Many people tend to throw everything that needs washing into the washing machine without realizing that this not only results in poor cleaning efficiency but also damages the items, shortens the machine’s lifespan, and may even cause fire or explosion.

A washing machine is a powerful assistant that helps save time and effort in laundry. However, not everything can be “tossed” into it without consequences. Some items are not only ineffective to wash in the machine but can also damage the machine, pose fire hazards, or affect your health. Here are five items you should absolutely avoid putting in the washing machine:

1. Shoes

Many people conveniently put shoes into the washing machine, but this is a serious mistake. Sports shoes, leather shoes, high heels, or shoes with metal decorations are not only hard to clean but can also dirty the drum, cause the shoes to lose their shape, and damage the machine. When wet, the weight of the shoes can damage the rotating shaft, increasing the risk of malfunction or explosion. Moreover, bacteria such as E. coli or Staphylococcus aureus from shoes can transfer to other clothing, posing health risks. It is best to wash shoes by hand or take them to a professional cleaning service.

2. Rubber pillows, feather pillows, or herbal pillows

Not all pillows are machine washable. Pillows made from rubber, herbs, or feathers can easily deform, break apart, or lose their quality when machine washed. Water and detergents cannot be fully rinsed out, leading to bacteria and mold accumulation, which can cause allergies or respiratory illnesses. If washed together with clothes, the risk of cross-contamination increases. Instead of machine washing, gently hand wash them or bring them to a professional cleaning service.

3. Clothing or accessories with metal or decorative beads

Items such as dresses with metal embellishments, large buttons, or decorative beads can come loose during washing. These pieces can scratch the drum, clog pipes, or tear other items. Even more dangerously, metal accessories can damage internal components of the machine, leading to electrical short circuits, water leaks, or even fires. It's best to remove any accessories before washing or switch to hand washing for safety.

4. Thick or large blankets

Large cotton or wool blankets become very heavy when soaked in water, exceeding the load capacity of household washing machines. This causes the machine to be overloaded, unable to clean properly, and may damage the motor or spinning shaft, even causing electrical short circuits. The inner filling can shift, distort the blanket’s structure, or clog the drum. To ensure safety and effectiveness, take large blankets to an industrial laundry service.

5. Down jackets

Down jackets are not suitable for washing in a household washing machine. Machine washing can cause the feathers to clump together, reducing insulation performance and damaging the jacket’s structure. Residual detergents may irritate the skin, while feathers or fabric fibers can clog the drainage system, leading to malfunctions or fire hazards. To protect your jacket, wash it by hand or use a dry-cleaning service.