machinewashed

Machinewashed is a term used to describe textiles and garments that are intended to be cleaned by a washing machine. Items described as machine washable are designed to withstand the mechanical action, heat, and detergents of typical home or industrial washers, as opposed to requiring hand washing or dry cleaning.

Care labels on machine washable items usually specify the maximum wash temperature, recommended cycle, and whether tumble drying or air drying is appropriate. The designation became standard with the widespread adoption of automatic washing machines in the mid-20th century and is now common in textile labeling.

Advantages include convenience, speed, and the ability to launder large quantities. Potential drawbacks are shrinkage, color fading, pilling, and fiber wear, especially after repeated cycles on delicate fabrics. To minimize damage, manufacturers often advise gentler cycles, cooler temperatures, and proper sorting by color and fabric type.

Some textiles are not machine washable. Fabrics labeled hand wash or dry clean only require special care, and even machine washable items can be damaged by heavy agitation, high heat, or abrasive detergents. Always follow the care label to preserve fit, appearance, and longevity.

Environmental considerations include energy and water use. Modern machines and cold-water cycles reduce impact, and practices such as washing full loads and using appropriate detergents improve efficiency.