Doing your laundry may seem like a straightforward task, but don’t relax too much, as there are lots of ways you could damage your favorite outfits. Here are 18 of the most common mistakes people make when doing their laundry.
Skipping the Sorting Step
When you fail to separate clothes based on colors or the type of fabric, you may unintentionally stain or damage them. While color-catching sheets can help reduce dye transfers, the Washington Post reveals that “even though colors don’t bleed as much these days, sorting can help fabrics stay cleaner and last longer.”
Overloading the Washer
Putting more clothes in the washer than required has too many disadvantages to even consider. You may get clothes that aren’t clean, have detergent stain marks on them, or don’t dry properly. You may also cause your washer’s motor to get overheated and burn out.
Using Outdated Appliances
Old or outdated washing machines may not have the optimal build for efficient washing cycles. For instance, some outdated models don’t have advanced heating and tumbling settings. Old models may also have imperfections like lifted parts, dints, or holes that could chew up your clothes.
Using Hot Water for All Loads
Hot water can shrink, fade, or damage certain fabrics. So, you should reserve it for heavily soiled items and opt for cold or warm water when you want to wash your regular clothes, especially if they’re colored or made from delicate fabric. You get the best from this when you also use cold-water detergents.
Using Too Much Detergent
Excess detergents leave surplus suds on your fabric. Without extensively rinsing these off, you have clothes that either look unclean or trap more dirt than usual and eventually look faded. It’s important to always limit detergent use to the specific guidelines for cloth loads, as this also saves you extra money on wasted detergent.
Overdrying Clothes
Overdrying weakens fabric fibers and can cause clothes to shrink two times faster than regular washing. You should remove clothes from the dryer while they are still slightly damp. For a more gentle alternative, consider natural air drying with racks or hangers.
Ignoring Care Labels
Care labels provide essential information on how to wash and dry your garments. Ignoring these instructions can lead to mistakes that cause shrinking, color fading, or fabric damage. Investing time to check each label before washing ensures your clothes maintain their quality and appearance longer.
Washing Everything on the Same Setting
Different fabrics and colors require specific settings to avoid damage. Using the same setting for all items can cause shrinking, stretching, or fading. Tailor the wash cycle to the needs of each load and always utilize the delicate, heavy, or normal settings to match the garment requirements.
Not Cleaning the Washing Machine
Residue from detergent, fabric softener, and grime can accumulate in your washer, transferring to your clothes and making them smell bad. To maintain its efficiency and hygiene, regularly clean your machine. For instance, you can run an empty cycle once a month with vinegar or use a washing machine cleaner.
Leaving Zippers Unzipped
Open zippers can snag and tear other fabrics while tumbling aggressively in the drum. So, it’s also important to always zip up clothes—especially if they’re made of hard fabric—to protect both the zipper and other garments in the load. Also, check for any sharp edges on your clothes that could cause this sort of damage.
Washing Bras and Delicates Without Protection
Bras and delicate items require special care, and putting them in the same cycle as other clothes can cause them to lose shape or snag on these other items. Use a mesh or lingerie bag to protect these sensitive garments, or choose hand washing as your go-to, gentle alternative.
Ignoring Stains Before Washing
Pre-treating stains is crucial for effective removal. Ignoring this critical step before washing your clothes can set the stains in them, making them harder to remove later. Apply a stain remover before washing to tackle spots effectively. While doing this, gently blotting rather than rubbing stains can also prevent them from spreading.
Neglecting to Button Shirts
Buttoned shirts can become out of shape or damage other clothes in the wash. Because of this, you should always unbutton shirts to maintain their shape and protect other items in the load. Turn shirts inside out to reduce wear on the outer fabric and preserve their bold colors.
Not Using a Fabric Softener Correctly
Fabric softener should be added during the rinse cycle, not with the detergent. When you fail to do this correctly, you can leave residue on your clothes and even reduce the absorbency of your towels. Also, you want to use fabric softener sparingly and as directed, or, as a natural alternative, consider using dryer balls instead.
Using Bleach on the Wrong Fabrics
Bleach can be harsh and damaging to certain fabrics and colors, so you want to use it only on whites and follow instructions carefully. Consider using oxygen bleach as a gentler alternative for brightening colors, and also test bleach on a small area first to avoid widespread damage.
Forgetting to Empty Pockets
Items left in pockets can cause major issues in the wash. For instance, coins, pens, and tissues can damage your washer or leave stains that are hard to remove from clothes. Always check and empty pockets before starting a load, as this will not only keep your laundry process smooth but also save you money on costly repairs.
Not Shaking Out Clothes Before Drying
Clothes that are tangled or bunched up in the washer can also dry unevenly. To prevent this, shake your clothes out before transferring them to the dryer. This simple step can also help prevent wrinkles in your clothes, thereby maintaining their shape and appearance.
Putting All Types of Clothes in the Dryer
Yes, the dryer dries your laundry quickly, but you should also be wary that not all types of clothes belong in it. Some of the worst clothes to put in your dryer include bras, gym wear, swimwear, silk clothes, jeans, and other items made of wool and polyester blends. You should air-dry them on hangers instead.
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