Even if you've been using a washing machine for years, it's worth questioning your methods. If your clothes aren't coming out as fresh and soft as you'd like, or worse, if the washer damages your clothing, you might be doing something wrong.
There is a ‘right’ way to wash clothes in a washing machine that prevents damage and ensures the cleanest results. From common dos and don’ts to often-overlooked tips, we're here to guide you. Read on to see if you’ve been making any laundry mistakes.
Separate Colours
Separating colors is crucial, and it's not just about sorting lights from darks. Brightly colored clothes, like reds and oranges, should also be washed separately as they may bleed during the wash. While you don't need to wash every color individually, grouping similar shades together in one cycle is advisable. Additionally, hang your laundry out to dry immediately after the wash to prevent colors from running onto each other.
Sort Dirty from ‘Very’ Dirty
It's important to separate your laundry not just by color, but also by soil level. Lightly soiled items like pajamas and housewear should be washed separately from heavily soiled items such as muddy clothes, gym wear, and dirty socks. Mixing them can result in dirt spreading to lightly soiled items, necessitating a second wash. To ensure effective cleaning, sort your laundry beforehand and wash heavily soiled items separately from the lightly soiled ones.
Don’t Mix Abrasive Fabrics with Delicates
For a safe and effective wash, it's crucial to separate abrasive fabrics from delicates. Mixing items like denim with delicate fabrics can cause significant damage during the wash cycle. Use mesh laundry bags designed for underwear and other delicate items to protect them from wear and tear while ensuring a thorough clean. These bags allow for effective washing while safeguarding your delicate fabrics.
Wash Sheets One at a Time
Do your sheets often come out of the wash twisted and tangled with other items? This common issue not only makes them difficult to untangle when wet but also affects the wash quality. Twisting prevents sheets from moving freely, leading to uneven cleaning. To avoid this, wash sheets with smaller items or delicates placed in a laundry bag. This helps prevent twisting and ensures a thorough clean for all items.
Don’t Overuse/Underuse Laundry Detergent
Using too much or too little laundry detergent may seem harmless, but it can have negative effects on your clothes and the washing process. Excessive detergent doesn't necessarily mean cleaner clothes; instead, it can be harsh on delicate fabrics and leave residues, making clothes stiff. This may require an extra rinse, wasting water and time.
Conversely, underusing detergent results in insufficient cleaning, necessitating a second wash. To determine the right amount, check the label on the detergent bottle or experiment until you find the perfect balance for each load.
Turn Denims Inside-Out Before Washing
Do you hear strange noises resembling coins banging inside your washing machine during a cycle? These sounds are often caused by buttons on jeans or denim jackets. Not only does this damage the clothing but it can also scratch the washing machine.
To prevent this, zip up and button your jeans and turn them inside-out before washing. Similarly, denim jackets and shirts should also be buttoned up and turned inside-out to protect both the clothing and the washing machine.
Double-Check Pockets
We often forget to empty our pockets before tossing clothes into the washing machine. Items like keys and coins can cause damage, from fabric snags to scratches on the washer. To prevent this, always double-check pockets before starting a wash cycle. This applies to shirts, shorts, jackets, and any other clothing items with pockets.
Do a Color Fastness Test on New Fabrics
While older clothes may not bleed color, new fabrics can lose color during their initial washes, especially bright or vibrant ones. To avoid color transfer, perform a color fastness test before washing new items. Dampen a white towel and dab it on the material; if dye transfers, wash the item separately for 1 or 2 cycles. You can also add an old white cloth to check if the color is still running. This simple test ensures your new fabrics retain their vibrant colors without staining other clothes.
Learn What Items Can and Cannot be Machine-Washed
One of the most common laundry mistakes is washing items in your machine that should be dry cleaned. Certain clothing articles or fabrics, such as blazers, suits, tuxedos, suede, and leather, are likely to be damaged beyond repair if machine-washed.
While most clothing items indicate their appropriate cleaning method on the tag or label, it's essential to have a general understanding of which items require dry cleaning. Avoid damaging your clothes and washer by ensuring these items are dry cleaned to maintain their quality and integrity.
Clean the Lint Trap, Filter, and Hose
Regularly cleaning the lint trap is common knowledge, but don't overlook the filter and hose attached to the back of the machine. These parts also accumulate dirt and bacteria, requiring thorough cleaning at least once a year. To clean the filter, use a clean toothbrush and detergent to scrub it.
For the hose, use a long brush like a bottle brush to clean the inside. Alternatively, soak the hose in a cleaning solution for an hour before rinsing it thoroughly. Additionally, periodically deep clean your washing machine to maintain clean and sanitary interiors.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of laundry involves more than just throwing clothes into the washing machine. Proper sorting, handling, and maintenance are essential for achieving clean, fresh-smelling clothes while preserving their quality and extending the life of your washing machine.
Start by separating colors to prevent bleeding and preserve garment integrity. Additionally, sort laundry by soil level to ensure effective cleaning and avoid cross-contamination. Delicates should always be washed separately from abrasive fabrics to prevent damage.
Perform a color fastness test on new fabrics to prevent color transfer during washing. It's also vital to understand which items require dry cleaning to avoid irreversible damage.
Lastly, don't forget to regularly clean the lint trap, filter, and hose to maintain your washing machine's efficiency and hygiene. By following these guidelines, you can achieve optimal laundry results while prolonging the life of your clothes and washing machine.
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