Three types of clothing that can ruin your washer — never just toss them in
Most washers handle everyday garments with ease, but some items put serious strain on the machine. Pieces with metal frames or hard attachments can damage internal components. The issue isn’t a single slip-up; repeated cycles accelerate wear and lead to failure.
Underwire bras: exposed metal can scratch the interior
Bras and similar undergarments have metal underwires that shape them. If a wire comes loose during a cycle, it can scrape the drum or the rubber gasket.
Is it really that dangerous?
Metal is hard and can nick the interior coating. Small scratches accumulate and may lead to leaks or mechanical failure.
Loose wires can even clog the drain hose
Detached metal pieces inside the washer can travel into the drain hose and cause blockages.
Could the washer stop working?
Poor drainage can trigger error codes or halt the cycle.
Heavy zippers can repeatedly strike the drum
Thick metal zippers can bang against the washer’s interior as the drum turns. Those impacts produce noise and cause wear.
If I zip it up, isn't that okay?
It helps a little, but it doesn't remove the risk. The rigid metal still causes repeated impacts.
Over time, impacts can damage the drum coating and the glass door
Fine scratches can appear on the drum’s coating or the door glass, and cumulative wear reduces durability.
Isn't it just a noise issue?
The noise is a warning. The real concern is ongoing internal wear.
Beads and embellishments can fall off and jam or scratch the interior
Heavily embellished garments often shed pieces during washing. Those fragments can lodge between the drum and tub or clog the drain.
Is a few pieces falling off okay?
Even small fragments add up and can cause problems, particularly drainage issues.
Decorated clothes can get damaged too
The drum’s motion can break trims or pull decorations off, ruining the garment.
If I use a mesh laundry bag, is that enough?
A mesh bag offers some protection, but it’s not foolproof. Hand washing is the safer choice for fragile embellishments.
The common thread: rigid elements damage the machine
All three categories include metal or hard decorations that don’t belong in a washer designed for soft fabrics.
So how should you wash them?
Hand washing or using your washer’s delicate/hand-wash cycle is the safest approach.
The bottom line: avoid elements harder than the machine
Washers are built for textiles. Introducing harder structures will inevitably cause problems.
I'll wash them separately from now on
That’s the right move. A simple habit of separating these items from regular loads can significantly extend your washer’s life.
