10 common mistakes we make when doing laundry (and how to avoid them)
It doesn’t matter if your washing machine is front-loading or top-loading, if it is also a dryer or if you have the latest model: there are mistakes that are frequent and that you are probably making too .
In this article we list the 10 most frequent mistakes we make when doing laundry .
These errors can give us terrible results: laundry that is less clean than expected, smelly, creased or even ruined forever. In addition to listing the errors, we also suggest tricks to prevent and avoid them.
1. Don’t divide your laundry
It may happen, due to lack of time or ignorance, that you put a collection of different fabrics in the washing machine. A widespread practice that ruins and ages our favorite clothes. Lint and fabric balls are just the first and most obvious signs that you aren’t sorting your laundry.
In addition to dividing your laundry according to fabrics and colours, also remember to read the labels and follow the instructions to the letter.
2. Do not treat stains before washing clothes
It may happen that you stain your laundry with products that are difficult to remove. A clear example is grease stains. This type of stain must be pre-treated before washing the laundry in the washing machine.
Among the most difficult stains to remove are sweat stains, which form on white laundry and become practically permanent. To remove these stains, pre-treat them with baking soda and vinegar.
3. Overload the washing machine
It happens more often than you might imagine. On the one hand, it is believed that the more you fill the washing machine, the more water and electricity you save. Washing machines are classified according to the maximum weight they support for each wash cycle. Read the instructions and stick to them.
4. Put the wrong amount of detergent
You may have found some detergent residue in your clothes after doing the laundry: a sign that you have used too much. Don’t exaggerate with the quantities of detergent: using too much can even have the opposite effect.
5. Overdo it with bleach
Bleach is a useful product, but toxic and capable of ruining our laundry forever. Bleach should only be used with white laundry, and a very small amount is enough to achieve the desired results.
If possible, soak your laundry in a bucket filled with water and a small amount of bleach before running a wash cycle.
6. Mix your underwear with the rest of your laundry
Underwear should be washed separately to prevent socks, bras or other items from being lost forever.
7. Do not clean the washing machine
Bad odor, excess moisture and mold build up in a dirty washing machine. It is important to clean your washing machine at least once a month, thoroughly cleaning the filters, seals and detergent drawer.
Also remember to leave the washing machine door open between washes, to air out the inside of the washing machine and prevent the build-up of moisture and mould.
8. Always do short wash cycles
Short wash cycles, with cold water or without spinning are suitable for lightly soiled laundry. As much as you can save money with these types of washes, they are not ideal for frequent washes.
9. Abusing the centrifuge
Another frequent mistake is using the centrifuge too much or programming it to spin too quickly. The high-speed spin cycle is only recommended for cotton and polyester items.
Never use the spin cycle for silk, linen or any polyamide fabrics: you run the risk of ruining them.
10. Do not dry your laundry after washing
Laundry that remains damp lends itself to the formation of bad odors caused by bacteria. Laundry should be removed from the washing machine as soon as the wash cycle is completed, and should always be left to dry.