Top 10 Common Laundry Mistakes You Might be MakingÂ
Doing laundry might seem like a straightforward task, but there are plenty of common mistakes that could be damaging your clothes, wasting detergent, and even shortening the lifespan of your washing machine.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 laundry mistakes, why they happen, and how to fix them with an emphasis on sustainable and efficient laundry habits.
1. Using Too Much Detergent
Using too much detergent can lead to soap buildup, which traps dirt and bacteria on your clothes and inside your washing machine. This buildup can cause odours and reduce cleaning efficiency.
Solution: Use pre-measured laundry washing detergent sheets like Sheet Yeah’s eco-friendly option, which ensures the right amount of detergent every time.
2. Neglecting to Clean Your Washing MachineÂ
Over time, residue from detergent, fabric softeners, and hard water builds up in your washing machine, leading to mold, mildew, and unpleasant odours.
Solution: Regularly use a laundry washer cleaner to keep your machine fresh and running efficiently. Cleaning the washer once a month can prevent costly repairs and prolong its life.
3. Washing with the Wrong Detergent
Different fabrics require different detergents. Using the wrong detergent can fade colors, damage delicate fabrics, or irritate sensitive skin.
Solution: Switch to versatile, eco-friendly detergent for washing machines like Sheet Yeah detergent sheets, which are gentle on fabrics and free from harsh chemicals and fragrances.
4. Overloading the Washer
Filling the drum too full doesn’t allow enough water and detergent to circulate, leaving clothes only partially clean. It can also put unnecessary strain on the washer.
Solution: Follow your machine’s capacity guidelines and avoid overloading it. This ensures optimal performance and better cleaning results.
5. Ignoring the Right Washer Settings
Using the wrong cycle settings for different fabrics can shrink, stretch, or damage clothes. Many people default to the same settings, regardless of the laundry load.
Solution: Learn your washer’s settings and choose the right one for each type of fabric. Adjusting temperature, spin speed, and cycle length will help you care for your clothes better.
6. Forgetting to Separate Clothes by Colour and Fabric Type
Why Sorting is Key to Long-Lasting Fabrics
Washing all your laundry together can result in colours bleeding and different fabric types being washed under inappropriate conditions. This reduces the life of your clothes.
Solution: Separate clothes into whites, colours, and delicates. Wash each group with the appropriate settings and detergent.
7. Using Fabric Softener on Everything
Fabric softener might make clothes feel softer, but it can also coat fabrics in a residue that reduces absorbency, particularly on towels and athletic wear. Overuse can also leave a buildup in your washing machine.
Solution: Use fabric softener sparingly, and avoid it entirely for towels, microfibre cloths, and athletic gear. Instead, consider natural alternatives like wool dryer balls.
8. Not Zipping or Buttoning Up Clothes Before Washing
Zippers, buttons, and other fasteners can snag on other clothes in the washer, causing tears and damage to both the garment with the fastener and others in the load.
Solution: Zip up zippers and button up buttons before tossing them in the washer. For delicates, use a laundry bag to protect them during the cycle.
9. Washing at the Wrong Water Temperature
Hot water can shrink certain fabrics and fade colours, while cold water may not clean heavily soiled items as effectively.
Solution: For most loads, cold or warm water is sufficient and energy-efficient. Reserve hot water for heavily soiled items like bed sheets, towels, and workout gear.
10. Leaving Wet Laundry in the Machine for Too Long
Forgetting to take wet laundry out of the washer promptly can lead to mildew growth and musty odours, which can be hard to remove.
Solution: Set a timer or reminder to transfer your laundry to the dryer or hang it up as soon as the cycle finishes. If clothes do smell musty, wash them again with a cup of white vinegar to remove the odour.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these 10 common laundry mistakes will not only extend the life of your clothes but also improve your washing machine's performance and help you practice more eco-friendly laundry habits.
By using the right laundry washing detergent, regularly cleaning your washer, and adjusting your laundry routine, you’ll save time, money, and resources while getting better results.
Switch to smarter laundry solutions today with eco-friendly products like Sheet Yeah! detergent sheets and protect both your clothes and the planet.
