Did you know?
An average American spends nearly 10 minutes doing laundry daily, over an hour a week, and more than 60 hours a year. And most households do almost 400 loads a year. This means that we spend three full days of our lives only washing and managing our clothes.
It is quite understated to say that laundry is a part of our daily life, and yet we often do it wrong. Yeah, you have read it right. Many people are not aware of how to wash and dry their clothes appropriately. And this has inspired us to come up with this blog listing the common laundry mistakes. Let’s get started.
Washing Everything Together
Washing all the clothes together is one of the most frequent laundry mistakes. Dark clothes, light clothes, towels, jeans, and delicate fabrics are usually mixed in the same load. This causes color bleeding, fabric damage, and rough textures.
Dark clothes may bleed onto light clothes, making them look dull or gray. Heavy items such as jeans and towels rub against soft materials, leading to pilling and wear. Therefore, make sure to sort clothes based on color and type of fabric. Of course, it can take a bit of time. But it will save your clothes in the long run. Don’t skip the sorting of clothes just because you are in a rush.
Using Too Much Detergent
It is a common belief that more detergent means cleaner clothes. But that can ruin the fabrics of your clothes.
Excessive detergent does not rinse out and is likely to stay trapped in fibers. As a result, your clothes feel stiff and rough. It also attracts dirt, making clothes duller at a faster rate. With time, the accumulation of detergents weakens the fibers, shortening the life of your clothes.
Always use the recommended amount of detergent. Modern detergents are strong, so a little quantity is enough to do the job.
Ignoring Care Labels
Care labels exist for a reason, but many people cut them off or ignore them completely. Only 35% of people always read them before washing their clothes.
Keep in mind that all fabrics respond differently to water temperature, washing cycles, and drying techniques.
A regular machine cycle may stretch or tear a shirt that has a “hand wash only” label. Drying clothes that should be air-dried can shrink them permanently.
Care labels may not be interesting to read, but following them helps avoid costly mistakes and makes clothes last longer. You can also refer to this ACI’s fabric care symbol guide to understand the symbols on those care labels or tags.
Washing Clothes Too Often
Another common laundry mistake is washing clothes after each use.
You do not have to wash all the clothes each time you wear them. Washing clothes often weakens fibers and fades the colors, as well as affects the elasticity. You can wear outfits like jeans, sweaters, jackets, and some trousers several times before washing. Instead of tossing them into the laundry basket more often, airing them after use helps remove odors and keeps them fresh. Wash them only when it is necessary.
Using Hot Water for Everything
Hot water is the most preferable option for cleaning. But it can be harsh on most fabrics. It can lead to fast fading and shrinking.
Fibers dissolve more quickly in hot water and give colors a bleak appearance. Ordinary clothes normally require cold or warm water. Hot water must be used on the heavily soiled items, such as towels or bed sheets. Apart from protecting clothes, using cold water helps save energy. According to the American Cleaning Institute, 90% of a washing machine’s power is used just to heat the water.
Washing Machine Overloading
Putting more than the required number of clothes in the washing machine saves time, but ruins clothes. One of the common laundry mistakes is overloading, which does not allow the laundry to be properly cleaned and rinsed. Clothes clash against each other when the drum is overcrowded. Detergent and water are not able to move, leaving dirt and soap in clothing. This causes quicker wear and unpleasant smells. Providing ample space for clothes lets them move freely and be washed softly.
Wearing Buttons and Zippers Open.
Do you forget to zip zippers or button shirts before washing? Well, it has become a common practice. But this can cause big problems.
This is because open zippers are likely to catch on fabric and cause tears. Loose buttons hit the drum and weaken stitching. It is quite easy to turn clothes inside out to close zippers and buttons. Putting that precaution into practice keeps your clothes safe.
Drying Clothes on High Heat
Of course, yes. High heat dries your clothes quicker. However, it is not good for your clothes’ health. It leads to shrinkage, color fading, and weakens the fabrics. Constant exposure to hot weather gradually destroys the quality of fabric. Not only do high temperatures damage fabrics, but they also account for nearly 6% of a home’s total energy consumption, as found by one report.
Fine fabrics, sportswear, and cotton products take a heavy toll from this wrong washing practice. Therefore, always use low heat settings as it keeps clothes in their shape and softness. Or you can air-dry them.
Failing to clean the Washing Machine
Washing clothes requires attention. But what about your washing machine?
A dirty washing machine causes musty smells, residue buildup, and poor washing results. Over time, detergent residue, fabric softener, and dirt accumulate inside the machine. This accumulation is transferred to clothes. That’s why it is important to take care of your machine too. A regular cleaning cycle will keep the machine clean and safeguard your laundry.
Inaccurate Application of Fabric Softener
Fabric softener feels nice; however, it is not always good to use it with each laundry load.
It decreases absorbency on towels. It prevents moisture-wicking capability on sportswear. The excessive use leaves a coating on fabric.
The sage advice—use fabric softener only when it is required. For some fabrics, skipping it completely helps clothes perform better and last longer.
Drying Everything in Direct Sunlight
Direct sun can make clothes fade fast; therefore, one needs to dry clothes in the sun, which is natural. Dark garments, printed materials, and delicate ones lose their brightness after being subjected to severe sunlight over and over again.
Dry clothes in the shade or inside out in order to preserve color. It is also one of the easy habits that helps avoid one of the most common laundry mistakes that people make without realizing it.
Incorrect Temperature of Ironing
Ironing does not seem to be dangerous, though the incorrect temperature ruins the fabric. Fibers may be burned or weakened by high heat. Synthetic fabrics are simple to melt, whereas cotton requires more heat.
Before ironing, it is important to check the type of fabric to avoid permanent damage to clothes. This little action helps with long-term clothing care tips that most individuals overlook.
Failure to Treat Stains Effectively.
Aggressive rubbing of stains or waiting too long before washing aggravates stains. Some stains set permanently when exposed to heat. Over 35% of Americans admit to treating all stains the same, according to one report.
Washing stains immediately and softly prevents damage to fabrics. Applying the correct technique to each stain protects the fibers. Always use cold water first to remove stains caused by food, sweat, and blood. Only use warm or hot water if the care label allows it or the stain is oil-based. Also, rinse or treat the stain from the back side of the fabric.
Over to You…
Laundry mistakes may seem small, but over time they add up to ruin your clothes, costing you money, and damaging your adorable items. By following the right clothing care tips, you can extend the life of your wardrobe as well as make your clothes look better, feel softer, and last much longer.
If you don’t have time or resources for laundry, we have got you covered with our tailored laundry services backed by timely delivery and great prices. Reach out to us now!