Clothes losing shape or even tearing after every wash; a musty odor lingering in the washing machine; clothes feeling stiff after washing—these issues stem from incorrect laundry methods. Recently, the U.S. website Simply Simple summarized common laundry mistakes. See if you've made any. So, what should you pay attention to when washing clothes?
Rubbing stains vigorously.When juice or soup stains clothes, people instinctively scrub vigorously. This actually makes stains spread and can damage fabrics. If clothes get stained, immediately blot with a clean cloth to prevent spreading, then gently wash with water and detergent.
Add water before loading clothes. This sequence was once used to ensure detergent dissolved fully and didn't leave residue on clothes. However, modern detergents are mostly liquid and phosphate-free, posing no harm to fabrics. Therefore, load clothes first, add water, and finally add detergent to better control the amount used.Additionally, place socks in the drum first to prevent tangling with other items.
The washing machine is not level. Vibrations during washing can damage your floor and cause premature wear on critical components like shock absorbers and bearings. All washing machines have height adjustment feet. Before each wash, carefully check for levelness or place a rubber mat under the machine to help absorb vibrations.
Not cleaning the drum after use. Over time, accumulated fabric fibers can clog the drain pipe, increasing the machine's load and potentially creating a fire hazard. Thoroughly clean the drum after each use with a small brush and detergent.Leaving it open prevents residual moisture from evaporating. Excessive humidity accelerates bacterial growth, which can then transfer to clothes and spread disease.When washing clothes, start with half the usual detergent amount. If foam is insufficient, gradually add more. Note: If using hard water, increase detergent slightly beyond normal levels (hard water dosage recommendations are typically listed on detergent packaging).
Ignoring care labels. Many items labeled "dry clean only" can actually be hand-washed, such as garments made from natural fibers like linen.If unsure, dab detergent onto a cotton swab and test a hidden area. If no color bleeds, wash the garment in soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and immediately blot dry with a towel. However, certain materials—like leather, suede, and silk—must be dry cleaned.
Leave zippers unzipped and buttons fastened. Metal zipper teeth can snag other garments, causing snags or tears, while also increasing the washing machine's load. Repeated twisting can cause buttons to pop off and buttonholes to deform.
Adding bleach to every wash. Bleach damages fabric fibers and shortens garment lifespan. Even stubborn stains like blood or sweat often don't require bleach. Instead, boil lemon slices in a large pot of water, then soak stained clothes in this solution to easily remove tough stains.