Doing laundry seems simple enough—throw your clothes in the machine, add detergent, and press start. However, small mistakes can lead to shrinking, fading, and damage to your favourite outfits. To help you keep your clothes in top condition, here are some common laundry mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.
1. Overloading the Machine
Stuffing too many clothes into your washing machine can prevent proper cleaning and rinsing. Clothes need space to move around for an effective wash. How to avoid it: Follow the machine’s load capacity and wash large items separately.
2. Using Too Much Detergent
More detergent doesn’t mean cleaner clothes. Excess soap can leave residue, making fabrics feel stiff and causing skin irritation. How to avoid it: Use the recommended amount of detergent as per the label instructions.
3. Ignoring Care Labels
Each fabric has different washing needs, and ignoring care labels can lead to damage such as shrinking or colour bleeding. How to avoid it: Always check the label before washing and follow the suggested washing method.
4. Mixing Colours Incorrectly
Washing dark and light clothes together can lead to colour transfer, leaving your whites looking dull. How to avoid it: Separate clothes into whites, lights, and darks before washing.
5. Using Too Much Heat
High temperatures can shrink fabrics and fade colours quickly. How to avoid it: Wash delicate and synthetic fabrics in cold or warm water and use lower heat settings when drying.
6. Not Cleaning the Washing Machine
A dirty washing machine can spread bacteria and detergent buildup onto your clothes. How to avoid it: Clean your washing machine monthly using a mix of vinegar and baking soda.
7. Leaving Wet Clothes in the Machine
Forgetting your laundry in the washing machine for too long can cause a musty smell and even mould growth. How to avoid it: Remove clothes immediately after washing and dry them promptly.
8. Skipping the Sorting Step
Throwing all clothes together may seem convenient, but different fabrics need different care. Delicate items can get damaged when washed with heavy fabrics like denim. How to avoid it: Sort by fabric type and washing instructions before starting a load.
9. Overusing Fabric Softener
While fabric softeners make clothes feel soft, they can also leave a coating that reduces absorbency, especially on towels. How to avoid it: Use fabric softener sparingly and consider natural alternatives like white vinegar.
10. Not Pre-Treating Stains
Tossing a stained garment straight into the wash can make the stain set permanently. How to avoid it: Treat stains immediately with a stain remover or mild detergent before washing.
11. Using the Wrong Dryer Settings
Drying clothes at the highest setting can cause shrinking and fabric wear over time. How to avoid it: Use a lower heat setting or air dry delicate items.
12. Not Buttoning or Zipping Up Clothes
Unfastened buttons and zippers can snag other garments, leading to damage. How to avoid it: Always fasten buttons and zips before placing clothes in the wash.
13. Ironing at the Wrong Temperature
Using the wrong heat setting can burn or damage delicate fabrics. How to avoid it: Check garment labels for ironing instructions and use the correct heat level.
14. Using Bleach on the Wrong Fabrics
Bleach can weaken certain fabrics and cause discolouration. How to avoid it: Use bleach only when necessary and follow the fabric’s care instructions.
15. Ignoring Professional Cleaning Needs
Some fabrics, like wool, silk, and suits, require professional dry cleaning. How to avoid it: Take special garments to a trusted dry cleaner like Stony Dry Cleaners for proper care.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these common laundry mistakes will help extend the life of your clothes and keep them looking their best. When in doubt, always check care labels and consider professional cleaning services for delicate and high-value garments.
Need expert cleaning? Visit Stony Dry Cleaners or call us at 01908 263001 for professional garment care.
