Buzz
Using a washing machine incorrectly not only damages the machine and fails to clean clothes effectively but can also wreak havoc on your favorite wardrobe. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of.
1. Major Laundry Blunders That 90% of Women Unwittingly Commit
Utilizing the washing machine improperly not only damages the machine and results in ineffective cleaning of clothes but also jeopardizes your cherished wardrobe. Here are some prevalent mistakes to avoid.
Using a washing machine incorrectly not only damages the machine and fails to effectively clean clothes but also risks ruining your favorite outfits or, worse, reducing the lifespan of the washing machine.
1. Incorrect Sorting
Apart from considering colors, pay attention to fabric types. For example, garments made of velvet should be washed separately. Also, avoid washing towels with synthetic fiber clothes.
2. Excessive Use of Laundry Detergent
Using too much detergent creates excessive suds that can trap dirt in areas like collars, cuffs, or hems, causing dirt to spread and making clothes prone to staining and discoloration.
3. Neglecting Zippers
Zippers on pants or shirts should be closed during washing. Open zippers can damage other clothing items, and the zippers themselves are more prone to damage.
4. Buttoning Up Shirts
Contrary to zippers, when dealing with button-up shirts like dress shirts, it's advisable to leave the buttons undone during washing. Tightly fastened buttons can make the clothing appear more worn out after washing, and buttons are prone to popping off due to the force exerted during the washing process.
5. Excessive use of bleach
Strong bleaching agents have a significant corrosive effect that can lead to fabric erosion, reduced durability, and eventual tearing. That's why it's recommended to opt for gentler bleaching methods, such as soaking the targeted garment with two drops of lemon juice in boiling water.
6. Machine washing swimwear
Any garment made of spandex or elastane should not be machine washed. The proper way is to hand wash such items using cold water.
7. Using only one cycle for washing pillows and blankets
If you wash down pillows and fleece blankets in a washing machine, it's recommended to run two consecutive cycles. The reason is that the feathers can trap lint, so the detergent may penetrate deep into the pillow and cannot clean it thoroughly in just one wash.
8. Washing clothes without sorting them
One of the most exhausting tasks after doing laundry is finding the missing sock. It's best to sort small items and place them in a laundry bag instead of washing them together with a pile of clothes.
9. Washing too many clothes at once
You shouldn't overload the washing machine beyond its capacity as it can lead to unintended issues such as incomplete washing, noise, reduced lifespan of the washing machine, and even causing damage to clothes.
10. Using detergent with excessive additives
Avoid excessive use of strong laundry detergents as it may lead to fading and quick deterioration of colored and vintage clothes. Among various detergents, many alternatives are available that are environmentally friendly, such as using salt to brighten clothes and talcum powder to eliminate stains. These can replace bleach and laundry soap. Lemon water can also substitute for fabric softener, leaving clothes softer and fresher.
11. Neglecting regular washing machine maintenance
This is crucial for caring for your washing machine. Remember that in many washing machine models, the detergent compartment can shift. Residue from detergents may accumulate after a wash, and you should check and clean it. Avoid closing the washing machine immediately after a wash to let it air-dry. Once a month, run a cleaning cycle with hot water and vinegar. This will effectively clean the washing machine, prevent lingering bacteria causing unpleasant odors, and transform your washing machine into a germ-free haven.
