Laundry Mistakes You May Not Realize You're Making

Do your clothes sometimes come out of the laundry looking even less appealing than when they went in? Whether you're dealing with persistent stains, shrunken garments, or washing machines that aren't up to scratch, most of us have had our fair share of laundry-related blunders. Unfortunately, there's a little more to laundry than simply piling our clothes into the washer and dryer. Overlooking all the extra steps and precautions can lead to problems for both your appliances and clothing, and many of us have been guilty of doing so at some point! Below, we've rounded up some of the most common laundry mistakes and how to avoid them in the future.

Washing All of Your Garments at the Same Temperature

Using the same temperature setting for every load of laundry is a mistake far too many people make. Depending on the nature of the fabric and how soiled the item is, it may be more suited to cold, warm, or hot water. In general, cold water is best for delicate fabrics like wool or silk, as hot water can be harsh on these materials, often shortening their lifespan. Also, higher temperatures can cause shrinking, sometimes leading to ill-fitting garments! However, if your clothes are heavily stained or need to be properly sanitized, you'll need to turn up the heat.

Not Reading the Care Labels Carefully (Or at All!)

We're all familiar with the care labels found on each article of clothing, but how frequently do you actually read them? Using the wrong temperature, washing cycle, and pre-treatments can cause quite a lot of damage to your items. It may require some extra time, but you'll thank yourself in the long run. Keep in mind that some garments can only be hand-washed, while others need to be kept out of the dryer or far from the heat of an iron. For this reason, paying attention to these labels is a must.

Overloading the Washing Machine or Dryer

Stuffing too many items into the washing machine or dryer can cause a host of different problems. Firstly, these appliances can't perform to the best of their abilities, as they're not fit to hold loads over a certain weight. As a result, you might notice your clothes aren't fully cleaned by the end of a cycle, or some items are still wet even after hours in the dryer. Moreover, overloading your machine repeatedly will cause it to wear down quicker than it typically would, meaning you'll need to fork out and purchase a replacement.

Using Too Much Detergent

It's easy to assume that it's better to have too much detergent than too little, but that's not necessarily the case. Adding excess detergent of any kind causes too many suds to build up in your machine. Most washers can only drain so much liquid at a time, leaving your clothes with untreated stains and detergent residue. Over time, your machine may begin to accumulate unwashed bacteria from your clothes that can contaminate every item you place inside. As you may have guessed, this can also affect the efficiency of your machine.

Not Pre-treating Stains

Have you ever taken your clothes out of the machine and wondered why some stains continue to linger even though you've chosen a setting with a high temperature? There's a good chance you didn't pre-treat the stain or do so correctly. Coffee, tomato sauce, red wine, blood, and oil are among the toughest stains to remove. They usually require a little more elbow grease than your average stain, and you'll most likely need to give it some extra care. Depending on the fabric and intensity of the stain, you may need to try out overnight soaking, scrubbing with dish soap, specialized stain removers, and white vinegar mixtures.

Checking the Pockets Before Starting a Cycle

When you're quickly trying to put on a wash, checking the pockets of your jeans and jackets is probably the last thing on your mind. However, foreign objects in your washer can harm the machine's efficiency while simultaneously ruining your clothes. Coins, pens, and earphones are among the most common offenders. Any of these items can impair the washer's ability to drain water, but they can also damage the drum and scratch the glass door of front-loading machines. Pens are much more troublesome than they seem, as the ink can leave nasty stains on any item it comes into contact with.

Overwashing Your Clothes

Of course, keeping your clothes fresh and clean is essential for hygiene purposes and to ensure they look their best. That said, there's such a thing as overwashing your clothing. Even some high-quality garments can begin to break down after a certain amount of washes due to shrinkage, thinning material, and faded coloring. We're not suggesting you wear dirty clothes, but try not to consistently wear the same pieces, as doing so will mean they'll require more washes than average. Anything that's close-fitting, like underwear, socks, and most tops, will need to be washed after each use. Yet this doesn't always ring true for trousers, skirts, jackets, and sweaters worn over a tank top or camisole.

Not Cleaning Your Washing Machine and Dryer Regularly

Like any other appliance in your home, washers and dryers need frequent cleaning and maintenance. Mold and grime can build up inside your washing machine and along the seal of the door. This can lead to foul smells, a malfunctioning machine, and even health problems from harmful bacteria. Dryers should also be cleaned regularly. If the lint trap isn't cleared out, dryers can become incredibly hazardous and are susceptible to going on fire. In the same vein, you should always check that the vent is clear, unblocked, and free from dirt.

Up Your Laundry Game by Avoiding These Common Mishaps

Usually, doing laundry is inescapable, but making these recurring errors doesn't have to be! Being a tad more careful and conscious each time you run a load of laundry will ensure you're left with clothes and appliances that are clean, fit for purpose, and undamaged.