15 Laundry Mistakes That are More Common Than You Think

Did you know that the average American family does about 300 loads of laundry per year?1 Doing laundry seems simple enough, but there are a surprising number of ways it can go wrong.

We’ve all been there – a shrunken sweater, a dull white shirt, or a lingering musty smell. Common laundry mistakes can ruin your clothes and even damage your washing machine.

Here are 15 most frequent laundry mishaps and how to avoid them.

1. Overloading the Washing Machine

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Stuffing your washer to the brim might seem like a time-saver, but it can actually prevent your clothes from getting clean. When there’s no room for the clothes to move around, the detergent can’t properly penetrate the fibers, leading to subpar results.

The solution? Follow your washing machine’s recommended capacity, which is usually about three-quarters full. This allows enough space for the clothes to tumble freely and ensures a thorough cleaning.

2. Using Too Much Detergent

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More detergent doesn’t equal cleaner clothes. In fact, using too much can leave a residue on your garments, making them feel stiff and look dull. Excess suds can also trap dirt and cause buildup in your washing machine over time.

Stick to the recommended amount of detergent listed on the packaging. For most loads, you only need about a tablespoon of liquid detergent or a single laundry pod. Adjust the amount based on the size of your load and the level of soiling.

3. Not Sorting Laundry by Color & Fabric Type

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Tossing all your clothes into the washer together might save time, but it can lead to color bleeding and fabric damage. Dark colors can bleed onto lighter items, while heavy fabrics like towels can cause more delicate pieces to wear out faster.

Always sort your laundry by color (whites, darks, and colors) and fabric type (heavy, normal, and delicate). This prevents color transfer and ensures each item gets the appropriate care.

4. Ignoring Care Labels

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Those little tags on your clothes aren’t just there for show. Care labels provide essential information on how to wash, dry, and iron each garment to keep it looking its best. Ignoring these instructions can lead to shrinkage, stretching, or fading.

Take a moment to read the care labels before washing. Follow the recommended water temperature, cycle type, and drying method. If a tag says “dry clean only,” believe it – attempting to wash it at home could ruin the item.

5. Leaving Stains Untreated

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When a spill happens, it’s tempting to toss the item straight into the hamper and deal with it later. But the longer a stain sits, the harder it becomes to remove. Enzymes in food and drink stains can even cause permanent damage if left untreated.

Act fast when a stain occurs. Blot (don’t rub) the excess with a clean cloth, then pre-treat with a stain remover or a dab of liquid detergent. Let it sit for a few minutes before washing as usual.

6. Using the Wrong Water Temperature

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Hot water isn’t always better for getting clothes clean. In fact, using water that’s too hot can cause colors to fade and fabrics to shrink. Cold water, on the other hand, might not be effective enough for heavily soiled items.

Check the care labels and use the recommended water temperature for each fabric type. Cold water is best for delicate items and dark colors, while hot water works well for whites, linens, and heavily soiled garments. When in doubt, opt for warm water as a happy medium.

7. Forgetting to Empty Pockets

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We’ve all heard the telltale clunk of a forgotten coin or key hitting the inside of the washer drum. But leaving items in pockets isn’t just annoying – it can also damage your clothes and your washing machine.

Make a habit of checking all pockets before tossing clothes into the hamper or washer. Remove any coins, keys, tissues, or other items that could cause damage or create a mess.

8. Leaving Zippers Unzipped & Buttons Unbuttoned

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Zippers and buttons can snag on other garments in the wash, causing tears and damage. They can also get bent or broken in the process, rendering them useless.

Always zip up zippers and button buttons before washing to prevent snagging and damage. For extra protection, turn garments inside out or place them in a mesh laundry bag.

9. Not Cleaning the Washing Machine

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Just like any other appliance, your washing machine needs regular cleaning to function at its best. Dirt, detergent residue, and fabric fibers can build up over time, leading to musty odors and even mold growth.

Run an empty cycle with hot water and a washing machine cleaner or a cup of white vinegar once a month to keep your machine fresh and clean. Don’t forget to wipe down the rubber seal and leave the door open after each use to prevent moisture buildup.

10. Overusing Fabric Softener

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Fabric softeners can leave clothes feeling soft and smelling fresh, but using too much can actually have the opposite effect. Overuse can lead to buildup on your clothes and in your washing machine, causing fabrics to feel stiff and colors to look dull.

Use fabric softener sparingly and only on loads that really need it (like towels and bedding). Skip it altogether on moisture-wicking athletic wear, as it can interfere with the fabric’s performance.

11. Leaving Wet Laundry in the Washer

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We’ve all forgotten a load of laundry in the washer from time to time. But leaving wet clothes sitting for too long can lead to musty odors and even mildew growth, which can be difficult to remove.

Set a timer or reminder to transfer your laundry to the dryer as soon as the wash cycle is finished. If you can’t dry the clothes right away, at least remove them from the washer and let them air out until you can.

12. Overdrying Clothes

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Leaving clothes in the dryer for too long can cause shrinkage, static cling, and even damage to the fibers. Overdrying can also set in wrinkles, making your clothes look less than fresh.

Use the automatic moisture sensor on your dryer (if it has one) to avoid overdrying. If not, check the load periodically and remove items as soon as they’re dry to the touch. Hang or fold clothes promptly to minimize wrinkling.

13. Not Cleaning the Lint Filter

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A clogged lint filter can reduce your dryer’s efficiency and even pose a fire hazard. Lint buildup restricts airflow, causing your dryer to work harder and use more energy to dry your clothes.

Clean the lint filter after every use. Simply pull out the screen and remove the lint by hand. Every few months, use a vacuum attachment or a lint brush to deep clean the filter and the area around it.

14. Mixing Towels & Clothes

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Towels are notorious for producing a lot of lint, which can cling to your clothes and make them look fuzzy. They also take longer to dry than most garments, which can lead to overdrying and damage.

Wash towels separately from your regular clothes. If you must mix them, use a lower heat setting and remove the clothes from the dryer as soon as they’re dry, letting the towels finish on their own.

15. Not Adjusting for Load Size

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Using the same settings for every load, regardless of size, can lead to wasted energy and subpar results. A small load in a large washer won’t get enough agitation to get clean, while an overstuffed load won’t have room to tumble properly.

Adjust your washer and dryer settings based on the size of each load. Use the small or medium load size for just a few items, and save the large setting for full loads. This ensures each item gets the right amount of cleaning and drying power.

By avoiding these common laundry mistakes and following these simple tips, you can keep your clothes looking their best and extend their lifespan. Happy laundering!

Source:

  1. Natural Resources Defense Council
nancy
Author & Editor | + posts

Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.