12 Ways You’re Washing Your Clothes Wrong Every Time
This post may contain affiliate links.
Isn’t washing clothes one of the easiest things to do? When you just throw everything in the machine, add detergent and hit a few buttons you call it a day. What if I told you not only are those innocent habits not actually innocent at all, they might be damaging your clothes, wasting your detergent, and adding to your energy bill? And yes – many of us are making common laundry mistakes without even knowing it.
Let us break down 12 of the ways you might be washing your clothes wrong, and how to fix it.
Skipping the Stain Treatment
Before they even get into the washer, stains need to see some attention. Then if you put on a garment that has been stained without treating it, then you’re going to set the stain and it will be almost impossible to get out. Treat spots as soon as they happen or at least before washing, to minimize damage, and keep a stain remover handy.
Using Too Much Fabric Softener
Fabric softeners might make your clothes smell nice, but they are waxy and can coat towels and workout gear in a way that makes them not absorb as well. It’s best to use them sparingly, and generally skip it for some loads: athletic wear or towels, for example.
Not Zipping Up Zippers
Not leaving zippers undone in the wash can also cause way more problems than you may think. They can snag on other clothes or wear and tear the washer drum if it is metal zippers. It’s good for you to go out of your way to zip up all your zippers before tossing clothes into the machine in case you or someone else need to fold it — I learned this one the hard way!
Drying Everything on High Heat
Some fabrics can’t stand the high heat of a dryer. Synthetic materials and delicate fabrics, however, might shrink, or become misshapen. Whenever possible, air dry or at least use a lower heat setting to deplete as little damage as possible to your clothes.
Not Turning Clothes Inside Out
Turning your clothes inside out before washing may help to preserve their color and fabric. It’s especially important for dark clothes as it can prevent fading and even stop pilling. It also shields any printed designs or logos from wearing off too fast.
Ignoring to clean the washing machine
If the washing machine is dirty it cannot clean your clothes properly. Detergent and fabric softener residue that builds up in the machine over time can wreak odors and get you less than fresh laundry. An empty cycle with hot water and vinegar once a month will help prevent washing machine odor and keep your washer in perfect condition.
Wet Clothes in the Washer
We’ve all left clothes in the washer. Yet, leaving wet clothes in the machine creates mildew, and that disgusting musty smell. If you have to, just set a reminder, but be sure to take clothes off of the dryer or clothesline the moment the wash cycle finishes.
Not Sorting by Fabric Type
We all know to separate colors, but just as important is to sort by fabric type. Jeans and towels can really rough up blouses or T-shirts. Group fabric that same so that you do not wear them out all at one time.
Using Too Much Detergent
There’s no benefit in adding more detergent to the wash (nothing does anything extra). The thing is, you can use too much and get residue all over your clothes and your washer! Over time, this sticky buildup can attract dirt, and your clothes will get dingy. If you have a high efficient machine, stick to the recommended amount or even a little less.
Washing Clothes in Hot Water
For most fabrics, hot water can be a big no. It shrinks, fades, or damages delicate fibers. Hot water is great for towels and bed sheets but your clothes should benefit from cold water. Not only that, cold water is energy efficient — a win for your pocketbook and the planet.
Ignoring the Care Labels
Those little tags on your clothes aren’t there only to make you feel good — there’s a reason they’re there. They contain such important instructions as wash, dry and iron. If you ignore them, you can shrink your favorite sweater, or set stains permanently. There’s a simple rule that with an extra second or two, you can save a ton of money in the long run: take an extra second to check the care label before throwing something into the washer.
Overloading the Washer
Stuffed to the brim, the consensus is that putting clothes in your washer will save you time, but in fact, it keeps your clothes from being properly washed. It also means your detergent can’t properly circulate and clothes aren’t being rinsed out. If you try and wash too much at once some cloths will be more dirty than where they came from.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
How to Clean Your Smoker Grill Combo Like a Pro
15 Common Mistakes That Unknowingly Make
15 Common Mistakes That Unknowingly Make Your Home Look Bad