9 Crucial Laundry Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Clothes

Did you know that Americans do over 660 million loads of laundry every week? With all of us performing laundry and ironing tasks every week, you may think that we have become experts and that there is nothing more to learn. Unfortunately, this is not true. In fact, experts tell us that the way we do our laundry may be significantly reducing the lifespan of our clothing.

If you have wondered how to do laundry properly, or are looking to further protect your clothing, we are here to help. Check out our guide to the 9 crucial laundry mistakes that could be slowly ruining your clothes, along with professional tips on how to finish the job with expert folding techniques.

1. Insufficient Sorting

You will likely have grown up knowing that light and dark colors should be washed separately. However, separating your clothes more than this can be beneficial. Separating clothing according to its weight means that delicate fabrics will not be damaged by heavy denim or towels. Reading the clothing labels well before washing will also give you guidance regarding the fragility of the garment.

2. Putting Detergent Directly On Clothing

Follow this simple routine to protect your clothing: First clothes, then water, finally soap. Pouring the detergent directly onto clothing concentrates its effect on a single spot without diluting it, which can lead to staining or fabric degradation. For best results, use the machine’s soap tray. The machine will add it at the appropriate point and dilute it when doing so.

3. Using Excessive Detergent

If you feel that your clothes are soiled and need extra cleaning power, avoid adding more and more detergent. Excessive soap can leave a residue that attracts more dirt and can irritate sensitive skin. Instead, switch to a stronger detergent but use the same amount. This will accomplish the same work but with less chance of irritating your skin or leaving your clothes feeling “crunchy.”

4. Excessive Dryer Usage

There are many reasons to consider switching to outside clothes drying. Drying clothing in the sun and fresh air is cheaper than running a machine, and the gentle breeze is much kinder to your clothes and sheets. If you are hiring a professional cleaner, you are actually adding value to the service; the cleaner can focus on deep cleaning your home while the laundry is washing and drying.

5. Snagging During Washing

Laundry loads come with all kinds of loose ends. Zippers attached to trousers and hooks attached to underwear can wreak havoc on delicate knits. Close or clip these before starting to make sure that they don’t snag other garments in the wash. For overalls, always clip the shoulder straps to avoid loose metal hardware banging around the drum or catching on other items.

6. Buttoned Garments

While you should close zippers, you should always open buttons. The movement of the washing machine creates stress on the threads connecting the buttons to the garments. Opening all buttons—including the sleeves of shirts—can prevent the thread from pulling and lengthen the life of the garment.

7. Machine Maintenance

A basic part of maintenance is the cleaning of the lint trap after each load. For a deeper clean, take a simple toothbrush and a little detergent to scrub the lint trap mesh. Keeping your machine clean ensures that your clothes don’t come out smelling musty and prevents fire hazards in the dryer.

8. Scrubbing Stains

When you have a deep stain, it may seem logical to put extra physical force into scrubbing it. However, this can fray the fabric and push the stain deeper. Choose the less aggressive dabbing method. By treating your garment as soon after it has been stained as possible, you give yourself a better chance of removing it without damaging the fibers.

9. Detergent Quality

Cheaper detergents are often a false economy. They are frequently filled with filler liquids that don’t contribute to cleaning. Go with a trustworthy brand to get it right the first time and protect the integrity of your fabrics.

The Final Step: Folding Like a Pro

Avoiding mistakes in the wash is only half the battle. How you handle clothes after they dry determines if you’ll spend your morning fighting wrinkles. Closet organization has a massive impact on your daily stress levels; getting ready is much easier when you aren’t digging through a heap of wrinkled clothes.

Mastering the Shirt Fold

To save space and keep shirts visible, try the “packet” method. Lay the shirt flat with the back facing up. Fold the arms onto the back, then fold each side inward to form a long rectangle. Fold the bottom third up, then the top third down. This creates a neat square that can be filed vertically in your drawer, allowing you to see every shirt at once.

Jeans and Pants

Before folding pants, always flatten the front pockets by putting your hands inside them. This prevents uneven stacks. For long pants, fold them vertically first, then into quarters for a compact look. This is much more efficient than rolling, which can lead to bulky, disorganized drawers.

Sweaters and Turtlenecks

Sweaters require a gentle touch to avoid creases in the middle. Lay the sweater back-down, fold the arms parallel to the sides, and bring the sides to the center without overlapping. For turtlenecks, fold the neck down toward the center first to prevent the extra fabric from making the stack look “clammy” or lopsided.

Don’t Forget the Socks

To stop losing socks, place one on top of the other and align the ankles. Turn the top of one sock inside out to tuck the other one in. Using a finger to push the material in results in a neat finish that keeps pairs together through even the most hectic mornings.

Knowing how to do laundry properly and fold it efficiently saves time and protects your investment in your wardrobe. At Rescue My Time Cleaning Service, we value cleanliness and efficiency just as much as you do. We leverage our years of experience to offer services that give you a cleaner, healthier environment to live and work in. If you need help keeping your Lawrenceville home in top shape, contact Rescue My Time Cleaning Service today!