13 Common Laundry Mistakes—and How to Avoid Them
Extend your wardrobe’s life and keep fabrics looking great with smarter washing habits.
Doing laundry is an everyday task, but even minor missteps can lead to stubborn stains, faded garments, or damage to your washing machine. From sorting errors to overdosing on detergent, learning how to sidestep these common mistakes will help you extend the life of your clothes, save money, and simplify your laundry routine. This comprehensive guide reveals frequent laundry errors and provides easy-to-follow solutions for fresher, cleaner garments every time.
1. Using Too Much Detergent
More detergent does not mean cleaner clothes; in fact, it can cause residue buildup on fabrics and inside your machine, leading to dullness and sometimes lingering odors. Excess detergent may also make clothes feel sticky or stiff after washing. Machine overload further compounds the issue, as detergent cannot distribute evenly.
- Solution: Measure detergent precisely according to the load size and soil level. For high-efficiency washers, use only HE-friendly detergents and follow package instructions. Dial back when loads are lightly soiled or smaller.
- Consider pre-measured pods or concentrated liquids for accuracy.
2. Not Sorting Laundry Properly
Mixing fabrics and colors can lead to dye transfer, abrasion, and uneven cleaning results. Heavy or rough items like denim can wear down delicates, and washing very dirty items with lightly soiled ones can spread grime instead of removing it.
- Solution:
- Sort by color: whites, darks, brights.
- Sort by fabric: delicates, heavy items (towels, denim).
- Sort by soil level: heavily soiled separately from lightly worn.
- Use laundry bags or mesh pouches for lingerie and small items.
3. Overloading the Washer
Stuffing too many clothes into the washing machine limits movement, prevents detergent from circulating properly, and can lead to poor cleaning results or machine damage. Overfilled loads also increase wear on mechanical parts and can leave items dirty or soapy.
- Solution: Stick to the two-thirds full guideline—never pack past this line.
- Wash bulky items like comforters and blankets separately.
- If clothes come out dirty or soapy, reduce load size next time.
4. Ignoring Care Labels
Care labels contain critical instructions tailored to each fabric type. Ignoring them can cause shrinking, warping, or color loss, especially for delicate pieces like wool or silk. A wool sweater washed hot can shrink dramatically; silk washed with a high spin may wrinkle permanently.
- Solution: Always check labels before laundering.
- Consult online garment label guides if symbols are confusing.
- Group similar care items together.
- If unsure, opt for cold water and a gentle cycle; hand-wash or dry clean when needed.
5. Selecting the Wrong Water Temperature
Water temperature plays a key role in stain removal and fabric preservation. Too hot can shrink or fade fabrics, while too cold may fail to lift heavy soils or kill germs. Different fabric types and soil levels have specific water temperature needs.
| Fabric Type/Load | Recommended Water Temp |
|---|---|
| Whites, heavily soiled items | Hot |
| Sheets, bedding, towels | Hot |
| Delicates, lightly soiled colors | Cold |
| Bright/dark colors | Cold or warm |
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- Solution: Adjust temperature to the fabric and stain type. For most loads, cold works well and saves energy.
- For sanitizing, use hot water only where appropriate.
6. Not Treating Stains Before Washing
Throwing stained clothes straight into the hamper allows stains to set, making them harder to remove. Washing without pretreatment can make stains persistent, and once dried, most stains become permanent.
- Solution: Treat stains as soon as possible—apply pre-treatment, a bit of detergent, or a stain stick before washing.
- Check garments after washing to ensure stains are gone before drying.
- Repeat treatment and washing if stains persist; consider professional cleaning if necessary.
7. Washing Clothes with Open Zippers and Buttoned Shirts
Open zippers can snag other garments and cause tears, while buttoned shirts may put stress on the buttons or threads, increasing the risk of breakage or fraying.
- Solution: Zip up all zippers before washing; unbutton shirts to prevent thread wear.
- Use mesh laundry bags for delicates and embellished items.
8. Overusing Fabric Softener
Excessive fabric softener results in waxy residue on fibers, which reduces absorbency—especially in towels—and can block moisture-wicking in athletic wear. Buildup can make fabrics feel greasy and trap odors.
- Solution: Use fabric softener sparingly, especially for towels and technical fabrics.
- Opt for wool dryer balls for a natural softening effect and static reduction.
- Add white vinegar to the rinse cycle to break down residue.
9. Neglecting to Clean the Washing Machine
Most people forget that washing machines require regular cleaning. Stagnant water or detergent buildup can create odors, bacteria, and even mold, which then transfers to clothes.
- Solution: Wipe down the drum and door seal regularly.
- Run an empty hot cycle with baking soda or a machine cleaner once a month.
- Keep the door ajar between loads to air out moisture.
10. Leaving Laundry in the Washer or Dryer Too Long
Leaving wet clothes in the washer can promote mildew and foul odors. Clothes left in the dryer may wrinkle, making ironing more difficult and sometimes causing permanent creases.
- Solution: Transfer wet clothes promptly to the dryer or a drying rack.
- Remove and fold or hang clothes as soon as the dryer cycle finishes.
11. Not Cleaning Lint Traps and Filters
Lack of lint trap maintenance poses safety risks, reduces dryer efficiency, and increases drying time. Accumulated lint is a leading cause of household dryer fires.
- Solution: Remove lint from the dryer trap after every load.
- Check and clean external exhaust filters regularly.
- Consider annual maintenance inspections.
12. Misusing Dryer Sheets
Overuse of dryer sheets can cause waxy deposits on fabrics and reduce absorbency, especially for towels and microfiber items.
- Solution: Use dryer sheets sparingly and as directed. Consider alternatives like wool dryer balls for natural softening.
- Skip dryer sheets with technical athletic clothing.
13. Letting the Dryer Cool Down Between Loads
It’s a myth that dryers need to cool off between loads; allowing the drum to cool wastes energy because the machine has to reheat, prolonging the next dry cycle.
- Solution: Start the next load immediately so the dryer stays warm and efficient.
- Always clean the lint trap to maintain safe and efficient operation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Laundry Mistakes
Q1: What’s the single biggest mistake people make when washing clothes?
A: Overloading the washer is one of the top mistakes, as it prevents clothes from moving freely and getting thoroughly clean.
Q2: Should I always use hot water to disinfect clothes and bedding?
A: Hot water is effective for sanitizing heavily soiled whites and bedding, but use cold or warm water for colors and delicates to avoid damage or fading.
Q3: How often should I clean my washing machine?
A: Ideally, perform a cleaning cycle monthly, especially if you notice odor or buildup. Wipe the drum and seal after every laundry day.
Q4: How do I decode care symbols on clothing labels?
A: Care labels use standardized symbols; look up unfamiliar icons online or refer to garment-specific guides for best practices.
Q5: Are natural alternatives like vinegar and wool dryer balls effective?
A: Yes. Wool dryer balls soften fabrics and reduce static, while vinegar aids in removing detergent and softener residue, keeping clothes fresh and absorbent.
Quick Reference Table: Laundry Mistakes and Their Solutions
| Mistake | Impact | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Using Too Much Detergent | Residue buildup, dull clothes | Measure carefully, use less for small loads |
| Not Sorting Laundry | Dye transfer, abrasion | Sort by color, type, soil level |
| Overloading Washer | Laundry not clean, machine wear | Keep loads two-thirds full |
| Ignoring Care Labels | Shrinking, fading, damage | Read labels, group by care |
| Leaving Stains Untreated | Set-in stains | Pretreat stains before washing |
| Open Zippers, Buttoned Shirts | Snags, broken buttons | Zip up, unbutton, use bags |
| Overusing Softener | Residue, less absorbency | Use sparingly, try alternatives |
| Neglecting Machine Cleaning | Mold, odor, dirty laundry | Clean drum, run hot cycles |
| Dryer Lint Trap Neglect | Fire risk, poor drying | Clean trap every load |
| Letting Dryer Cool | Wasted energy | Run loads back-to-back |
Final Tips for Better Laundry Results
- Always check pockets for coins, pens, and tissues before washing.
- Hang-dry delicate fabrics to prevent shrinkage or wear.
- Keep a small basket for isolated stain treatments near the washing machine.
- Rotate your laundry detergent brands every few months to prevent buildup.
- Don’t forget to share laundry duties for faster, easier routines!
Improve Your Laundry Habits
Mastering your home laundry technique protects your clothes, saves money, and streamlines your routine. By understanding and avoiding each of these 13 common laundry mistakes, you’ll keep your garments looking their best and your appliances running smoothly for years to come.
References
- https://acelaundry.com/blog/laundry-mistakes-you-might-be-making-and-how-to-fix-them/
- https://321zips.com/blog/dry-cleaning-insights/laundry-tips/
- https://automaticlaundry.com/common-laundry-mistakes-in-laundromat-and-college/
- https://cluballiance.aaa.com/the-extra-mile/advice/life/laundry-mistakes-and-how-to-fix-them
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