Laundry label missing? Clothes that don't belong in the machine

Hand wash or washing drum?

The care label makes the decision much easier.

Experts explain how you can cope without a label if necessary.

What is allowed in the washing machine and what is absolutely not?

The decision is easier for textiles with a laundry label: you can see from the care symbols whether and for which wash cycle the clothes are suitable and whether you can put them in the dryer or leave it as it is.

You can find out more about the symbols on the care label here.

+

When in doubt, it is better to wash more delicate clothing or some favorite items by hand than in the machine.

(icon picture)

© Wedel/Kirchner-Media/imago

But sometimes the care label becomes illegible after many washes, or you may have removed it.

Can the clothes now be put in the washing machine, or should you wash them by hand?

The experts from Öko-Test give a rough classification for different textiles.

Laundry label missing?

Textiles that do not belong in the machine

• Washing machines and dryers are taboo for all leather textiles.

  “Instead, clean leather with a damp cloth or take it to the dry cleaners,” advises the portal

  Oekotest.de.

  In general, leather clothes should not get too wet.

  You can get unsightly stains from the rain alone.

• You should also not put clothes made of velvet and silk in the washing machine.

  The experts advise that velvet can perhaps simply be brushed out or beaten out;

  or you can try it carefully with a damp cloth.

  If you wash silk textiles by hand, you should use a silk detergent, according to the recommendation.

• According to the care label, many lingerie, blouses or nightwear items made of lace or with lace trimmings can be cleaned in the delicates program of the washing machine.

  However, if you want to be on the safe side, you should still wash your favorite items of clothing by hand, according to the general advice.

• Wool clothing should be washed as gently as possible and never hot.

  In any case, clothes should only go into the laundry if it is absolutely necessary.

  Otherwise, better air out.

  “If a wash can no longer be avoided, many machines offer a special wool or hand wash cycle;

  alternatively, hand washing is an option,” informs

  Oekotest.de

  .

• You should also be more careful with items of clothing with ribbons, cords or pendants.

  You could get caught in the washing drum and damage your clothes.

  If you decide to use the washing drum anyway, a laundry bag protects sensitive items at least from the outside.

These washing tips from grandma are a thing of the past

These washing tips from grandma are a thing of the past

You can find everything to do with household and garden tips in the regular living newsletter from our partner Merkur.de.

Sign up here!

By the way, it is better not to wash towels and bed linen together.

Washing colorful towels together is not a problem - as long as the washing temperatures are the same.

List of rubrics: © Wedel/Kirchner-Media/imago