It’s laundry day! You gather your clothes, start the washer, and head off to do some other errands. Hours later, you return home, and the washer is done – but your clothes are destroyed. What went wrong? Well, odds are you made some simple mistakes that are easy to make when washing clothes. This post will look at common laundry mistakes people make that ruin their clothes. It will also provide tips on how to avoid these mistakes and keep your clothes looking their best!
Contents
- 1 Guide To Washing Your Clothes Properly
- 2 Laundry Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Clothes
- 3 Not Sorting Clothes Before Washing
- 4 Not Checking Pockets Before Washing
- 5 Over Treating Stains
- 6 Using Too Much Detergent
- 7 Doing Too Big Of Loads
- 8 Washing In Too Hot Of Water
- 9 Not Cleaning Your Washer
- 10 Avoid These Common Laundry Mistakes!
Guide To Washing Your Clothes Properly
Anyone who has ever had a piece of clothing ruined by improper washing knows how frustrating it can be. Not only is it a waste of money, but it can also be challenging to find the right replacement. Learning how to wash your clothes properly is essential to avoid this frustration. The first step is to sort your laundry according to color and fabric type, which will help to prevent colors from bleeding and fabric from shrinking.
Next, you will need to choose the right detergent and water temperature. For most fabrics, warm water and a standard detergent will suffice. However, some delicate items may require cold water or a milder detergent. Once you have chosen the correct settings, you can load your clothes into the washer and let it run its cycle.
When the cycle has stopped, transfer your clothes to the dryer or hang them up to air dry. By following these simple steps, you can help ensure that your clothes look their best for longer.
Laundry Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Clothes
Even knowing how to wash clothes properly, making mistakes that can ruin them is still easy. The following are some common laundry mistakes people make:
Not Sorting Clothes Before Washing
Sorting your laundry may seem like an extra step, but it’s crucial for preventing damage to your clothes. As mentioned before, when tossing your clothes into the washing machine, it’s essential to take a moment to sort them. Mixing different fabric types can cause friction, leading to pilling, fabric damage, and color bleeding.
To sort them, start by separating your clothes into two piles – one for light-colored items and one for dark-colored items. If you’re washing a mixture of fabrics, you’ll also want to create a third pile for delicate items. This extra step will help to keep your clothes looking their best.
Not Checking Pockets Before Washing
Checking your pockets before doing laundry is essential to keeping your clothes looking their best. Unfortunately, it’s a step that many people overlook. Pocket-lint, crumbs, and other small items can easily become lodged in the fabric of your clothing. When exposed to water and detergent, they can cause permanent staining.
In addition, these items can also damage the delicate fibers of your clothing, leading to premature wear and tear. To avoid ruining your clothes, take a moment to check your pockets before you start the laundry process. It only takes a minute, but it could save you time and money in the long run.
Over Treating Stains
You’ve just spilled your morning coffee on your brand-new blouse. As you try to scrub the stain out, you may want to reach for the strongest cleaner in your cupboard. However, using harsh chemicals or too much detergent can do more harm than good. When it comes to treating stains, less is often more. Over-treating a stain can cause the fibers of your clothes to break down, leading to premature fading and wear.
In addition, over-cleaning can strip away the natural oils that give the fabric its softness and flexibility. As a result, your clothes will look not only old before their time but also feel stiff and uncomfortable to wear. So next time you spill something on your clothes, resist the urge to go overboard with the cleaning. Patience and a gentle touch will go a long way toward preserving your garments.
Using Too Much Detergent
Most people think that using more detergent will make their clothes cleaner. However, this is a misconception. When you use too much detergent, it can cause the fabric to deteriorate and fade over time. In addition, detergent residue can attract dirt and grime, leading to premature wear and tear. It can also leave your clothes feeling stiff and uncomfortable. To avoid these problems, follow the directions on your detergent bottle and only use the amount specified.
You may even want to consider using less detergent if you have hard water, as this can help minimize soap buildup on your clothing. By following these simple tips, you can keep your clothes looking and feeling their best for longer.
Doing Too Big Of Loads
Overloading the washing machine is one of the most common laundry mistakes. While throwing everything in at once may seem like a time-saver, it can lead to longer cycle times and poor cleaning results. When the washer is overloaded, the clothes are more likely to become tangled and matted, making it difficult for the water and detergent to penetrate. As a result, you may run the cycle multiple times to clean your clothes.
Additionally, overloading can strain the washing machine unnecessarily, leading to early wear and tear. To avoid these problems, take a few minutes to sort your laundry before starting the wash cycle. That way, you can be sure that each load is properly balanced and won’t put undue stress on your machine.
Washing In Too Hot Of Water
Have you ever thought that when it comes to laundry, the hotter the water, the better? After all, hot water is excellent for getting rid of tough stains and killing bacteria, right? Well, actually, no. Washing your clothes in water that’s too hot can damage the fabric and cause colors to fade. So what’s the ideal water temperature for laundry? It depends on the type of fabric you’re washing.
Warm water (around 130 degrees Fahrenheit) is fine for most fabrics. But for delicate fabrics like wool and silk, cool or cold water is best to prevent shrinkage and damage. So next time you do laundry, check the care label first. That way, you can avoid making a mistake that could damage your clothes.
Not Cleaning Your Washer
It’s easy to forget about cleaning your washing machine, but it’s an essential part of laundry care. If you don’t clean your washer regularly, lint and detergent buildup can leave your clothes feeling stiff and scratchy. In addition, mold and mildew can form in the nooks and crannies of your washer, causing musty odors. To keep your washer clean and fresh, you should run an empty cycle with hot water and vinegar every month.
Furthermore, you should also wipe down the inside of the washer door after each use to remove any lingering detergent or water. By taking these simple steps, you can keep your washer running smoothly and ensure your clothes don’t get damaged!
Avoid These Common Laundry Mistakes!
Laundry mistakes are common, but that doesn’t mean they’re unavoidable. So next time you do laundry, remember these mistakes and take steps to avoid making them. By following proper washing techniques, you can extend the life of your clothes and keep them looking their best. Even if it takes a little longer, your clothes will thank you in the end! And who doesn’t love clothes that last?
