Knowing how to do the laundry, either by hand or using a machine, is a life skill. It’s essential to maintaining good hygiene, as well as keeping a clean and organized home. Still, it’s not unusual for many people to unknowingly make mistakes when washing their clothes. Being aware of these mistakes is the first step in avoiding them, which then leads to adopting more effective and efficient laundry practices. Ultimately, this improves the overall condition of clothing, as well as maximizes the functionality and longevity of laundry appliances.

To that end, here’s a list of the most common mistakes people make when doing their laundry. If you find yourself doing any of these, check out the tips in the second half of the article.

Overloading the Washing Machine

One of the most common mistakes people make when doing the laundry is overloading their washing machines. The thinking behind this is simple: more clothes washed at the same time means the entire task will be finished faster.

Unfortunately, this mistake has both immediate and long-term negative effects on both the clothing and the appliance. When you cram too many clothes into a single load, there won’t be enough space for the water, detergent, and the machine to do their work and remove dirt. Moreover, overloading strains the machine and can potentially lead to malfunctions or breakdowns. To maximize the service lifespan of any model of washing machine—be it a single-tub washing machine, twin-tub, or front-loader—and ensure the cleanliness of your clothes, it’s best to avoid overloading when doing the laundry.

Ignoring Care Labels

There are plenty of reasons why people choose not to bother reading care labels. Some individuals may assume they know how to care for their clothes, while others might overlook the labels due to time constraints or sheer neglect. While they’re often ignored, care labels on clothes are there for a reason: to provide crucial instructions on how to properly wash and dry each garment. Not following the labels might result in shrinkage, color bleeding, or fabric damage

Using Too Much Detergent

While it may seem that more detergent equals cleaner clothes, the reality is quite different. Excess detergent leaves soapy residue on clothes, affecting the fabric’s texture and appearance. Over time, excess detergent can also lead to a buildup in the washing machine, diminishing its efficiency. Despite these consequences, many people still pour in extra detergent because of lack of awareness or a belief that more is better when it comes to cleaning.

Not Cleaning the Lint Filter

A clogged lint filter reduces airflow, which can then make a washing machine less efficient. This can result in longer cycle times and increased energy consumption. Moreover, accumulated lint poses a fire hazard. Despite the safety risks and the impact of accumulated lint on a machine’s performance, many people still don’t clean the lint filter as often as they should. This is usually due to forgetfulness or a lack of awareness about its importance. There are also those who don’t know that their washing machine has a lint filter.

Mixing Different Fabrics in the Same Load

Mixing different fabrics in the same laundry load can lead to uneven results and potential damage to the clothes. This is because fabrics have varying drying times and care requirements. If you wash delicate fabrics with heavier items, the friction may cause damage to lighter, softer materials. Despite the risk of ruining clothes, people still usually mix fabrics in an effort to complete their laundry quickly. It can also be that they are not paying a lot of attention while sorting their dirty clothes.

Ignoring Stains

More often than not, delaying stain treatment reduces the chances of completely removing marks on clothes. Remember that stains become more challenging to treat as they set into fabrics over time. Thus, delaying stain removal can result in permanently discolored garments.

How Do You Avoid Repeating the Same Mistakes?

Avoiding the aforementioned mistakes requires keeping the following tips in mind and making them a habit when doing your laundry.

Sort Clothes Before Washing

To effectively avoid overloading the washing machine, make an effort to sort clothes before washing. By separating clothes based on color, fabric type, and care instructions, you can know for sure that each load is appropriately sized and that similar items are washed together. By breaking up your laundry loads into smaller batches, you also ascertain that there’s enough room in the washing machine for your clothes to move freely. This promotes more thorough cleaning and ensures that the washing machine can function the way it is designed.

Read and Follow Care Labels

Make it a habit to read and follow care labels. Familiarize yourself with symbols related to water temperature, drying methods, bleaching, ironing, and other essential details. Take the time to understand these instructions and sort your laundry accordingly, especially before washing a new clothing item for the first time. This small but crucial step ensures that each garment receives the care it requires, which can go a long way in preserving its quality and appearance.

Use the Right Amount of Detergent

Before putting detergent in your wash load, consult the packaging or use a measuring cup to ensure accuracy. Some detergents are concentrated and using too much can damage your clothes. Using the correct amount of detergent prevents buildup of soapy residue on your clothes and maintains the optimal performance of your washing machine.

Regularly Clean the Lint Filter

Establish a routine of cleaning your washing machine’s lint filter after every use. This simple habit ensures that the filter remains unclogged and capable of promoting efficient airflow in the machine. A clean lint filter also makes your washing machine less prone to breakdowns Set a reminder using your smartphone or post a note on your washing machine’s lid so you don’t forget to check and clean the lint filter regularly.

Treat Stains Promptly

Prevent stains from becoming a permanent feature on your clothes by addressing them immediately.  Keep a stain removal product on hand and follow the recommended stain removal procedures for specific types of stains. Note that some stains can be removed by regular washing, but make sure to use the correct water temperature and to do it immediately so that the stain doesn’t set.

Doing your laundry the right way offers plenty of benefits. Firstly, it allows your clothes to maintain their quality and appearance over time. Secondly, proper laundry practices contribute to the efficient functioning of your washing machines and dryers. Additionally, avoiding common laundry mistakes can result in cost savings by reducing the frequency of repairs or replacements that your machine requires. Lastly, the time you invest in understanding and implementing correct laundry procedures pays off in terms of cleaner clothes, increased efficiency, and a hassle-free laundry routine.