These clothes should never go in a washing machine, expert warns

A Which? cleaning expert has shared a number of items they say should never be put inside a washing machine. In a video shared on its feed, the consumer champion platform has warned people they could ruin certain clothes and other items if they throw them in the wash.

In the clip, the expert lists five things she believes should be cleaned differently. To begin with, anything with embellishments is a no-no for the washing machine. This includes items with lace, glitter or sequins.

Next on the list are suits and ties are on the blacklist, regardless of whether they're cotton or polyester. Third is anything made from leather, suede, fur, velvet, or rayon.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

And when it comes to cuddly toys, including Jellycats and Beanie Babies, the Which? specialist advises that most soft toys can only handle a hand wash, though you should always "always check the label" first. Finally, memory foam pillows are a definite no-go for machine washing.

The expert added: "If you're unsure how to clean something, always check the label or consult a dry cleaner." If you have a suit you want to look after, the advice is to dry-clean as infrequently as you can so it keeps its shape for longer.

Similarly, embellished clothes might need to be dry-cleaned, or washed by hand with cool water. Further advice on the Which? website urges people to go easy on the detergent.

This is because if you use too much, "lots of pesky detergent will be left lurking in your clothes following the rinse phase of the cycle". The article goes on to say: "On light items, you won't be able to see this, but if you wear a lot of dark clothes, evidence of overdosing will be obvious, with either flecks of detergent powder or translucent smears of liquid detergent visible".