Sponge in the washing machine: hair- and lint-free clothes in 1 wash

Sponge-effect garments are all the rage in wardrobes. But between snagging fibers and animal hair, laundry can quickly become complicated. Here are some simple guidelines for drama-free washing.

Sponge-effect clothes: should they be avoided in the washing machine?

In recent weeks, videos have claimed that these “sponge” parts are ruining the machines. In reality, there is no ban, but regular maintenance is essential. A clean filter limits the accumulation of lint and hair.

Terrycloth is not a real kitchen sponge. It consists of tight loops, often made of cotton, which retain water. On the other hand, some fibers may come loose in the first wash. As a result, a delicate first cycle reduces the dispersion of hair and lint.

Before washing, turn the garment inside out and brush gently. Also, place it in a wash bag to protect the drum. Choose a delicate cycle and avoid heavy spinning. Finally, check the lint filter, which is often saturated with hair when you live with a pet.

“The machine is not the enemy of terry fabrics; the lack of maintenance is.”

What really clogs your appliance

The main thing that clogs a washing machine is residue. Forgotten tissues, poorly melted detergent tabs and sand accumulate. Dog and cat hair also get caught in the pump. A simple sorting of baskets can prevent many breakdowns.

Overdosing with detergent creates a viscous foam that traps lint. From now on, dose according to water hardness and laundry weight. In short, a well-adjusted machine is better at removing hair and fibers. Bleed the small drain hose before opening the filter trap.

• Check pockets and remove tissues and receipts.
• Place the sponge pieces in a net.
• Clean seal and filter once a week.
• Limit spinning and load moderately.
• Run a regular maintenance cycle without load.

INGA – Duo of washable sponges with holder (Sponge; Green; 12.5x8x3cm)
This reusable duo dries quickly on its holder, so it stays hygienic. Useful near the washing machine: it picks up crumbs and a few hairs around the drum.

Good washing practices for sponge parts

Start by sorting by color and material. For example, sponge goes with soft linen, not rough jeans. Also, turn jackets inside out and empty pockets to avoid leaving hairs in them. Wash at 30°C with a measured dose and moderate rotation.

Place new parts in a net. This will keep loose curls contained. Also, don’t overload the drum, as friction increases the amount of hair in suspension. Dry flat, away from direct sources of heat.

After washing, clean the window seal with a damp cloth. Then remove any visible lint and accumulated hair. As a result, the pump exerts less force and the drain remains smooth. A monthly maintenance cycle in hot water helps dissolve grease.

What Matters – Double-sided washable sponge (Sponge; 3 colors; Machine washable at 30°)
Its double-sided design rubs and then wipes without scratching, and is machine washable at 30°. Handy for picking up crumbs and a few hairs on the laundry counter.

What to do if the drum or filter is already saturated?

Switch off the power supply, then open the filter hatch. Place a drip tray and drain through the small hose. On the other hand, gently remove hair, parts and bristles trapped in the turbine. Reassemble, restart and check for leaks.

If spinning becomes noisy, stop the machine and check the drum. Inspect the fins and seal for objects and sand. Also, when the error code persists, an authorized service is required for diagnosis. Prevention is cheaper than early replacement.

H2O at Home – Two-sided microfiber sponge (Sponge; Machine-washable; Polyurethane foam-free)
Microfiber holds grease and rinses quickly, with no lingering odours. And because it’s polyurethane foam-free, it reduces everyday waste.

Frequently asked questions: materials, microfibres and durability

Cotton, bamboo, polyester: each material reacts differently. For example, cotton curls lose a little at first, then stabilize. So a first wash alone avoids marking other garments. Polyester blends can release more microfibers, hence the use of a dedicated net.

Adhesive rollers help to remove remaining hairs after drying. What’s more, a filter bag at the outlet captures some of the fibers. In short, reduce friction and limit unnecessary cycles. Your textiles will last longer, and so will your machine.

Choose your outfit according to its use. For example, a terrycloth dress is suitable for the beach, but less so for urban cycling. Also, brush it before storing if any hair settles after the day. Then store flat to preserve the fabric’s loft.

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