Washing Machine Installation Service in Nairobi
Your washing machine is one of your home’s most valuable appliances, but using it incorrectly can damage both your clothes and the machine itself. This guide covers exactly what to put and not to put in your washing machine to keep everything running smoothly.
What You CAN Safely Put in Your Washing Machine
Cotton and Linen Items Regular cotton clothing, bed sheets, towels, and tablecloths are perfect for machine washing. These durable fabrics handle the agitation and heat well.
Synthetic Fabrics Polyester, nylon, and acrylic clothing wash easily in your machine. Use cold or warm water to prevent static buildup.
Denim and Heavy Cotton Jeans, canvas bags, and cotton jackets are safe to machine wash. Turn jeans inside out to preserve color and reduce fading.
Athletic Wear Most workout clothes and sports uniforms can go in the washing machine. Use cold water and avoid fabric softener, which reduces moisture-wicking properties.
Washable Shoes Canvas sneakers and some athletic shoes are machine-washable. Remove laces and insoles first, and use a mesh laundry bag for protection.
What NOT to Put in Your Washing Machine
Delicate Fabrics Silk, lace, wool, and cashmere require hand washing or dry cleaning. The washing machine’s agitation damages these fibers and causes shrinking.
Anything with Embellishments Items with beads, sequins, or metal decorations can break off and damage your machine’s drum or pump. These pieces also get destroyed in the wash.
Leather and Suede Never put leather jackets, suede items, or anything with leather trim in your washing machine. Water ruins these materials permanently.
Items with Pet Hair Remove excess pet hair before washing. Large amounts of hair clog your machine’s drain and filter system.
Bras with Underwire Underwire bras can lose their shape or have wires break through fabric, potentially damaging your machine’s drum. Use a mesh bag if you must machine wash them.
Anything Stained with Gasoline or Oil Flammable substances create fire hazards in washing machines. Hand wash these items separately outdoors.
Waterproof or Water-Resistant Items Rain jackets and waterproof mattress covers can trap water and cause your machine to become unbalanced or overflow.
Small Items Without Protection Baby socks, delicates, and small accessories should go in mesh laundry bags. Otherwise, they get lost or stuck in the machine.
Memory Foam Memory foam pillows and bath mats absorb too much water and tear apart in washing machines. Hand wash these items instead.
Anything Too Large Oversized comforters, rugs, or blankets that fill the entire drum prevent proper cleaning and strain your machine’s motor. Take these to a laundromat with commercial machines.
Essential Tips for What to Put in Your Washing Machine
Sort Your Loads Properly Separate whites, colors, and darks. Wash heavy items separately from lightweight fabrics for best results.
Check Care Labels Always read garment care labels before deciding what to put in your washing machine. Manufacturers provide these instructions for good reason.
Empty All Pockets Remove tissues, coins, keys, and other items. These damage your machine and ruin other clothes in the load.
Close Zippers and Fasten Hooks Open zippers and hooks snag other garments and can scratch your machine’s drum.
Don’t Overload Fill your washing machine only three-quarters full. Overloading prevents proper cleaning and strains the motor.
Protect Your Washing Machine Investment
Knowing what to put and not to put in your washing machine extends both the life of your appliance and your clothing. When in doubt, check the care label or hand wash the item. Regular maintenance, including cleaning the filter and running empty hot water cycles monthly, keeps your machine functioning properly.
Your washing machine handles daily laundry needs efficiently when you use it correctly. Follow these guidelines about what to put and not to put in your washing machine, and you’ll avoid costly repairs while keeping your clothes in excellent condition for years.