Laundry is a chore most of us do regularly, but it’s surprisingly easy to make common laundry mistakes that can lead to clothes fading, shrinking, or not coming out as fresh as we’d like. In this article, we’ll discuss five of the most common laundry mistakes and provide tips on how to avoid them so your clothes stay in top shape for as long as possible.
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1. Overloading the Washer: A Common Laundry Mistake
When you’re in a hurry or want to save time, it’s tempting to stuff as many clothes as possible into the washer. However, overloading the machine is one of the most common laundry mistakes people make. It prevents clothes from getting properly clean, as there’s less room for water and detergent to circulate. This can lead to residue buildup and uneven cleaning.
How to Avoid It: Leave about a third of the washer drum empty to allow the clothes to move freely. If you’re washing large items like towels or bed sheets, consider splitting them into smaller loads to ensure they get thoroughly cleaned. Need help with wash and fold services? We’ve got you covered!
2. Using Too Much Detergent: A Laundry Mistake to Avoid
More detergent doesn’t mean cleaner clothes! In fact, using too much detergent is one of the common laundry mistakes that can actually make it harder for clothes to rinse properly, leaving them with a sticky residue. This residue can attract more dirt and bacteria, and you’ll end up with clothes that don’t feel clean.
How to Avoid It: Always follow the recommended detergent amount on the bottle. For high-efficiency (HE) washers, be sure to use HE-specific detergent to avoid excessive suds. If your clothes still aren’t coming out clean, adjust the amount slightly, but avoid using more than recommended. For more tips, check out our guide on laundry care.
3. Washing on the Wrong Temperature: Another Common Laundry Mistake
Washing everything on the same temperature setting may save time, but it can also lead to fading, shrinking, and even fabric damage. One of the common laundry mistakes people make is not separating laundry by temperature needs. Some materials, like wool, shrink in hot water, while others, like synthetics, may last longer in cooler temperatures.
How to Avoid It: Separate laundry by color and fabric type, and always check the care labels for the recommended wash temperatures. Wash whites in hot water to keep them bright, colors in cold to prevent fading, and delicate items on a gentle cycle in cold water to preserve fabric quality and shape. Learn more about delicate fabric care.
4. Ignoring Stains Until Later: A Mistake That Can Cost You
It’s easy to toss a stained shirt in the laundry basket with the intent to deal with it later. However, ignoring stains is one of the most common laundry mistakes people make. Letting stains sit makes them much harder to remove and may require multiple washes or even permanent damage to the fabric.
How to Avoid It: Treat stains as soon as possible. Use a pre-treatment spray or gently dab with a stain remover before tossing the garment in the wash. For best results, allow the stain remover to sit for a few minutes before washing to give it time to break down the stain effectively. Interested in professional stain removal services? We can help!
5. Neglecting Your Washer: A Major Laundry Mistake
A dirty washer can’t clean clothes effectively. Over time, detergent, fabric softener, and lint buildup inside the drum and other parts of the washer. This leads to a musty smell and clothes that don’t smell fresh. Neglecting to clean your washer is one of the common laundry mistakes many people overlook.
How to Avoid It: Run an empty load with hot water and white vinegar once a month to cleanse the machine. You can also leave the washer door open between washes to let it dry out and reduce mildew growth. Regularly wipe down the rubber seals and detergent drawer to prevent buildup and maintain the washer’s efficiency. If you need help with regular maintenance, check out our laundry services.
Final Thoughts on Common Laundry Mistakes
By avoiding these common laundry mistakes, you can extend the life of your clothes and keep them looking and smelling fresh. A little extra attention to these details will make your laundry routine smoother, saving you time, frustration, and potentially a lot of money on replacing damaged clothes. For professional help, don’t hesitate to explore our laundry and dry cleaning services. Happy laundering!
