Your Washing Machine Isn’t Safe for These Types of Clothes

Some clothes don’t demand much, but they do need the right kind of care. That silky dress, the lace-trimmed top, or your best-fitting pants aren’t meant for the rough-and-tumble of a regular wash. They might not fall apart right away, but over time, they lose their shape, their color fades, and that beautiful finish? It disappears little by little.

So before you toss everything into the same load out of convenience, it’s worth knowing which pieces deserve better than a spin cycle. In this article, we’re breaking down exactly which types of clothes your washing machine can quietly ruin, and what you should be doing instead to help them last.

Suede Garments

Suede might look soft and luxurious, but it’s one of the most delicate materials in your wardrobe. If you own a suede jacket, skirt, or pair of pants, they’re not meant to be thrown in the washer, no matter how gentle the cycle. The fabric is incredibly sensitive to moisture and agitation, which your machine will deliver in spades. Even a quick rinse in the washer can permanently ruin its finish.

When suede hits water and spins in a machine, here’s what can go wrong:

1. Color bleeding or fading – The natural dyes in suede aren’t made to withstand water, especially warm water and detergents.
2. Texture damage – The nap (soft surface) becomes stiff, rough, or even crusty after drying out.
3. Warped shape – Wet suede stretches and then dries in an odd, uneven shape that’s nearly impossible to fix.
4. Permanent stains – Water spots or soap marks may set into the suede and become visible even after drying.

For suede garments, always use professional care:

• Take it to a dry cleaner who specializes in leather and suede. These pros use solvent-based cleaning methods that don’t saturate the fabric with water.
• Brush and spot-treat with suede-safe tools between cleanings to maintain the surface.
• Store suede in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and humidity, to prevent further wear and tear.

Beaded or Sequinned Clothing

Whether it’s a cocktail dress, a holiday blouse, or a fancy top with embroidered designs, beaded or sequined clothing is not made for machine washing. Even if the label says “hand wash,” the risk of damage in a washer is high. These clothes are usually stitched or glued with delicate embellishments that can easily get ripped, tangled, or melted during a cycle.

Putting these garments in your washer, even in a mesh laundry bag, can result in:

1. Broken or missing beads/sequins – Agitation causes them to pop off or break.
2. Snagged or torn fabric – The embellishments can get caught on other items or the drum itself.
3. Glued elements melting or coming off – Heat or water can weaken adhesives.
4. Thread fraying – The embroidery stitching may unravel or loosen.

Handle embellished clothing with care by:

• Dry cleaning – A professional dry cleaner can safely clean your garment without agitating or submerging it in water.
• Spot cleaning – For very light dirt, use a gentle cloth to dab away spots.
• Air out between wears – Let the fabric breathe instead of overwashing.

Structured Blazers or Jackets with Linings

Blazers, dress coats, and tailored jackets often contain inner linings, padding, and careful seams that give them their shape. These clothes are built to look sharp, but all that structure can get completely thrown off in a washing machine. Even if they’re washed on a gentle cycle, doing so can still seriously damage their form.

Machine-washing these items can cause:

1. Bubbling or puckering – The lining and outer shell may shrink or stretch at different rates.
2. Loss of shape – Padding and interfacing inside shoulders or lapels can collapse or shift.
3. Wrinkles and creases – The structure won’t press out cleanly after a spin cycle.
4. Frayed seams or thread loosening – The agitation wears down the precision stitching.

To keep your blazers and jackets looking crisp:

• Use a dry cleaning service that specializes in structured garments.
• Spot treat underarm and collar areas between professional cleanings.
• Steam instead of wash to remove wrinkles and freshen up between wears.

Silk or Chiffon Pieces

Silk blouses, chiffon scarves, and organza dresses feel light as air, but that fragile beauty is also what makes them vulnerable. These materials can’t handle machine agitation, temperature fluctuations, or detergent residue. Even a short wash can cause permanent damage to their texture and appearance.

Here’s what can happen if you use a washing machine:

1. Snagging or tearing – These thin fabrics catch easily on zippers, buttons, or the washer drum.
2. Color bleeding – Silk and chiffon dyes are delicate and often run when exposed to water.
3. Wrinkling and texture loss – Once the fabric’s natural sheen is gone, it’s difficult to restore.
4. Shrinkage – Chiffon and silk may contract under heat, even in cool-water settings.

To care for these pieces:

• Have them dry cleaned, especially if they’re labeled “dry clean only.”
• Store them separately, folded gently or on padded hangers to prevent stretching.
• Use garment bags if transporting to your nearest cleaners for clothes to avoid snags.

Leather Items

Leather jackets, pants, or skirts are stylish investments, but they need very specific care. Leather doesn’t do well with moisture, heat, or spinning motion, which means your washing machine is a leather disaster waiting to happen. If you’re thinking about running your leather gear through the laundry, stop right there.

Expect the following issues if you machine-wash leather:

1. Stiffening and cracking – Water dries out leather’s natural oils.
2. Shrinking and warping – Leather loses its original shape after getting wet and drying unevenly.
3. Color fading – Detergent and water can bleach out dyes.
4. Peeling or flaking – Poor-quality or bonded leather may start to deteriorate.

For the best leather care, go with:

• Professional leather cleaning at a dry cleaner who knows what they’re doing.
• Use a leather conditioner at home to maintain flexibility and shine.
• Avoid moisture by hanging it in a dry, ventilated area after wear.

Cashmere or Wool Sweaters

There’s a reason these fabrics feel luxurious. They’re made of fine, natural fibers that need extra attention. Wool and cashmere garments, like sweaters and scarves, are particularly sensitive to water temperature and friction. Tossing them in the machine, even on cold, can ruin their shape, size, and softness.

Here’s the type of damage you’ll see:

1. Shrinkage – Heat and motion cause the fibers to tighten dramatically.
2. Pilling – The soft surface may develop tiny balls from friction.
3. Stretching or distortion – The garment may lose its original shape or fit.
4. Fiber weakening – Repeated washing shortens the garment’s lifespan.

To protect your wool and cashmere:

• Dry clean only, especially for more structured or fine-knit pieces.
• Hand wash in cold water if the label allows, and dry flat – never wring or hang.
• Store folded to maintain the garment’s shape and avoid hanger bumps.

Tailored Dress Shirts

A well-fitted dress shirt elevates your entire outfit, whether it’s for the office, an event, or a night out. But washing them in your home machine can dull their look fast. Collars lose their sharpness, colors fade, and fabric wears down faster than you’d think.

If you’re machine-washing your tailored shirts, here’s what to expect:

1. Faded colors – Bright or dark dyes lose their vibrancy.
2. Frayed edges – The collar and cuffs wear out much faster in machines.
3. Wrinkling – Without professional pressing, they won’t look crisp.
4. Weak seams or popped buttons – Agitation pulls at the threads and fastenings.

To keep your shirts in top condition:

• Use a professional dry cleaner or laundry service that can wash and press them properly.
• Request light or medium starch if you want a crisper finish.
• Spot treat stains early and avoid overwashing to extend garment life.

Book a Pickup with Great American Cleaners – We’ll Handle the Clothes Your Washer Can’t!

For clothes that can’t stand a spin in the washing machine, have them professionally cleaned by Great American Cleaners. We offer expert dry cleaning, wash & fold laundry service, alterations, and even specialty care for leather pieces, wedding dresses, formal wear, and even designer pieces.

Family-owned and proudly rooted in the Bay Area, Great American Cleaners has delivered eco-friendly GreenEarth® dry- and wet-cleaning for more than 25 years. Our state-of-the-art equipment pairs with a highly trained team to ensure every garment gets superior care and every customer enjoys unmatched service.

Reach out to us & our team will respond within 24 hours.