Laundry rooms can be messy and chaotic, and it’s easy to make mistakes when doing laundry. From stuffing too many clothes in the washing machine to using too much detergent, many simple lapses can damage your clothes or laundry machine.
Let’s discuss some blunders people make while doing laundry and how to avoid them.
Mixing light and dark-colored clothes
One common blunder is mixing light and dark-colored clothes. This is a mistake because the dark clothes can transfer color onto the light clothes, leaving you with faded clothes.
To avoid this, separate your clothes into piles of light and dark colors, and wash them separately.
Stuffing too many clothes in the washing machine
Another mistake is stuffing too many clothes in the washing machine, which can lead to clothes not getting cleaned thoroughly.
Also, some clothes may not get completely wet, and the washing machine may not spin as efficiently, leading to a longer drying time. Therefore, it’s recommended to fill the washer about two-thirds full of clothes for optimal performance.
Using too much detergent
Using too much detergent can also be a problem. While you may think using more detergent will make your clothes cleaner, too much detergent can leave a residue on clothes, making them look dull and dingy.
Additionally, excess soap can clog your machine’s drains and pipes, leading to a malfunction of the machine. To avoid this, follow the instructions on the detergent label and measure the detergent carefully.
Not cleaning the lint trap
One common mistake people make is not cleaning the lint trap. Not cleaning the lint trap can lead to a fire hazard, but it can also damage the dryer by decreasing its efficiency.
For that reason, it’s important to clean the lint trap before every load of laundry. It only takes a few seconds, and it can save you a lot of trouble.
Mixing towels with clothes
Finally, never mix towels with clothes. Towels generate a lot of fuzz that can get stuck to clothing during wash. It can cause excessive lint during drying and spoil the texture of the clothes.
Towels should be washed separately, with a small amount of detergent and in warm water to keep them fluffy.
Conclusion
Laundry blunders are inevitable, but avoiding them can save you time and money. The most important thing is to pay attention to the instructions on your machine and to the care labels on your clothes.
Separate your clothes in piles, use the right amount of detergent, clean the lint trap always and wash towels separately. Be gentle with your clothes and laundry machine, and both will last longer.