Almost everything can go in the washing machine — but not everything. And some things you would never put in it can actually be washed just fine. An item-by-item guide to what can, what cannot, and why.
The golden rule: always check the label
The label on your garment or item is always the guide. A tub of water means machine washing is allowed. A crossed-out tub means do not wash. A hand in the tub means hand wash only. When in doubt, the delicate or wool cycle at 30°C is the safest choice for most delicate items.
Below, we cover the most searched-for items — from shoes to stuffed animals.
Shoes
Sneakers and sports shoes
Canvas, mesh, or synthetic sneakers can usually be washed in the machine at 30°C on a delicate cycle, without spinning. Put them in a laundry bag or old pillowcase to prevent damage to the drum. Always remove the laces and insoles first and wash them separately. Then dry at room temperature — never in the dryer, as the glue comes loose when heated.
Leather shoes, suede, and heels
Leather and suede are ruined in the machine — the material shrinks, cracks, and loses its shape. Heels can damage the drum. Clean these shoes with a damp cloth or a special cleaner for leather or suede.
Pillows
Sleeping pillows
Synthetic pillows (polyester filling) can be washed in a machine with a capacity of at least 8 kg at 60°C. Use little detergent — overdosing causes residue to build up in the filling. Wash two pillows at once to balance the drum load. Then dry completely in the dryer on a low setting with tennis balls, or for a full day on a flat drying rack. Damp filling leads to mold.
Down pillows: same approach as down duvets — 40°C, little detergent, tennis balls in the dryer.
Memory foam: never in the machine. The filling breaks down on contact with water.
Caps and hats
Baseball caps
Modern polyester or cotton caps can go in the machine at 30°C in a laundry bag. Never put them loose in the machine — friction with the drum will deform the brim. Old caps with a cardboard brim (from before the 1990s) absolutely cannot go in the machine — the cardboard weakens and the cap permanently loses its shape. Dry them over a bowl or ball to preserve the rounded shape.
Stuffed animals and plush toys
Stuffed animals
Most plush stuffed animals can go in the machine at 30°C in a laundry bag. First check whether they contain electronic parts, batteries, or music boxes — these must not get wet. Also do not machine-wash stuffed animals filled with beads, such as some beanbags. Without these exceptions: use a delicate cycle at 30°C, low spin, and dry flat or hanging.
Backpacks and bags
Backpacks
Nylon and polyester backpacks without a frame can go in the machine at 30°C in a laundry bag or pillowcase. First remove all detachable parts, empty the compartments completely, and close all zippers. Leather details or metal frames: do not put them in the machine. Always dry flat or hanging — not in the dryer, as the heat damages the coating and zippers.
Leather bags and designer bags
Leather is damaged in the machine. Clean with a damp cloth and leather cream. For expensive or delicate bags: use a cleaner specializing in leather.
Underwire bras
Underwire bra
Underwire bras can go in the machine if you put them in a special lingerie laundry bag. Without a bag, the underwires can come loose and damage the drum — or get pulled through the machine and ruin other clothes. Wash at 30°C on a delicate cycle, and never spin. Dry flat or hanging by the band — never hang by the shoulder straps, as this stretches the structure.
Sports bag
Nylon or polyester sports bag
Nylon and polyester sports bags can safely go in the machine at 30°C. Empty all compartments, remove loose insoles or accessories, and close all zippers. Put the bag in a large laundry bag or pillowcase if it is small enough. Dry flat or hanging — not in the dryer.
What must absolutely never go in the machine
- Leather clothing, bags and shoes — shrink, crack and lose their shape
- Memory foam — breaks down when it comes into contact with water
- Items with batteries or electronics — water-resistant does not mean washable
- Dry-clean-only clothing (circle on the label) — dry clean only
- Stuffed animals filled with beads or sand — the beads will leak out and clog the machine
- Fine silk and vintage clothing without a care label — too risky; hand wash or dry clean
Not sure? Wash the item on the gentlest cycle your machine has — cold water, delicate cycle, without spinning. That is almost never worse than hand washing.
Frequently asked questions about what cannot go in the washing machine
Can shoes go in the washing machine?
Sneakers and sports shoes made of canvas, mesh, or synthetic materials can usually be washed at 30°C in a laundry bag. Leather shoes, suede, and shoes with heels cannot — they will be damaged in the machine. Always dry without spinning and never in the dryer.
Can a backpack go in the washing machine?
Nylon and polyester backpacks without a frame or leather details can be washed at 30°C in a laundry bag or pillowcase. Empty all compartments, close all zippers, and remove loose parts. Dry flat or hanging — not in the dryer.
Can stuffed animals go in the washing machine?
Most plush stuffed animals can be washed at 30°C in a laundry bag. First check whether they contain batteries, electronics, or music boxes — these must not get wet. Stuffed animals filled with beads cannot go in the machine either.
Can an underwire bra go in the washing machine?
Yes, but only in a special lingerie laundry bag. Without a bag, the underwires can come loose and damage the drum. Wash at 30°C on a delicate cycle, without spinning. Dry flat or hanging by the band.
Can leather go in the washing machine?
No. Leather shrinks, cracks, and loses its shape in the machine. This applies to leather clothing, bags, and shoes. Clean leather with a damp cloth and leather cream, or take it to a specialized leather cleaner.
The right approach for every wash
Laundry strips work at all temperatures — from cold to 90°C. One strip, always the right dosage, for every cycle.
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