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6. Ignoring the Care Labels on Clothes
The Mistake:
Many of us skip the care labels on our clothes, thinking we know how to handle them, but this can lead to ruining delicate fabrics or causing shrinkage and color fading.
How to Avoid It:
Before throwing items in the washer, always read the care labels for each garment. It will tell you whether the item should be washed in cold or warm water, if it’s machine washable or needs hand washing, and any special instructions to prevent damage.
7. Leaving Wet Clothes in the Washer Too Long
The Mistake:
Leaving wet clothes in the washing machine for too long after a cycle ends is a mistake many people make, often because they forget about them or are too busy to unload the machine right away. This leads to a musty odor, and it’s harder to get clothes dry and fresh.
How to Avoid It:
As soon as your washing machine cycle ends, take the clothes out promptly. If you’re unable to remove them immediately, set a reminder to unload the washer to prevent musty odors and mildew. If you notice a smell, run a quick wash cycle with just water and a bit of vinegar to freshen up the drum.
Bonus Tip: Regularly Check the Filter
The Mistake:
The lint or filter trap in your washing machine can become clogged over time, which reduces the efficiency of the machine, causing it to work harder than necessary. This can also lead to smaller items of clothing getting caught and damaged.
How to Avoid It:
Make it a habit to check the filter or lint trap after every few loads. Some washing machines have self-cleaning filters, but if yours doesn’t, it’s important to manually remove lint, debris, and other buildups to keep the machine running smoothly.
Conclusion
While washing clothes might seem like a simple task, it’s easy to fall into bad habits that can damage both your clothes and washing machine. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can extend the life of your washing machine, ensure your clothes are thoroughly cleaned, and prevent unnecessary damage to both.
Take a few extra moments to check your laundry routine and make these small adjustments to improve the effectiveness of your laundry day. With these tips, you’ll have cleaner clothes, a better-functioning washing machine, and less wear and tear in the long run!
