Washing Machine Dangers: What Not to Wash
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Life in Hong Kong is busy, and many people are accustomed to throwing all their dirty clothes into the washing machine, then pressing the start button for an easy, convenient, and quick solution! However, many may not be sure if all clothing is suitable for such treatment, yet they proceed to start the machine anyway. In fact, some materials of clothing, if thrown into the washing machine, not only may not be cleaned properly but could also lead to unexpected household accidents. Let us tell you with two cases why clothes should not be washed carelessly!
Suspected clothing causes washing machine to nearly explode
Japanese famous host Takagi Seika once shared a harrowing experience on social media, which attracted widespread attention. She put a waterproof jacket for sports into the washing machine for cleaning, but unexpectedly, the washing machine suddenly made a huge explosion sound, not only was the machine body severely displaced, but the operation panel also cracked and came loose entirely! Takagi Seika later speculated that it might be an abnormal material of a certain type of clothing that caused the washing machine to vibrate excessively, eventually leading to the accident.
Image source: Takagi Seika X account
Household Appliance Manufacturers Warn: Do Not Machine Wash These Types of Fabrics
The incident involving Takagi Seika has attracted comments from household appliance manufacturers, pointing out that many brands have already clearly indicated in product manuals and official websites that waterproof or water-repellent clothing should absolutely not be put into the washing machine for spinning. Otherwise, there is a chance of causing strong vibrations, leading to the washing machine shifting, and in severe cases, may cause internal pipeline damage, leakage, or even render the entire machine unusable.
After the incident was exposed, many netizens also commented: "Had no idea and just washed them like that", "First time hearing about this! Should really take note", "The consequences are quite serious, but many people don't know", "Better to wash waterproof items by hand obediently", "Although it didn't explode, the situation during spinning was very off".
Experts Deconstruct the Reasons
The Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association points out that waterproof clothing, when spun at high speeds, can easily block the drainage holes due to its impermeable properties, leading to poor drainage. The accumulation of water in the washing drum can form water balls, which, under the centrifugal force of spinning, can cause the inner drum to vibrate violently. This vibration not only damages the structure of the washing machine but may also cause the machine to move or even lead to more serious accidents.
Household experts also warn that garments such as down jackets and multi-functional coats pose similar risks. The outer layer of down jackets usually has a water-repellent effect. If directly placed in the washing machine, the material may absorb water unevenly or stick to the walls of the machine, similarly causing imbalance and severe shaking of the machine. Experts recommend carefully reading the washing labels and instruction manuals first to use the correct washing method.
Similar Accident in Taiwan: Washing Machine Lid Exploded
Besides the case in Japan, a similar incident has occurred in Taiwan. A Taiwanese mother once shared online that while she was using the washing machine to clean bed sheets and a mattress protector, the lid of the washing machine suddenly "exploded," even hitting her daughter. From the photos she shared, it can be seen that the washing machine was severely damaged, with the lid detached, the body dented, and wires exposed.
After the incident, the mother contacted the customer service of the washing machine company, who responded by saying that "the manual states that washing waterproof materials may cause the machine to shake," considering the incident as "human error" and refusing to compensate. The owner countered by saying, "The manual only mentions that it might shake, not that it would explode." She was very dissatisfied with this and therefore complained to the local Consumer Culture and Education Foundation (消基會), hoping to seek justice. "The foundation said that the washing machine manual did not mention it would explode, and now that the machine exploded, it is a very dangerous matter."
This incident also sparked heated discussions among netizens, with most believing that the mother should take responsibility because mattress protectors usually have waterproof materials and are not suitable for washing in a machine. Faced with the netizens' doubts, the owner countered by saying that her washing machine had a maximum capacity of 13 kilograms and that washing just a mattress protector and a duvet cover would not exceed its capacity. She even questioned whether the washing machine company had admitted to similar explosion incidents in the past but had never addressed such issues, and the manual didn't mention explosions, clearly trying to muddle through.
Image source:爆料公社二社 Facebook
Remember the Laundry Blacklist
Based on the above cases and expert advice, to avoid accidents with the washing machine, the following types of clothing or items should be avoided when washing:
- Waterproof or water-repellent clothing: Including raincoats, windbreakers, ski wear, waterproof mats, sleeping bags, waterproof jackets, shower curtains, etc. These items can easily clog the drain during the spin cycle, causing excessive vibration or even explosion of the washing machine.
- Down jackets, multi-functional coats: These garments have special materials that can absorb water unevenly or stick to the sides of the washing machine, leading to imbalance.
- Large or heavy mats: Although some mats are labeled as machine washable, overly large or heavy styles can burden the washing machine during the spin cycle. It is recommended to wash them by hand or take them to a professional laundry.
- Items with fillings: Such as pillows, stuffed animals, etc., which may not dry completely after washing, making them prone to bacterial growth.
- Clothing with decorations: Like clothes with sequins, beads, or lace, which can easily get caught or damaged in the washing machine.
- Pet supplies: Pet hair can easily clog the washing machine drain. It is recommended to use special laundry bags or wash by hand.
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The content and images of this article are provided by the columnist Renovation Man.
