Most people do it wrong. 10 Ways to Ruin Your Laundry Without Realizing It

Care labels contain important information on how to properly wash and care for your clothes. Ignoring these labels can cause shrinkage, color fading, and fabric damage. Read the care instructions carefully before washing your clothes. Pay attention to recommended water temperatures, drying methods, and special instructions. Following these guidelines will help maintain the quality and appearance of your clothing.

Choosing the wrong water temperature can affect the washing result. Cold water is suitable for delicate textiles and shrinking garments, while hot water is better suited for heavily soiled clothing and white laundry. However, the use of hot water can cause certain textiles to shrink or fade. When choosing the water temperature, be sure to consider the type of fabric and the degree of soiling. Appropriate temperature adjustment can lead to cleaner and more durable clothing.

Sorting laundry by colour and type of fabric is important to prevent the colours from bleeding and fabric damage. Dark and light colors can rub off on lighter fabrics, while heavy garments like jeans can damage delicate fabrics. To avoid this, separate your laundry into white laundry, light laundry, dark laundry, and delicates. Also, consider sorting by fabric weight to avoid damage from heavier garments. Proper sorting will help preserve the color and condition of your clothes.

Fabric softener can soften clothes and provide a fresh scent, but it is not suitable for all textiles. Towels can reduce their absorbency by using fabric softener, as a waxy residue forms on the fibers. Instead, use white vinegar as a natural alternative. Half a cup of vinegar on the rinse cycle will soften towels without affecting their absorbency. This keeps your towels fluffy and washable.

Forgetting to empty the pockets before washing can lead to various problems. Items such as tissues, coins, and pens can cause stains, damage the washing machine, or even ruin an entire load of laundry. Make it a habit to check all bags before putting clothes in the washing machine. This small step can avoid unexpected surprises and protect both your clothes and your machine.

If you leave wet clothes in the washing machine for a long time, mold can form, which can lead to musty odors and possible textile damage. To avoid this, put the clothes in the dryer immediately or hang them up to dry as soon as the wash cycle is complete. Set a timer or use a washing machine with a built-in alarm to remind yourself to take out the laundry in time. Fresh and odor-free clothes start with timely drying.