We’ve all made laundry mistakes without even realizing it. Yet some habits can damage clothes, affect the washer’s performance, or simply reduce cleaning effectiveness.
To help you avoid these common pitfalls, here’s a list of the 10 most frequent laundry mistakes—and how to fix them easily.
Zippers can snag other clothes in the drum and cause tears or pulled threads, especially on delicate fabrics.
Always zip up and secure Velcro fasteners before washing.
A packed drum prevents proper movement, reducing washing efficiency and wearing down the machine faster.
Leave a fist-sized gap between the laundry and drum top.
Mixing colors and materials can cause color bleeding and improper care for delicate fabrics.
Sort laundry into three piles: light, dark, and delicate.
Leftover items can damage the washer or shred into bits, sticking to everything.
Always check all pockets before loading the washer.
More soap doesn’t mean cleaner clothes—it may leave residues and cause skin irritation.
Follow dosage guidelines based on load size and soil level.
Damp clothes left too long develop musty odors and mildew.
Remove laundry promptly or use a timer to avoid delays.
Fabrics like wool or spandex may shrink or deform in high heat.
Check labels and air-dry sensitive garments when possible.
Underwear and delicate fabrics can be ruined or misshaped without protection.
Use mesh laundry bags for these items.
Each garment has specific needs for washing, drying, or ironing.
Read label symbols to avoid permanent damage.
A dirty drum can re-soil clean clothes or cause unpleasant odors.
Run a monthly hot cycle with white vinegar to descale and disinfect.
By avoiding these frequent mistakes, you’ll extend the life of your clothes and your washer. Simple steps lead to cleaner, fresher, and longer-lasting laundry!
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