Putting clothes in the dishwasher is not recommended, as it is not designed for washing fabric items, and doing so can lead to several undesirable outcomes. Here's what might happen if you put your clothes in the dishwasher:
Damage to clothes: Dishwashers are not equipped to handle delicate fabrics like clothing. The agitation and water pressure in the dishwasher's wash cycle can cause your clothes to stretch, tear, or become misshapen.
Dye bleeding: If your clothes are colored or have prints, the high water temperatures and detergent in the dishwasher may cause the dyes to bleed or fade, ruining the garments.
Detergent residue: Dishwasher detergents are not formulated for fabric washing. Using dishwasher detergent on clothes may leave behind a soapy residue that is difficult to rinse out, leaving your clothes feeling sticky or unclean.
Stains and discoloration: Some dishwasher detergents contain bleach or other harsh chemicals that can cause discoloration or stain your clothes, especially if they are not colorfast.
Odor absorption: Clothes placed in the dishwasher may absorb odors from the food and other items in the dishwasher, leaving your garments with an unpleasant smell.
Wrinkling: The lack of proper agitation and spinning in a dishwasher can lead to clothes coming out heavily wrinkled, making them challenging to iron or wear without further care.
Residue in the dishwasher: Putting clothes in the dishwasher can leave fabric fibers and lint in the appliance, potentially clogging filters or spray arms and affecting its performance.
If you accidentally placed your clothes in the dishwasher, it's essential to remove them immediately and rinse them thoroughly with water to remove any detergent or residue. Then, follow the appropriate washing instructions for the type of fabric to clean and restore your clothes properly.
For clothes, always use a washing machine or hand-wash following the care labels and using the appropriate detergent to ensure proper cleaning and care for your garments.