Great American Cleaners Shares Warning: Not All Clothes Belong in the Washing Machine
El Cerrito, CA – August 1, 2025- Some garments may seem low-maintenance, but they require more thoughtful care than a typical wash cycle provides. According to the expert team at Great American Cleaners, delicate clothing like silk dresses, lace-trimmed blouses, and tailored pieces can lose their shape, vibrancy, and quality when subjected to a washing machine’s agitation. Though damage might not be immediate, long-term harm is almost inevitable without proper treatment.
Great American Cleaners aims to educate Bay Area residents about which items are at risk and how to properly preserve them. Below, they outline the types of clothing most vulnerable to washing machine damage—and what to do instead.
Suede Garments Are Too Sensitive for Water and Agitation
Suede remains one of the most luxurious yet fragile materials in any wardrobe. Whether it's a jacket, skirt, or pair of trousers, suede clothing should never be placed in a washing machine. Great American Cleaners warns that suede’s sensitivity to moisture and mechanical agitation can cause irreversible harm—even on the gentlest cycle.
Common Damages to Suede in Washing Machines
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Color bleeding or fading – Natural dyes in suede are not water-resistant and often run or fade.
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Texture damage – The signature soft nap becomes stiff or crusty after drying.
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Warped shape – Wet suede stretches unevenly and dries in a misshapen form.
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Permanent stains – Water spots and soap marks can become permanent blemishes.
Instead of machine-washing, suede garments should be entrusted to a professional dry cleaner that specializes in leather and suede. Between cleanings, owners can maintain suede pieces by brushing and spot-treating with specialized tools. Storage in a cool, dry place is also essential to prolong garment life.
Beaded and Sequinned Clothing Needs Extra Attention
Intricately embellished garments—such as sequinned tops, beaded dresses, or embroidered blouses—are another category of clothing that should never be machine-washed. Despite some labels suggesting hand-washing, Great American Cleaners notes that the risk of damage is still high.
Risks of Washing Embellished Garments
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Broken or missing sequins and beads – Agitation can tear them off.
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Snagged or torn fabric – Embellishments often catch on other items or the washer drum.
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Adhesive breakdown – Heat or water may loosen glued-on decorations.
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Thread fraying – Embroidered stitching may unravel.
To preserve embellished items, the cleaners recommend professional dry cleaning. Light dirt can be managed through spot cleaning, and between wears, simply airing out the garment can avoid unnecessary cleaning.
Structured Jackets and Blazers Lose Form in Machines
Blazers, tailored jackets, and formal coats are constructed with internal linings, padding, and seams designed to maintain a crisp appearance. However, machine-washing these garments—even on gentle settings—can ruin their shape and design.
What Happens to Structured Garments in the Washer
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Bubbling or puckering – Lining and outer fabric may react differently to water.
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Shape distortion – Shoulder padding and lapel interfacing can collapse.
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Persistent wrinkles – Creases from a spin cycle don’t iron out easily.
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Frayed seams – Agitation weakens stitching.
Great American Cleaners advises that these pieces be dry cleaned by professionals who understand structured garments. Spot-cleaning high-contact areas like underarms and collars can also help minimize full cleanings. Steaming between wears is a safer way to remove wrinkles.
Silk and Chiffon Fabrics Require the Gentle Touch
Silk blouses, chiffon scarves, and organza dresses look and feel delicate for a reason. These fine materials are easily compromised by machine washing, which can cause permanent changes in appearance and feel.
Machine Washing Can Ruin Silk and Chiffon
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Snagging or tearing – The fabric can catch on hardware or washer parts.
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Color bleeding – Silk and chiffon dyes tend to run in water.
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Loss of texture – The smooth sheen fades quickly.
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Shrinkage – These fabrics may tighten under heat or agitation.
Great American Cleaners recommends dry cleaning as the safest option. Garments should be stored on padded hangers or folded gently, and carried in garment bags to prevent snags during transport.
Leather Pieces Don’t Belong in the Wash
Leather jackets, skirts, and pants are investments that demand specialized care. According to Great American Cleaners, the washing machine’s water, detergent, and movement can permanently damage leather’s surface and structure.
Common Leather Damage from Washing Machines
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Cracking and stiffness – Water removes natural oils.
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Shrinking and warping – Leather changes shape when dried improperly.
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Color fading – Dyes break down in water and detergent.
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Peeling or flaking – Especially in bonded or poor-quality leather.
Leather garments should always be cleaned by a professional who understands the intricacies of the material. Additionally, regular conditioning and dry storage can help preserve flexibility and appearance.
Cashmere and Wool Sweaters Need Special Handling
Cashmere and wool are natural fibers that feel luxurious but react poorly to washing machines. Whether it’s a sweater or scarf, these materials are prone to damage from water temperature and friction.
What Can Go Wrong with Machine-Washed Wool
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Shrinkage – Fibers tighten under heat and motion.
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Pilling – Friction causes small fiber balls to form.
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Distortion – The garment may lose its original shape.
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Weakened fibers – Frequent machine washing shortens lifespan.
Dry cleaning is the preferred method for structured or fine-knit wool garments. For hand-washable items, cold water and flat drying are critical. Hanging these items can cause stretching, so folding is best for storage.
Tailored Dress Shirts Need Professional Finishing
Tailored dress shirts help people look polished for work, events, and special occasions. However, home washing can quickly degrade their appearance and structure.
Dangers of Washing Dress Shirts at Home
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Fading – Bright or dark colors lose intensity.
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Fraying – Collars and cuffs wear out rapidly.
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Wrinkling – Without pressing, shirts won’t look crisp.
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Button damage – Fasteners may break or pop off.
Great American Cleaners suggests professional cleaning and pressing to maintain the garment’s sharp look. For added structure, customers can request starch levels to their liking. Spot treatment and minimal washing help prolong each shirt’s life.
Trust Great American Cleaners with Your Delicates
For all garments that can’t endure a standard spin cycle, Great American Cleaners offers expert care. Their professional services include dry cleaning, wash & fold laundry, alterations, and specialty treatment for leather, wedding gowns, formalwear, and designer garments.
Family-owned and locally operated in the Bay Area for over 25 years, Great American Cleaners is committed to eco-conscious practices through GreenEarth® dry and wet-cleaning solutions. With state-of-the-art equipment and a highly trained staff, they deliver exceptional care and unbeatable service to every customer.
