Laundry seems easy. Toss everything in, add detergent, press a button, and Voila! But if you have ever pulled a sweater out of the dryer that shrunk to baby size or found random bleach stains on your clothes, you know it’s not that simple.
Small laundry mistakes can ruin your favorite outfits, make fabrics rough, and even damage your washing machine. At Splash & Dash Laundry, we are all about doing laundry the right way.
Let’s discuss some of the most common laundry mistakes and how to avoid them so your clothes stay fresh, soft, and in perfect shape.
8 Laundry Mistakes to Look Out For
We understand you might be too busy to handle your laundry. However, even small mistakes can ruin your favorite outfits, shrink them, fade, or wear out too soon.
Here are nine laundry mistakes to watch out for:
Mistake #1: Overloading the Washing Machine
It’s tempting to shove as many clothes as possible into the washing machine to save time and water. But cramming everything in at once means clothes don’t get properly cleaned.
The detergent can’t spread evenly, dirt doesn’t wash away, and fabrics rub against each other too harshly. It may lead to stiff, dull, and even damaged clothes. You can avoid it by:
- Wash in smaller loads. Give your clothes space to move freely so they can get clean.
- Separate heavy items. You should add towels, blankets, and jeans separately from delicate fabrics like shirts and dresses.
- Follow your washer’s load capacity. Check your washing machine’s manual to know the weight limit.
Mistake #2: Using Too Much Detergent
More detergent means cleaner clothes, right? Nope!
If you habitually use too much detergent, you can notice a sticky residue that may trap dirt and bacteria. It can make your clothes feel rough, dull, and musty over time. You can be mindful by checking these:
- Measure your detergent. Follow the instructions on the detergent bottle. Most people use way more than needed.
- Use high-efficiency (HE) detergent if you have an HE washer. Regular detergent creates too many suds and won’t rinse properly.
- Do an extra rinse cycle. If you accidentally added too much detergent, run an extra rinse to remove any residue.
Mistake #3: Washing Clothes in the Wrong Water Temperature
Have you ever wondered, “Why are my clothes shrinking in cold water?” or “Why do clothes shrink in the dryer?”? Water temperature plays a role in how your clothes react to washing.
- Hot water can shrink, fade, or weaken fabrics.
- Cold water can sometimes fail to remove tough stains.
- Warm water works well for most clothes but isn’t ideal for delicate fabrics.
Let us tell you how to avoid this:
- Check fabric labels. It will tell you the water temperature to use.
- Wash darks and delicates in cold water. It will prevent fading and shrinking.
- Use warm water for everyday clothes. It cleans better than cold without damaging fabrics.
- Use hot water only for whites and heavily soiled clothes. It helps remove germs and stains but can be too harsh for delicate items.
Mistake #4: Ignoring the Fabric Care Labels
Those tiny fabric tags on your clothes? These are not for decoration! Ignoring care labels can cause delicate fabrics to shrink, fade, or ruin. You can avoid this laundry mistake by doing these:
- Read the labels before washing. Look for symbols like “cold wash,” “no bleach,” or “tumble dry low.”
- Sort clothes accordingly. Delicates, activewear, and heavy fabrics all need different wash settings.
- Turn delicate clothes inside out. This protects prints and fabric from rough washing cycles.
Mistake #5: Leaving Wet Clothes in the Washer
Have you ever forgotten a load in the washer overnight? Wet clothes sitting too long can start to smell like mildew, and that smell is really hard to remove. Plus, damp fabric creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow!! Here’s how to avoid this laundry mistake:
- Set a reminder. Use your phone timer to remind you to switch loads.
- Dry clothes immediately. If you can’t put them in the dryer right away, at least spread them out to air dry.
- Use vinegar for musty smells. If your clothes already smell funky, add half a cup of white vinegar to the wash.
Mistake #6: Overusing Bleach
Bleach is powerful, but using too much (or using it on the wrong fabrics) can lead to ruined clothes with white spots and weakened fabric!! You can be mindful by:
- Use bleach only when necessary. It’s best for whites, but use alternatives like baking soda or vinegar for general brightening.
- Dilute it properly. Never pour bleach directly onto clothes. Always mix it with water first.
Check labels. Some fabrics, like wool and silk, should never be bleached. - Bleach stains fix: If you accidentally get bleach on colored clothes, dab the area with rubbing alcohol to help spread the color back into the spot. This won’t always fully restore the fabric, but it can reduce the damage.
Mistake #7: Drying Everything on High Heat
The #1 reason clothes shrink? High dryer heat! Dryers are super convenient, but too much heat shrinks, weakens, and fades fabrics. You can avoid this mistake by checking these:
- Use low or medium heat. Most fabrics dry just fine without the extra heat.
- Air dry delicate clothes. Lay sweaters flat and hang lightweight fabrics to prevent shrinkage.
- Use wool dryer balls. These help clothes dry faster, reducing the need for high heat.
Mistake #8: Not Cleaning Your Washer and Dryer
Your washing machine cleans your clothes, but when was the last time you cleaned it? Detergent buildup, mold, and bacteria can stick around and make your “clean” clothes smell funky. You should:
- Run a cleaning cycle once a month. Use white vinegar and baking soda to remove buildup.
- Wipe the rubber seal. This is where mold loves to grow!
- Clean the lint trap in the dryer. A clogged lint trap can make your dryer less efficient and even cause fires.
Stop Ruining Your Clothes. Let Us Handle Your Laundry!
One wrong wash can shrink, fade, or ruin your favorite outfits! Splash & Dash Laundry offers pickup & delivery service, so you never have to worry about laundry mistakes again. Moreover, we offer Residential & Business Laundry services, so we cover you in every way.
Fresh, clean clothes without the hassle! Book now and reclaim your free time!
People Also Ask!
Why do clothes shrink in the dryer?
High heat causes fabric fibers to contract, shrinking clothes. To prevent this, dry on low heat or air dry.
Why are my clothes shrinking in cold water?
Cold water doesn’t typically cause shrinking, but aggressive washing cycles can. Use the delicate cycle for fragile fabrics.
Can you fix shrunken clothes?
Sometimes! Soak them in lukewarm water with a hair conditioner for 15 minutes, then gently stretch them back into shape.
How do you remove bleach stains?
Dab the area with rubbing alcohol to spread the color. If the stain is too bad, try using fabric dye to recolor the fabric.