Laundry seems pretty straightforward: put the clothes in the washer, add detergent, press a button, and move on with your day. But a few common habits can leave clothes faded, stretched, dingy, or worn out sooner than they should be, while also wasting water, detergent, and energy.
The good part is that most laundry mistakes are easy to fix. A few small changes to how you wash and dry your clothes can help them last longer and come out cleaner.
Skipping the Stain Treatment
Throwing a stained shirt straight into the washer can make the spot harder to remove, especially if it goes through the dryer afterward. Treat stains as soon as you can, or at least before washing, and keep a stain remover nearby for those unexpected spills.
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Using Too Much Fabric Softener
Fabric softener can leave behind a coating that reduces the ability of certain fabrics to absorb moisture. Use it sparingly and skip it for items such as towels and athletic clothing, which usually benefit from better absorbency.
Not Zipping Up Zippers
Open zippers can catch on other clothes and may cause snags, especially when they’re mixed with delicate fabrics. Zip them up before starting the wash and turn delicate pieces inside out when needed to help protect both the clothes and the washer.
Drying Everything on High Heat
High dryer heat can shrink some fabrics and leave delicate or synthetic clothing misshapen. Check the care label and use a lower setting for air-dryer items that don’t handle heat well.
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Not Turning Clothes Inside Out
Turning clothes inside out before washing can help protect colors, prints, and some fabrics from extra rubbing. This is especially helpful for dark clothing, graphic tees, and pieces that tend to develop pills.
Ignoring to Clean the Washing Machine
A washer can collect detergent, fabric softener, dirt, and moisture over time, which may lead to unpleasant odors. Cleaning the machine regularly can help keep laundry smelling fresh, and Miele recommends steps to prevent washing machine odors caused by residue buildup.
Leaving Wet Clothes in the Washer
Wet laundry left sitting in the washer can quickly develop a musty smell and may encourage mildew growth. Move clothes to the dryer or hang them up soon after the cycle ends, and set a phone reminder if you tend to forget.
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Not Sorting by Fabric Type
Separating lights and darks is a basic laundry rule, but fabric type also matters. Heavy jeans and towels can rub against lightweight shirts and delicate pieces, so washing similar fabrics together can help reduce unnecessary wear.
Using Too Much Detergent
Adding extra detergent doesn’t make clothes cleaner and can leave residue behind on both your laundry and the washer. Follow the amount listed on the detergent package, and pay close attention to the smaller amounts recommended for high-efficiency machines.
Washing Clothes in Hot Water
Hot water can cause some fabrics to shrink, fade, or wear out faster, while cold water works well for many everyday loads. Washing in cold water can also use less energy, making it a practical choice for many clothes.
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Ignoring the Care Labels
Those little tags inside your clothes tell you how an item should be washed, dried, and sometimes ironed. Taking a few seconds to check the care label can save you from shrinking a sweater, damaging a delicate fabric, or ruining a favorite piece.
Overloading the Washer
Stuffing the washer until there’s barely room for another shirt can keep clothes from moving freely through the wash. A packed drum also makes it harder for detergent and water to circulate properly, so clothes may come out less clean than they should.
