Dirty water trapped in the machine can seep into fabric fibers over time, causing fading and deterioration. When juice or soup stains clothes, vigorous scrubbing during washing often makes stains larger and damages fabrics. If washed clothes remain in the machine for over an hour, they should be rewashed. So what mistakes do people make when doing laundry?
Using the same water temperature for all laundry. Water temperature is crucial for effective cleaning. Generally, warm water (30°C–60°C) helps detergent dissolve fully, increases the activity of surfactant molecules, promotes the saponification of oily stains in water, and enhances cleaning performance.When exposed to water, fabric fibers expand, become saturated, and stretch. Due to varying heat resistance among fibers, different garments tolerate different temperatures: cotton fabrics perform best at 40°C to 50°C; woolen garments are optimal at around 35°C; and linen items should be washed at 30°C or below.
Washing in bulk. Urban professionals lead fast-paced lives, dedicating most time to work and study, leaving little for daily laundry. Often, clothes are washed only after accumulating a large pile, which only makes them dirtier over time. First, during hot seasons, sweat stains linger on garments. Sweat-soaked clothes are prone to mold, and mixing them with other laundry spreads contamination.Second, washing large batches at once prevents detergent from fully contacting each item, making thorough cleaning difficult. It's recommended to fill the washing machine drum no more than 70% full per load.
Scrub stains vigorously.When juice or soup stains clothes, people often scrub vigorously during washing. This actually makes the stains larger and can even damage the fabric. The correct approach is: immediately blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to prevent spreading, then gently rub it with water and detergent.
Not drying clothes immediately after washing. Many working professionals toss laundry into the washing machine in the morning and leave it until evening to dry. Leaving damp clothes in the machine for extended periods fosters bacterial growth, so they should be removed and hung to dry within 30 minutes of the cycle ending. If washed clothes remain in the machine for over an hour, they should be washed again.
Soaking overnight before washing. Many people soak clothes for hours or even overnight before washing, believing longer soaking yields cleaner results. However, the opposite is true. Prolonged soaking allows chemicals in detergent and stains in clothing to break down more easily, producing odors.The dirty water cannot drain away, and over time, it seeps into the fabric fibers, causing clothes to fade and deteriorate. Generally, soaking dirty clothes for 15 minutes is sufficient. Even for heavy garments, soaking time should not exceed 30 minutes.
More detergent means better results. Does more detergent create more foam and clean clothes more thoroughly? Not necessarily. Excess detergent is difficult to rinse out completely, wasting both water and time. It can also leave clothes stiff and may cause skin irritation for those with sensitive skin. It's recommended to start with half the amount specified on the detergent label. If insufficient foam is produced, gradually add more.
Finally, remember to follow up after washing. Most households wash clothes in the bathroom. If it's not a well-ventilated bathroom, be sure to open windows for air circulation afterward. Moisture from the washing machine increases humidity, creating an environment conducive to mold growth. Additionally, allow the washing machine to air dry completely before closing the lid.