

You should also consider the type of detergent you are using. Because machine laundry soap is less abrasive and contains fewer chemicals, Richardson prefers it over detergent. Although plant-based, hypoallergenic and baby detergents are less greasy than traditional detergents, laundry soaps contain fewer chemicals overall.
The good news is, if your sensors aren’t burned out, you can probably reverse the effects of using too much detergent. According to Richardson, this buildup will eventually disappear if you consistently use less detergent. Additionally, your machine usually has a “clean setting” which is just hot water that you can use to speed up the process.

2. Fabric softener and scent beads

Richardson claims that even though you feel and smell like your clothes after using them, they can clog your machine and damage the sensor.

Instead, he suggests putting a ball of aluminum foil in the dryer to remove static and soft clothes. Consider applying essential oils to a ball of wool and drying it with your clothes to create a scent.

3. Particularly small items (like baby socks, footie socks, underwear, shoe strings and handkerchiefs) 

Have you ever noticed that every time you do laundry, your socks disappear? It seems that these, along with other small items, have the potential to get “lost” in your washing machine.

“They can get stuck in little nooks and crannies … and end up in hoses,” Richardson explained. This can cause clogs in your machine.

A simple solution for this? Before washing, place small items in a mesh laundry bag. To toss small items as they get dirty, Richardson suggests keeping one of these items next to your hamper. (This is useful for keeping your socks aligned and preventing them from getting caught in the small parts of the machine.)

4. Oversized items (like comforters, blankets and rugs)

If you try to fit a very large item—such as a king-size blanket—into it, your washer may suffer.

“When you go beyond [the washer’s] capacity … it can lose balance because it’s so heavy,” Richardson said. This puts a lot of stress on the gears and belts. They are not designed to be worn or used for very unbalanced weights.

Kristin DiNicolantonio, senior director of the American Cleaning Institute, suggests washing large items at a laundromat with a large machine or having them professionally cleaned if they don’t fit properly in your machine.

It is important to consider the type of washer you have when washing large items that fit in it. As an example, if you washing pillows, you can usually throw those right into a front-loading machine. But if you have a top-loading one, you would need to wash two pillows at the same time so the machine doesn’t get off-balance, DiNicolantonio explained.

5. Shoes

Some shoes can be machine washed according to their care guidelines. However, according to Morgan Lalonde, Whirlpool’s laundry brand manager, it should be stored in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase on a cool, gentle cycle to avoid machine damage.

This keeps them from falling violently on the drum, she explained.

She suggests placing some old clothes or towels on top of the drum to balance the weight. (That being said, shoes made from materials like leather, vinyl, suede, and rubber should never be washed because they can be destroyed.)

6. Metal items (like belt buckles, underwire bras, coins and keys)

“Metal and washing machines often don’t mix well,” Palmer-Smith said, “which can cause the drum to dent and possibly break the machine door.”

He also suggests emptying your pockets regularly to avoid accidentally washing away items (like keys and money). Additionally, he suggests using a laundry bag to wash any clothing with cables or supports.

Additionally, heavy-duty hardware on jackets, such as snaps or zippers, can damage the washing machine. Instead, DiNicolantonio suggests washing your hands or hiring a professional cleaner for them.

7. Items made of rubber (like mats, boots or cushions) 

Rubber products may melt and break if placed in the washing machine.

According to Palmer-Smith, “If the rubber…splits into small pieces, pumps can be damaged and filters can become clogged as the pieces move around the system.”

To sum it up: Take care of your washer. It’ll be worth it.

Maintaining your machine and knowing what can and can’t be put into it can save you money on repairs and ensure that it continues to function properly for years to come.

When Richardson told an appliance retailer that his old washer was 19 years old, he was shocked that it had lasted that long. Richardson added that taking good care of his machine, especially not using too much detergent, paid off.

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