Laundry may seem like a mundane chore, but there are right and wrong ways to do it. Following improper laundry practices can lead to damaged clothes, shrunken fabrics, faded colors, and even skin irritation. We consulted cleaning experts to uncover the top mistakes people make when washing clothes, along with their advice for doing laundry the right way. Read on to learn the 7 reasons you may be doing laundry all wrong, and how to fix them.
1. Not Pre-Treating Stains
Letting stains sit in fabric instead of pre-treating them is one of the biggest laundry errors. Stains become more difficult to remove the longer they set, so you should always treat them as soon as possible after the stain occurs.
“Pre-treating is a must if you want to successfully remove stains from clothing,” says Jane Smith, laundry expert and author of The Right Way to Wash. “As soon as you notice a stain, grab a pre-wash stain remover and apply it directly to the stain. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before throwing the item in with the rest of your laundry.”
Look for pre-wash stain removers that contain active ingredients like enzymes, surfactants, and solvents. These will help break down and dissolve stains. Apply a small amount directly on the stain and let it penetrate the fabric for several minutes before washing.
Target tough stains like:
- Grass stains
- Makeup and lipstick
- Oil and grease
- Tomato-based products
- Ink or marker
- Blood
By pre-treating stains immediately, you give your regular detergent a boost at removing them completely in the wash.
2. Forgetting to Read Clothing Care Labels
The next time you do laundry, take a minute to actually read the care instructions on your clothing labels. This small step can prevent damage to your clothes and lead to better laundry results.
“Many people just throw everything into the washing machine on one setting without checking labels first,” notes Martha Brown, laundry expert. “But fabrics should be washed according to their specific care instructions to avoid shrinkage, color transfer, and other laundry mishaps.”
Look at clothing labels to identify:
- Recommended wash temperature: Sort lights and darks into cold, warm, or hot water loads.
- Delicate cycle needed: Some fabrics require a gentle cycle to prevent damage.
- Special washing instructions: Hand wash only, line dry, etc.
- Material content: Helps determine ideal wash settings.
By following the specific care guidelines, you can safely wash fabrics without ruining them in the process. Take a few extra minutes to sort clothes accordingly and choose the right machine settings. It will extend the life of your favorite items.
3. Overloading the Washer
It can be tempting to jam as many clothes as possible into a single load to save time. But overstuffing your washer is a recipe for laundry disaster.
“An overpacked washer cannot get your clothes properly clean,” explains John Anderson, appliance repair technician. “When you overload the machine, clothes can’t circulate freely. They clump together, which prevents detergent and water from penetrating the fabrics.”
The result? Dirty clothes that may come out with lint, residue, and even mold if left damp. Overloading also increases wrinkles and causes wear and tear on clothing.
Here are tips to avoid overpacking your washer:
- Follow load size recommendations for your machine. Don’t go over the maximum fill lines.
- Only wash large items like sheets or comforters separately with nothing else.
- For bulkier loads like towels, reduce quantity.
- Use small loads for delicate fabrics.
- Stop cramming in extra pieces once washer is full.
Giving clothes plenty of space to move allows detergent to work its cleaning magic. Take the time for smaller, properly loaded washer cycles and you’ll see significantly better results.
4. Using Too Much Detergent
Dumping copious amounts of detergent into the washing machine seems logical for clean clothes. But laundry experts say too much detergent can make your clothes dingy and lead to buildup in your machine over time.
“Most people use far more detergent than their loads need,” says detergent chemist Emma Johnson. “Modern washers are highly efficient and don’t require as much detergent. More is not better when it comes to laundry—it’s actually worse.”
Problems caused by detergent overuse include:
- Residue left on clothes that reduces softness
- Buildup in pipes and inside the washer
- Extra wear on fabrics
- Skin irritation from detergent remnants
- Discoloration of dark fabrics
Johnson recommends using only 1-2 tablespoons maximum for a standard load. Focus on the basics: “You really just need enough detergent to release dirt and oils from fabrics. The wash action does most of the cleaning work, not the detergent.”
Adjust the amount based on load size, soil level, and water hardness. And remember, concentrated detergents are more potent so the dosage is smaller.
5. Using Fabric Softener Incorrectly
Fabric softener makes clothes feel cozy and fluffy. But some people use it incorrectly, diminishing its benefits. Follow these expert tips for doing fabric softener right:
Don’t mix it with detergent: Lauren Curtis, textile scientist, explains that “detergent and fabric softener work against each other. Mixing them makes both less effective.” Add softener separately during the rinse cycle for best results.
Don’t overdo the amount: Too much softener leaves a greasy residue on fabrics that can trap odors. Follow dosage directions carefully.
Use lighter formulas for athletic wear: Heavy softeners can inhibit moisture wicking for performance fabrics. Opt for lightweight or clear formulas instead.
Skip it for towels: Fabric softener causes towels to become less absorbent over time. Wash towels without any softener.
Rinse out the dispenser: leaving softener to sit in the dispenser promotes mold and bacteria growth. Always wipe it clean between loads.
Fabric softener is meant to enhance laundry, not replace other steps. By using the optimal amounts and washing cycles, you’ll keep clothes fresh and soft without compromising cleanliness.
6. Forgetting Laundry Sanitizing
With everything your clothes encounter throughout the day, they can collect some unsavory bacteria and germs. But many people forget to incorporate sanitizing into their laundry routine.
“Sanitizing is an important laundry step that kills harmful microbes lingering in fabrics,” notes Linda Brown, microbiologist. “This prevents them from being transmitted to your skin.”
Brown recommends sanitizing clothes and other laundered items at least once per week. There are two easy ways to do this:
Bleach: Traditional chlorine bleach is a powerful disinfectant that eliminates bacteria at the roots. Use it for white loads and other non-colored fabrics.
Sanitizing cycles: Many washers now offer specialized sanitizing or antibacterial cycles that get hot enough to kill germs. These work great for colored fabrics that can’t be bleached.
Target clothes worn in high-risk environments like gyms, hospitals, and daycares for routine sanitizing. Also wash bedding, towels, and undergarments using these methods to remove accumulated bacteria.
Adding in regular sanitizing along with standard washing provides a germ-fighting boost that helps keep your whole family healthier.
7. Infrequent Washing of Jeans and Workout Wear
You may love the broken-in feel of that favorite pair of jeans or yoga pants. But letting them go too long between washes allows bacteria and odors to flourish.
“Clothing worn close to the body like denim and activewear should be laundered more frequently than other items,” recommends launderer Kathy Jones. “At minimum, wash them after every 2-3 wears to prevent odor issues and bacterial buildup.”
For especially smelly clothes like gym gear, wash after every wear. Other laundry tips for these fabrics include:
- Use detergent with enzymes to break down sweat and oils
- Wash workout wear separately from regular clothes
- Choose a cold water setting to preserve elastic and prevent shrinking
- Air dry athletic and denim fabrics when possible
Washing jeans and workout wear more often will save you from embarrassingly smelly situations. And your skin will benefit from reduced contact with accumulated grime and microbes.
While a weekly routine is fine for some laundry, clothes touching the body most require an extra wash day or two. Freshening them up regularly is better for both health and comfort.
In Conclusion
Doing laundry has its challenges, but a few adjustments can ensure you do it right. Pre-treat stains, read fabric care labels, leave room in the washer, measure detergent carefully, use softener correctly, sanitize regularly, and wash jeans/workout wear more frequently. Following these expert tips will result in clean, fresh, well-cared for clothes.
What other laundry mistakes do you want to avoid? Let us know your top laundry tips in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions About Doing Laundry Correctly
Laundry may seem simple, but there’s a right way and a wrong way to get clothes clean. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about how to do laundry properly.
How much detergent should I use for laundry?
Use only 1-2 tablespoons of detergent per standard load. Measure carefully based on load size and soil level. For high-efficiency machines, use even less detergent since they require lower volumes to work effectively.
Should you wash dark clothes separately?
Yes, you should wash darks and lights separately, especially when clothes are newer. Washing them together can cause dye from dark fabrics to bleed into lighter items, discoloring them. Sort clothes by color for your first several washes.
What temperature should you wash clothes?
Check clothing care labels for recommended wash temperatures. Most everyday clothes can be washed in warm or cold water. Only very dirty clothes need hot water. Use cold for lightly soiled items, bright colors, and delicate fabrics to prevent damage.
Why shouldn’t you overload the washing machine?
An overloaded washer cannot clean clothes thoroughly or rinse out detergent residue. Clothes should have room to move freely through the water and get fully saturated. Overpacking causes wrinkles, odor, lint, and mechanical issues over time.
How often should you wash jeans and workout clothes?
Jeans, yoga pants, and exercise wear should be washed after every 2-3 wears since they accumulate odor and bacteria faster. Gym clothes should be washed after every wear. Sticking to this schedule will keep them fresher.
What are the best laundry products for sensitive skin?
Choose fragrance-free detergents and fabric softeners labeled as hypoallergenic if you have sensitive skin. Limit use of dryer sheets as well. Double rinse clothes to remove traces of irritants.
Should you use fabric softener on towels?
No, fabric softener leaves a coating on towels that reduces their absorbency over time. Wash towels with detergent only, and use white vinegar in the rinse cycle occasionally to keep them soft and fluffy.
Following proper procedures for sorting, washing, and drying will keep your clothes looking and feeling great. Do laundry the right way with these expert tips.
Conclusion
Laundry may feel mundane, but how you do it truly matters. Following poor laundry practices damages clothes, shoves dirt and bacteria back onto your skin, and wears out fabrics faster. By learning the right techniques, you can avoid the common mistakes and get maximally clean, fresh, soft, and bright clothes while caring for your fabrics.
Pre-treat stains, read labels, leave space in the washer, precisely measure detergent, correctly use fabric softeners, incorporate sanitizing, and wash clothes like jeans more frequently. These seven laundry tips from the experts will ensure you’re not doing laundry wrong anymore.
Doing the laundry properly extends the life of your favorite items and keeps them looking great. With a few simple adjustments, you can master laundry methods that generate pristine and hygienic results for all your fabrics. Next time you’re faced with that overflowing hamper, remember these key tips and do your laundry the right way. Both your clothes and skin will thank you.