12 Everyday Wears You're Ruining With Your Laundry Practices

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Laundry plays a central role in most American households, with Statista showing that 51% of Americans do laundry several times a week. Yet, even the most diligent among us may be unknowingly damaging the very items we’re trying to preserve.

Laundry practices can shorten the lifespan of clothes and household items, costing you money and contributing to textile waste, which the EPA reports amounts to 17 million tons annually in the U.S. Here are 12 everyday items you’re likely ruining.

Denim Jeans

Everyday Items You’re Ruining (Laundry Pros Spill the Tea) — Image Credit: Kaboompics.com/Pexels

Denim jeans require minimal washing, as excessive cleaning accelerates wear and tear. Levi’s recommends washing jeans only every ten wears to preserve their color and structure. Frequent washing also strips natural oils, making the fabric fade faster.

To prolong your jeans’ life, wash them inside out in cold water to reduce fading. Wear jeans multiple times before washing unless they are visibly soiled, and always air dry to maintain their shape and elasticity.

Bras

Based on a study by Dr. Edward Pechter, over 80% of women wear the wrong bra size, and improper washing further reduces their lifespan. Machine-washing bras without protection damages underwire and elastic, weakening support. The American Cleaning Institute advises hand washing delicate undergarments for better results.

For best care, hand-wash bras in lukewarm water with gentle detergent. If machine washing, place them in a mesh bag on a delicate cycle and avoid dryers, as heat degrades elasticity and shape. Lay flat to dry to maintain structural integrity.

Athletic Wear

Good Housekeeping states that 56% of people ruin their athletic wear by using fabric softeners, which block sweat-wicking properties. Washing in hot water exacerbates the problem, breaking down elastic fibers that are crucial for performance.

Preserve athletic gear by washing it in cool water with a detergent designed for synthetic fabrics. Use white vinegar to neutralize odors without compromising material quality, and air dry to protect elasticity and fit.

Blankets

Improperly washing blankets causes pilling, shrinkage, and loss of softness. According to Amerisleep, wool blankets can shrink by up to 20% if exposed to hot water or high-heat drying.

For cotton or synthetic blankets, use cold water and a gentle cycle. Wash wool blankets with specialty wool detergent in cold water or hand wash them to preserve their texture. Air drying is best to prevent shrinking and maintain softness.

Wool Sweaters

Wool sweaters are particularly vulnerable to damage, with heat and agitation causing irreversible shrinkage. Improperly washed wool can shrink by up to two sizes in a single cycle.

Hand wash wool sweaters in cold water with a wool-specific detergent to avoid damage. Reshape the sweater while wet and lay flat to dry on a clean towel. Storing them folded instead of hanging them helps retain their shape over time.

Shoes

Washing sneakers improperly greatly reduces their lifespan. Tossing shoes directly into a washing machine damages the glue and weakens their structure.

To clean shoes safely, remove laces and insoles before washing, and place them in a pillowcase or mesh bag. Use a cold, gentle cycle and allow them to air dry completely to prevent warping and adhesive failure.

Cloth Bags

Reusable cloth bags are a breeding ground for bacteria, with a study by University of Arizona and Loma Linda University showing that 97% of users don’t wash them regularly. Cross-contamination risks increase if bags used for raw meats aren’t cleaned properly.

Washcloth bags in cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry to prevent shrinking. Assign separate bags for meat and other groceries to minimize contamination and extend the bags’ usability.

Black or Dark Clothing

Washing dark clothes improperly can cause up to 50% of color loss within a year, according to AARP. Warm water and harsh detergents are the primary culprits behind fading and detergent streaks.

To maintain the vibrancy of dark clothes, wash them inside out in cold water with detergents designed for dark fabrics. Air dry or tumble dry on low heat to protect the dye and prevent fiber damage.

Zippers and Metal-Embellished Items

Metal components can rust or snag on other fabrics if not washed carefully. Improper care of zipper and embellished items results in visible wear after just a few washes.

Zip all zippers before washing and place items with metal embellishments in a mesh bag to avoid damage. Use low heat or air drying to prevent rust and maintain the quality of both the metal and the fabric.

Towels

Using fabric softener on towels is a common mistake that reduces absorbency over time. A study by Consumer Reports found that fabric softeners can leave residue, making towels less effective at drying. Washing towels with mixed fabrics also causes lint transfer and fraying, decreasing durability.

To keep towels in top condition, use white vinegar instead of fabric softener to maintain softness and absorbency. Wash towels separately in warm water to prevent lint contamination and avoid over-drying, as excessive heat can break down fibers and reduce their lifespan.

Silk and Delicate Fabrics

Silks and delicate fabrics are highly sensitive to agitation and can shrink by up to 10% if washed improperly. A report by Good Housekeeping highlights that washing machines can snag and discolor these materials, leading to irreparable damage.

Check care labels before cleaning and hand-wash or use a delicate cycle with specialized detergent for delicate items. Dry them flat to prevent stretching or misshaping, which can occur with hanging or tumble drying.

Pillows

The Sleep Foundation recommends washing pillows every three to six months to prevent allergen buildup, yet surveys show that 30% of people neglect to clean them altogether. Unwashed pillows can harbor dust mites, bacteria, and fungi.

Wash pillows following their care instructions, using a gentle cycle and ensuring they dry completely to avoid mildew. Memory foam pillows, however, should only be spot-cleaned to prevent damage to their structure.

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.