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Washing Machine: Common Mistakes That Ruin Your Clothes
Your washing machine is a modern-day miracle that takes care of most of your laundry tasks. But while it might seem like a foolproof device, many of us unknowingly make mistakes that can damage our clothes, shorten the lifespan of fabrics, or even cause laundry disasters. Whether you’re washing delicate items, tackling tough stains, or simply trying to keep your clothes looking fresh, understanding the common washing machine mistakes can help you protect your wardrobe and get the best results every time.
Let’s take a closer look at the common mistakes that could be ruining your clothes—and how to avoid them.
1. Overloading the Washing Machine
The Mistake: It’s tempting to cram as many clothes as possible into a washing machine to save time and energy. However, overloading the machine can be detrimental to both your clothes and the washer itself.
Why it’s a problem: Overcrowding prevents clothes from moving freely during the wash cycle. This leads to improper cleaning and excessive wear on fabrics as they rub against each other. It can also strain the motor, causing the washing machine to wear out faster.
How to avoid it: Always check your washing machine’s capacity before loading. Generally, you should fill the drum about 75% of the way for optimal washing. For delicate fabrics, consider washing them separately to avoid damaging them.
2. Using Too Much Detergent
The Mistake: More detergent doesn’t necessarily mean cleaner clothes. Many people mistakenly pour in extra detergent, thinking it will get their clothes cleaner.
Why it’s a problem: Excess detergent doesn’t rinse out properly, leaving a soapy residue on your clothes. This buildup can irritate your skin and make fabrics feel stiff. It can also lead to a slimy buildup in the machine, which can cause unpleasant odors or mold growth in the washer.
How to avoid it: Always follow the detergent’s instructions for the correct amount to use, taking into account the size of your load and the water hardness. For high-efficiency washers, use a smaller amount than usual, as they require less detergent.
3. Washing Clothes in the Wrong Temperature
The Mistake: We often assume that hot water is best for all laundry loads. However, washing everything in hot water can actually damage fabrics, especially over time.
Why it’s a problem: Hot water can cause fabrics to shrink, fade, and lose their shape. It can also cause delicate fabrics like wool, silk, or lace to become misshapen or damaged. On the other hand, cold water may not dissolve detergent properly or remove certain stains.
How to avoid it: For regular laundry, use cold water to save energy and preserve colors. Warm water is ideal for washing everyday clothing and removing oils or dirt. Save hot water for things like bed linens, towels, or items that need sanitizing. Always check the care labels for each item to determine the optimal washing temperature.
4. Forgetting to Sort Laundry Properly
The Mistake: Tossing all your laundry into the washing machine without sorting it can lead to damaged clothes and color transfer.
Why it’s a problem: Dark clothes, especially new items, can bleed color onto lighter garments, resulting in dull or stained clothes. Additionally, mixing delicate fabrics with heavy items like jeans or towels can cause delicate garments to stretch or tear.
How to avoid it: Sort your laundry by color (dark, light, and whites) and by fabric type (delicates, towels, heavy fabrics). Washing delicate items in mesh bags and setting the machine to a gentle cycle can help prevent damage.
5. Not Zipping Up Zippers or Buttoning Up Clothes
The Mistake: Leaving zippers down or buttons undone while washing clothes is an easy oversight, but it can be damaging.
Why it’s a problem: Zippers can catch on other fabrics, causing tears or snags. Unbuttoned shirts or pants can become misshapen or cause extra stress on the fabric.
How to avoid it: Always zip up zippers and button up shirts, pants, and jackets before washing. This prevents them from getting caught on other items or stretching out of shape. For extra protection, consider turning clothes inside out or placing them in laundry bags.
6. Leaving Clothes in the Washer Too Long
The Mistake: After the wash cycle finishes, many of us leave clothes sitting in the washing machine for hours—sometimes even overnight.
Why it’s a problem: Leaving clothes damp for an extended period of time creates the perfect environment for mold and bacteria to grow. It can also cause fabrics to develop musty odors, making them unpleasant to wear.
How to avoid it: Try to unload the washing machine as soon as the cycle is finished. If you can’t get to it immediately, set a timer or alarm to remind yourself to remove the clothes and hang them up to dry.
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