New Delhi, Nov. 3 -- We put so much effort into protecting our favourite clothes, checking labels, sorting colours, choosing special detergents, pre-treating stains and doing everything we can to keep fabrics looking fresh. But while we're busy caring for our outfits, we often forget about the appliance that actually does all the hard work.

Your washing machine quietly handles every load, yet some everyday laundry habits may be slowly damaging it. Experts warn that even innocent items tossed inside can clog crucial parts, trigger sensor issues and eventually lead to expensive repairs or a shorter lifespan.

Here are the surprising items you should avoid washing in your washing machines.

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