Doing laundry seems simple – just toss your clothes in the machine, add detergent, and press start, right? Unfortunately, many people unknowingly make mistakes that can damage fabrics, cause fading, or shrink clothes. To help you keep your clothes looking fresh and lasting longer, here are the 5 most common laundry mistakes and how to avoid them!
1. Using Too Much Detergent
❌ Mistake: Thinking that more detergent = cleaner clothes.
✅ Fix: Using too much detergent can actually leave a residue on fabrics, trapping dirt and causing a dull look. Stick to the recommended amount or even use less for high-efficiency (HE) washers.
💡 Pro Tip: If your clothes feel stiff after washing, it may be a sign of detergent buildup. Try an extra rinse cycle to remove excess soap!
2. Overloading the Washing Machine
❌ Mistake: Stuffing too many clothes into the machine to save time.
✅ Fix: Overloading prevents proper water and detergent distribution, leading to uneven cleaning and excessive wear on fabrics. For best results, leave enough space for clothes to move freely.
💡 Pro Tip: Wash heavy items (like jeans or towels) separately from delicate fabrics to prevent damage.
3. Ignoring Fabric Care Labels
❌ Mistake: Tossing all your clothes in the same wash cycle without checking labels.
✅ Fix: Different fabrics require specific care, and ignoring washing instructions can lead to shrinking, fading, or stretching. Always check the tag before washing.
💡 Fabric Guide:
- Cold water for dark colors, silk, wool, and delicate fabrics.
- Warm water for synthetic materials and casual wear.
- Hot water for towels, bedsheets, and heavily soiled clothes.
4. Drying Everything in the Machine
❌ Mistake: Throwing all garments into the dryer on high heat.
✅ Fix: Some fabrics shrink or lose shape when exposed to high heat. Delicate fabrics like wool, silk, and activewear should be air-dried instead.
💡 Pro Tip: Use dryer balls to reduce drying time and prevent static cling for clothes that must go in the dryer.
5. Letting Stains Sit Too Long
❌ Mistake: Waiting too long before treating stains.
✅ Fix: The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove. Blot stains immediately with cold water and a stain remover before washing.
💡 Quick Stain Solutions:
- Grease stains? Use dish soap before washing.
- Ink stains? Dab with rubbing alcohol.
- Red wine spill? Sprinkle salt and blot with club soda.