Are Laundry Mesh Bags a Waste of Money?

Conclusion

After some research, it appears that laundry mesh bags are not a waste of money. However, the reasons why laundry bags are not a waste are quite interesting.

How Washing Machines Work

Modern washing machines are generally divided into two types: top-loading (with an agitator) and front-loading machines. The cleaning principle of top-loading machines involves the agitator at the bottom, driven by a motor, causing clothes to rub against each other and the drum walls. Front-loading machines clean by causing clothes to tumble against each other and the drum walls, and by lifting clothes to the top of the drum and letting them fall, mimicking a pounding action. Both types of machines rely on the friction between clothes to clean them.

The Role of Laundry Mesh Bags

Laundry mesh bags wrap clothes during the wash, primarily to protect other clothes that are not inside the bag. Specifically, clothes with metal hooks, zippers, or decorations, if not placed in a laundry bag, could potentially damage other clothes or the drum of the washing machine.

Recommendations from User Manuals

Taking the Siemens washing machine user manual as an example, it specifically mentions placing bras and similar items with metal hooks in laundry bags to prevent damage to other clothes or the drum. The manual also advises removing hard objects (like keys and coins) from pockets before washing to avoid scratches or other damage during the wash.

Here is an excerpt from the manual:

11.1 Preparing the laundry
ATTENTION!
Objects remaining in the laundry may damage the laundry and the drum.
– Remove all items from any pockets in your laundry before using the appliance.
– To protect your appliance and the laundry, prepare the laundry beforehand:
– Empty any pockets
– Brush sand out of all collars and pockets
– Close bed covers and cushion covers
– Close all zips, Velcro fasteners, hooks and eyes
– Tie cloth belts, apron strings, etc. together or use a laundry bag
– Tie together longer drawstrings, and tie cords with solid endpieces in hoods or trousers
– Remove curtain hooks and lead strips or use a mesh laundry bag
– Use a mesh laundry bag for small items of laundry, such as children’s socks

（Original user manual PDF link see page 29: https://media3.bsh-group.com/Documents/9001624955_A.pdf）

By reviewing the information and user manual recommendations, it’s clear that laundry mesh bags serve an essential purpose. They effectively protect clothes with metal parts from damaging other items and prevent small clothing items from getting lost or damaged during washing. Therefore, using laundry bags is necessary and not a waste of money.

When choosing a laundry bag, ensure it has no sharp edges or exposed metal zippers to avoid increasing the risk of damaging other clothes. I hope this article helps you better understand the role and use of laundry bags.