Avoid a washing machine disaster

Stuff to keep out!

Check your pockets!

We've all been there, forgetting to empty our pockets before tossing clothes into the machine. Coins, pens, gum, and even crayons can wreak havoc. Coins can damage the drum, pens can leak ink, and gum can attach itself to your favourite shirt. Tissues can also spread themselves far and wide in a load of washing.

Delicate fabrics

Laces, silks, and some wools don't take kindly to the rough-and-tumble environment of a washing machine. These items can end up stretched, shrunk, or just plain sad looking. Handwashing or using a garment bag can help, or you could opt for dry cleaning for those favourite, special pieces.

The decorative disaster

Clothes adorned with sequins, beads, or other embellishments are beautiful until they're not. These items can become detached and either damage your clothes, the washing machine's drum, or both. Hand wash or use a garment bag and a delicate cycle if you must.

Zip those zippers

Whether they’re metal or plastic, open zippers can lead to snags and tears, especially on delicate fabrics. So, zip them up and protect your other clothes from these unintended carriers of destruction!

Beware the bra

The underwires in bras can come loose and wreak havoc, potentially damaging your washing machine’s drum, or getting caught in the machinery. Use a mesh laundry bag for bras or consider hand washing them. Your washing machine—and your bras—will thank you.

Detergent overload

More detergent doesn't necessarily mean cleaner clothes; in fact, using too much detergent can leave residue on your clothes and work up an excess of suds, stressing your machine's pump and motor. Follow the recommended amount—your clothes and machine will emerge happier. DIY laundry liquid

A dyeing situation

Mixing colours is a no-go unless you're aiming for a wardrobe that's exclusively pastel or tie-dye. Separate lights from darks or you could consider using colour-catcher sheets to help prevent colour run accidents. Nobody wants their white socks turning pink (unless that's your style).

Overload

Overloading the washing machine can lead to unevenly washed clothes, increased wear on the machine, and even unbalanced loads that cause it to dance across the floor. Follow your machine's guidelines for load size to ensure everything comes out clean and the machine stays put.

Avoid the fuzz

Pet hair and washing machines are not best friends. Too much hair can clog up the machine and even end up sticking more to your clothes. Giving items a good shake or a once-over with a lint roller before washing can make a big difference (and regularly clean your machine’s lint filter if it has one).

Excessive dirt or mud

Like pet hair, too much dirt or mud can clog your machine. It’s better to first let the mud dry and then brush off as much as you can. For the remaining dirt, soaking in a tub before washing can prevent your machine from turning into a mud pit!

With a little care, you can extend the life of your washing machine ensure your clothes come out looking their best. A little extra care before hitting ‘start’ can save you a lot of headaches (and heartaches) when you ruin your favourite shirt (sob!) down the line. Happy washing!