Buzz
Image credit: Anna Blazhuk/Getty ImagesDoing laundry may seem like a routine task you've mastered over the years, but there are probably plenty of things you don't know about this basic chore. Zach Pozniak, a fourth-generation dry cleaner from New York City, has captured the attention of nearly a million followers across TikTok and Instagram with his revolutionary laundry tips. He's even working on a new book titled The Laundry Book, where he dives deeper into the subject. We had the chance to interview Zach and gather his top laundry tips to help you elevate your washing and drying skills.
Opt for Cold Water Whenever Possible
While hot water is often linked to better cleanliness, Pozniak advises against relying on steamy water—literally. His top laundry recommendation is to wash most clothes in cold water.
The advantages are numerous: your clothes will stay in better condition for longer, you'll reduce energy usage, making it more eco-friendly and cost-effective, your clothes will retain their color, and there will be less shrinkage. Hot water should only be used for thorough cleans or sanitizing really dirty or heavily soiled items.
Avoid Tumble Drying Stained Fabric
When tackling a stubborn stain, one of the worst mistakes you can make is putting the garment in the dryer before the stain is fully gone. This common error often leads to irreversible damage once the drying process starts.
Despite popular belief, hot water doesn’t set stains, but hot air does,” Pozniak cautions. “Inspect any stained garment before tossing it into the dryer. If the stain is still visible, you may need to repeat the cleaning steps or try more intense stain removal methods.
Treat Stains Before Washing
When it comes to stains, Pozniak firmly believes in tackling the problem areas before throwing the item into the wash. “The sooner you treat the stain, the better the results,” he emphasizes. “Plus, using targeted treatments means you won’t waste detergent and will get more effective cleaning.”
Use Less Detergent
Speaking of detergent… Have you ever poured it into the machine without checking the recommended amount? This often leads to using too much, which wastes detergent and can damage your machine. Pozniak explains, “Water does 80% of the cleaning; detergent’s role is just to assist. Overdoing it causes a ‘stain traffic jam.’” Always follow the dosage instructions on the label.
Avoid Fabric Softener for Some Fabrics
The ongoing debate about whether to use fabric softener has puzzled many. While it can be useful at times, Pozniak advises against using it on certain fabrics like gym clothes, synthetic materials, towels, undergarments, and bedding.
“The primary purpose of these items is to absorb sweat,” he explains. “By adding fabric softener, you block the fibers and reduce their absorbency. Fabric softener should be reserved for items like t-shirts if you really feel the need to use it.”
Air Dry Your Synthetic Fabrics
When moving clothes from the washing machine to the dryer, remove any synthetic fabrics and let them air dry on a clothesline or flat surface, suggests Pozniak. “Synthetics dry quickly and don’t respond well to heat, so air drying helps them last longer.” This includes fabrics like polyester, nylon, acrylic, spandex, and rayon.
Check the Care Labels
Garment tags are essential for the longevity of your fabrics. They serve as a guide to keep your clothes in good condition. If the tag says “dry clean only,” it’s important to follow that instruction. “For high-value garments, things with sentimental value, or items that need extra care, take them to your local dry cleaner,” Pozniak advises. “Dry cleaners have access to a variety of specialized cleaning techniques and are a great resource.”
