Buzz
For any clothing with zippers, always ensure to zip them up; otherwise, the saw-like teeth can damage other items in the wash.
1. Common Mistakes When Machine Washing Clothes
Here are 15 common errors many people make when laundering clothes, as compiled by Bright Side.
1. Oversight in Sorting
In addition to considering colors, pay attention to fabric types. For example, lace garments should be washed separately. Also, avoid washing cotton towels with synthetic fiber clothing...
2. Over-Vigorous Stain Removal
Don't be surprised if you discover holes in your clothes due to excessive scrubbing of stains. In reality, you can effectively clean stains with a gentle touch.
3. Excessive Use of Laundry Detergent
This leads to an abundance of soap suds that don't dissolve completely. Soap suds accumulate dirt during washing and linger on clothes after the machine has finished washing.
4. Not Zipping Up Pants Zippers
Always zip up the zipper; otherwise, the teeth on the zipper can damage other clothes in the wash.
5. Buttoning Up Clothes
It's advisable to unbutton shirts and other garments before washing, as buttoning up can cause buttons to break, resulting in uneven clothing.
6. Excessive Use of Stain Removers
Stain removers weaken fabric and make it more prone to tearing. That's why you should boil clothes if you want to sanitize them. Use a large pot and consider adding a few drops of lemon essential oil.
7. Washing Swimwear in the Washing Machine
Swimwear, as well as sportswear or garments made of spandex (also known as elastane - a highly elastic synthetic fiber), should not be washed in the washing machine. It's best to hand wash them with cool water.
8. Setting Pause Time for the Washing Machine
Some people do this, thinking that continuous washing may lead to washer malfunctions. In reality, setting a break time for the washing machine is unnecessary. Using the machine for several consecutive loads can reduce energy consumption as it retains heat from the previous wash.
9. Washing Pillows and Duvets in a Single Load
If you wash pillows and down duvets in the washing machine, consider washing them twice in a row. After the first wash, soap suds may still be attached. The second wash (without detergent) will help rinse out all the suds in the duvet and pillows.
10. Washing Socks with Clothes
One of the most tedious tasks after laundry is finding matching socks. Why not wash socks separately?
11. Avoid Using Fabric Softener for Bath Towels
The chemical compounds in fabric softeners reduce the water-absorbing capacity of bath towels, so it's advisable not to use fabric softener for them.
12. Overloading the Washing Machine
Avoid cramming too many clothes in one wash; it overloads the washing machine and may lead to damage.
13. Washing Windbreakers and Hooded Jackets Like Regular Clothes
This can distort the structure of windbreakers and hooded jackets. To prevent this, you can place three tennis balls in the washing machine. These balls also absorb soap suds instead of your clothes.
14. Opt for Affordable Laundry Alternatives
In reality, the expensive detergents we use can be replaced with more affordable and readily available alternatives: Salt enhances the brightness of clothes. Chalk minimizes stains. Lemon juice can be used to make clothes softer and fresher.
15. Neglect Washing Machine Maintenance
Taking care of your washing machine is crucial. Many machines have detergent compartments that can be pulled out, and you should pay attention to cleaning the residue behind. Don't close the washing machine lid right after a load; leave it open to dry. Once a year, clean the washing machine with hot water and vinegar. Just pour vinegar and hot water into the drum and activate the machine's self-cleaning function.
