These days we are blessed with the luxury of not having to hand wash each separate garment that we wear. Long gone are the days of ever having to dip our hands into a bucket of soapy water and scrub our garments clean…if only this were true.
We should still be handwashing in some cases, and this is one of the biggest mistakes I see consumers doing to this day. Here in this article I will discuss 30 common home laundry mistakes and what you can do to overcome them. Happy washing!
A clean home is a happy home.
Not using the right temperatures
When washing clothes, it is important to choose the right temperature otherwise you may damage your garments, or encourage the dyes in your garments to dilute.
Not properly sorting the laundry
When doing laundry, aim to sort your clothes into piles. First, sort the clothes into lightly/ not dyed clothes, heavily dyed clothes, and undergarments/towels. Then from each of these piles, sort them again into heavier and lighter weight garments.
Washing delicates in with heavier garments
NEVER wash delicate clothes with heavier garments. If you wash a lightweight fragile cardigan in with jeans, your cardigan will stretch, maybe lose a few buttons, or even rip.
Using too much fabric softener
The saying holds true, too much of anything is bad.
Not cleaning out the lint filter
Not cleaning out the lint filter is not only bad because lint will toss around onto all the other clean clothes, but most importantly. It is a fire hazard.
Not cleaning the machine regularly
Washing machines are just as important to keep clean as your dishwasher.
Over drying clothes
Too much heat is damaging to the garments, just like with our hair.
Not taking certain clothes out to finish drying naturally
Garments with zippers or fine material may get damaged if put in the dryer for too long, or at all. If in doubt, air dry them.
Hanging up VERY wet clothes
When we go to air dry our clothes, they should NOT be wringing wet. Try to gently squeeze the water out (don’t wring your clothes because this causes them to outstretch.)
Not wiping down the clothes line outside
If the clothes line isn’t clean, the hangers may rub dirt off of it and fall onto your freshly clean clothes.
Mixing lightly dyed clothes in with dyed clothes
Mixing dark clothes in with light clothes may cause the dyes to leak onto the other clothes.
Not flipping inside out bejeweled garments
When washing garments with sequins, embellishments, or glitter, it is VERY important to wash them inside out.
Forgetting to use a garment bag
Forgetting to use a garment bag for items such as bras and other intimates, may cause these garments to pull and wear down quicker than if they were put in a garment bag.
Not letting your bras dry naturally
Putting your bras in the dryer is an example of what NOT to put in the dryer. (no. 8)
Not Following Care label
Always read the care label before making any washing decision.
Undoing socks before they go in wash
Keeping any item folded up for a long period of time can cause mold and mildew, AND your clothes will not be fully cleaned.
Checking pockets
Leaving items in your pockets will cause a headache later. That item make ruin or damage other clothes.
Using scented detergent when you have sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin, it is important to use scent-free detergent and dryer sheets.
Placing a towel under drying clothes
When air drying clothes, don't forget to put a towel underneath them to avoid slippery floors.
Using the wrong hanger
When drying your clothes, don’t use fabric hangers because this may cause molding. Once the clothes are dry, use fabric hangers for delicate items, and riveted hangers for sleeveless garments. DON’T use riveted hangers on crochet items or garments that pull on the rivets.
Forgetting to Use a dryer sheet
When you forget to use a dryer sheet your clothes will get staticy and stick together.
Not freshen up your closet before placing the clothes back
This is one that is oftentimes overlooked. Why should we place our clothes in a dirty closet if we put our dishes in a clean cabinet? One way to freshen up your closet is to organize. Be sure your shoes aren’t touching your clean clothes.
Folding your towels incorrectly
To maximize space, fold your towels by folding the two shortest ends together (hotdog style) then rolling. (This also applies to when you need to save space when packing your luggage!) (insert link)
Using an iron vs. steamer
In broad terms, if the garment is lightweight and/or delicate use a steamer. Otherwise, use the iron and the proper setting. (Again, if the garment tag says otherwise follow those instructions.) (inset link here to garment tag meanings)
Not cleaning your iron before use
Calcium deposits, debris, and dye sometimes accumulate on the iron, and this will transfer onto your clothes if it is not cleaned beforehand (make sure it is unplugged when you go to clean it!)
Hanging out too much in one spot with the Iron
When you leave the iron sitting still in one place on the garment for too long, you will more than likely get an iron burn stain.
Not over crowding washing machine
When you put too many garments in the washer (or dryer) they do not have room to move around and actually get clean.
Utilization of the Depiller
If your garments (especially sweaters) have a lot of pills on them (bunches of cloth) use a depiller! Sometimes people see it as the end of their garment's life, when really it is just in need of this handy machine.
Checking The Suds
Right after the washing machine has been going for about 30 seconds-1 minute open the lid and check how many suds there are. If there aren’t any, add a little extra detergent.
Zip any zippers before placing them in the wash
Before placing garments in a wash, be sure to zip the zipper, otherwise the teeth of the zipper might snag other garments.