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It’s easy to assume a washing machine can handle just about anything you throw into it. After all, it’s built for dirty clothes, right? But some everyday items can do more harm than good, damaging your clothes, clogging internal parts, or slowly wearing down your machine in ways you won’t notice until something breaks.

Here are some common items that are better kept out of your washing machine, along with what to do instead.

woman putting clothes in washing machine — Image Credit: Deposit Photos

Rubber Items

Rubber doesn’t always play nicely with washing machines. Items like rubber mats, shoes, or cushions can be difficult for the machine to clean properly and may trap water as they move around the drum. Over time, this can lead to filter clogs or strain on the pump. If possible, rubber items are better hand-washed or cleaned in a larger, commercial machine designed to handle heavier loads.

Fabric Softener

Fabric softener smells great, but regular use can cause buildup inside your washing machine. Over time, it can coat pipes, clog dispensers, and reduce the efficiency of your washer. Many people skip it altogether and use wool dryer balls instead, adding a few drops of essential oil for a light scent without the residue.

Using Too Much Detergent

More detergent doesn’t mean cleaner clothes. Excess soap can leave residue behind, interfere with sensors, and create too many suds for the machine to drain properly. It can also make clothes smell musty instead of fresh. Sticking to the recommended amount, especially with high-efficiency washers, helps your machine last longer, and your clothes rinse clean.

Pet Hair–Covered Clothing

Pet hair has a way of clinging to everything, including the inside of your washer. When washed in large amounts, hair can clump together and clog the drain pump or filters. Shaking off clothing, using a lint roller, or running items through the dryer first can help reduce buildup before washing.

Oversized Items

Comforters, heavy blankets, and rugs may fit inside your washer, but once they’re wet, they can become extremely heavy. This puts extra strain on the drum and motor, often preventing the items from getting fully clean. These bulky loads are best washed in a commercial-sized machine at a laundromat.

Memory Foam Pillows

Even if the care label says “washable,” memory foam pillows don’t always fare well in standard washing machines. The foam can lose its shape or break down, and limited movement means they’re rarely cleaned thoroughly. Hand washing or using a large commercial washer is a safer option.

Cashmere and Wool

Delicate fabrics like wool and cashmere can shrink, stretch, or lose their softness when washed improperly. Handwashing in cold water, or using a gentle cycle with a mesh bag, helps preserve their texture and shape.

Keys and Jewelry

Everyone forgets to check pockets once in a while, but metal items like keys or jewelry can scratch the drum or damage internal components. Making a habit of checking pockets before starting a load can prevent expensive repairs later.

Coins

Coins often slip through unnoticed, but they can easily end up lodged in filters or pumps. Over time, this can affect how well your washer drains and lead to avoidable maintenance issues.

Waterproof Items

Waterproof clothing and household items can trap water, causing the load to become unbalanced during the spin cycle. This can make the machine shake violently and put stress on internal parts. When in doubt, hand washing is the safer choice.

Open Zippers

Unzipped clothing can snag other fabrics and scratch the inside of the washer. Zipping garments closed before washing protects both your clothes and the machine.

Heavily Embellished Clothing

Beads, sequins, lace, and other decorative elements are easily damaged in a washing machine and can also catch on internal parts. Hand washing or using a mesh laundry bag helps prevent snags and breakage.