Even if an item’s label recommends machine washing, there are times you should think twice before doing so. We’ve all experienced that tragic moment of grabbing a favorite blouse, dress or throw blanket from the washer only to find that it has shrunk, torn or faded. Not to mention, there are certain items — think weighted blankets or spare coins — that can actually damage a washing machine.
To help you do laundry the right way, we turned to Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, for her best advice. Below, we share clothes and linens that should never be machine washed — even on a delicate cycle. When in doubt, we recommend hand-washing in the sink or taking a trip to the dry cleaners.
Extremely dirty items
Things like sandy towels, blankets covered in pet hair and muddy clothes shouldn’t be thrown directly into the washing machine. Not only can a large amount of sand, dirt or pet hair damage a washer, but your clothing won’t get clean. Shake out very dirty towels, clothing and linens outside or over the trash can before machine washing them. You can also use a lint roller to remove a majority of dog hair.
Solid Foam pillows
Solid memory foam pillows provide great neck support, but they should never be machine washed. The machine’s agitation and high-speed spin can damage the foam. “They probably shouldn’t even be hand-washed, as the foam can tear from the weight of the water,” says Forté. Instead, invest in a machine-washable pillow cover!
Weighted or very heavy blankets
Some large and weighted blankets may claim to be machine washable, but it’s important to consider the size and capacity of your washer. While extra-large home washers can often handle mixed loads of 22 to 24 pounds, a single 20-pound item can put a strain on your machine. Our experts recommend not washing a weighted blanket of more than 15 pounds, even if your washer can typically handle 20-pound loads.
RELATED: How to Wash a Weighted Blanket — and How Often You Should Wash It
Items Labeled Dry Clean Only
Always check the care label before machine washing clothes. If the label reads “dry clean only,” you run the risk of damaging, shrinking or fading your clothes. Delicate fabrics (think silk, cashmere and leather), embellished items and formal attire, like suits and gowns, tend to be dry clean only. Certain blankets and pillows shouldn’t be machine washed either.
RELATED: What Is Dry Cleaning and How Does It Actually Work? Our Experts Explain
Vintage and delicate clothing
Vintage garments or modern clothing made from delicate fabrics (again: silk, cashmere, suede and lace) should not be machine washed. Instead, these items should be hand-washed with mild detergent in cold water or brought to a dry cleaner. We recommend dry cleaning for pleated skirts, leather clothing and any garments with embellishments like jewels, sequins, leather patches or detailed trims.
Items with an unzipped zipper
Whether you’re washing denim jeans, jackets or bedding, always make sure zippers are fully closed. The teeth of an open zipper can easily get stuck on fabrics and tear your clothing. Also, be sure to zip up mesh laundry bags before tossing them in the washer.
Anything left behind in pockets
As you’re loading the washer, always check pockets for stray items — like coins, keys, tissues, old receipts or lip balm. Not only can things like lip balms, paper receipts and tissues get all over clothing, but metal items (think coins and keys) can damage a washer.
Leather clothing
As mentioned earlier, certain fabrics — like leather — should steer clear of the washing machine. When exposed to a wash cycle or high heat, leather can crack, wrinkle or shrink. Hand-wash leather jackets, pants or accessories, or simply spot-clean them as needed.
Dark and bright-colored clothing that might bleed
Certain dyes, especially reds and oranges, are known to bleed color in the wash — especially when the item is brand new. This can cause an entire load to stain. If you’re worried about color bleeding, it’s best to hand-wash the item separately.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
