6 things not to put inside your washing machine

​Your washing machine is a powerful appliance, but it’s not designed to clean everything. In fact, there are certain items you shouldn’t put in the washer because the items might get damaged or the machine itself will encounter issues.

Read on to learn about correct use of your machine. Here are some household items that you should never throw inside your washer:

Items stained with flammable liquid
If you have towel or clothes that were stained or spilt with cooking oil, motor oil, or gasoline, then you shouldn’t just toss them in your washing machine. This can trigger an explosion and could lead to a fire. It is advisable to use a solvent-based stain remover and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before you hand wash the item.

Items covered with pet hair
You shouldn’t wash clothes and towels that are covered with pet hair. It usually clumps up and it may clog the barrel resulting in overflow. You can use a lint roller to effectively remove pet hair on the affected items before placing it in your washing machine.

Bras
An unfastened bra can easily get tangled in the machine’s agitator or cylinder, and this can lead to significant damage and costly repairs. Not to mention that its hooks can also snag other clothes. It’s advisable to handwash bras or at least use a garment bag and set your washing machine to delicate or hand-wash cycle.

Coins and keys
Before putting your pants and clothes in the washer, it’s best to check the pockets for any solid items like coins and keys. These little pieces of metal might seem harmless, but they can cause serious damage the fins on the drain pump if they make it past the filter. They can even puncture the outer tank, and that could cost you hundreds of dollars to fix.

Indoor mats and rugs
Basically, the mats in your entryway protect your floors from mud, dirt and everything else on the bottom of your shoes, but it can also damage your washer if you toss it in. In fact, you should not wash heavy mats with rubber backing, because it may come off and stick to the inside of the drum and can result in a drainage problem.

Waterproof clothing
Waterproof clothing is not compatible with washing machines. They can create a condition which traps the water over time like a balloon filling up. When it suddenly breaks during the spin cycle, this can lead to massive damage to your machine and surrounding items.

Always remember to follow your machines manual and use your washing machine as intended by the manufacturer. If your washer becomes damaged from any of the things mentioned above, or for any other reason, contact QLD Washers, you premier washing machine technicians in Brisbane.