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Laundry isn’t my idea of a good time, but someone has to do it. Doing it the right way means cleaner, softer, longer-lasting clothes. But what exactly is the correct way to wash clothes, and how do you know if you have mastered it or not?
While we all have (or should have) a cursory knowledge of how to use a washer and dryer By early adulthood, the finer points of washing clothes can make a big difference in keeping your beloved jeans or T-shirts from fraying, tearing or shrinking before their time comes.
“Although there are no universal uniform practices, it is best practice to adhere to strict standards,” says Ibrahim Agzoul, acting housekeeping manager at the company. Kasbah Tamadota five-star resort specializing in soft and comfortable bedding, towels and other linens.
Agzoul’s mission is to make sure every load of laundry comes out clean and soft and to keep those soft linens intact for as long as possible. For advice, we asked Aghzoul to break down the biggest laundry mistakes most of us make every week.
- Sorting clothes incorrectly
You should sort your laundry into more than just lights and darks, Aghzoul says.
While most people understand the importance of separating clothes by color to prevent irreversible dye transfer, considering the type of fabric and washing requirements is just as important. “Aghzoul confirms that mixing items can lead to damage and inefficient cleaning.
Instead, consider a multi-compartmental, customizable laundry bin that goes beyond whites, darks, and dry cleaning. This will allow for more unique subcategories, such as delicate foods or towels, to identify items that may require special care or that can withstand the rigors of standard machines.
Additionally, make sure you don’t overfill your washer; Leave shirts unbuttoned and zippers open. This will ensure consistent soaking and drying, preventing snags and rips.
2. Excessive use of detergents and softeners
Measure and use the right amount of detergent to avoid damaging clothes and irritating your skin.
“It’s a common misconception that more detergent means cleaner clothes,” Agzoul said. “In fact, excess soap remains in the fabrics, which can cause skin irritation.”
Additionally, excess detergent, especially in high-efficiency machine models, can damage clothes by seeping deep into the fibres, staying out of the spin and baking in the clothes during the drying process.
3. Use bleaching materials
Most laundry professionals suggest using bleach sparingly, if at all.
Most laundry professionals advise against using the harshest additive of all: bleach. Instead, consider a product like sodium percarbonate Oxycleanwhich is gentler on clothes and skin, but retains the same lightening and brightening qualities as its more common counterpart.
And if you want your clothes to be softer, avoid using fabric softener that causes residue altogether. Alternatively, add a cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle or half a cup of baking soda during the wash cycle to neutralize the pH levels and ensure the detergent is broken down, resulting in a more gentle result.
4. Not cleaning the washing machine
Cleaning your washing machine regularly is the best thing you can do for it.
Unsurprisingly, the machine we use to clean our dirty linens becomes dirty, especially in the nooks and crannies that trap moisture, allowing mold to develop that stains the fabric and smells far from fresh.
“Over time, residue can build up inside the machine,” Aghzoul explains. “Special detergents designed to clean machines help prevent this.”
Includes a couple of options that are highly reviewed on Amazon activeIt is formulated in an easy-to-use tablet form Mold and stain removal gel Which runs along the rubber seals.
5. Washing at incorrect temperatures
The temperature at which you wash clothes is important.
The recommended wash temperatures are designed to not only effectively clean but also extend the life of what’s inside.
As a general safety rule, especially when combining whites with dark colours, choose a cold or room temperature wash to prevent fading of fabrics, or worse, bleeding and staining of other items in the drum. Also consider spin speeds – delicate items like bras, swimsuits and underwear with elastic can stretch and distort if thrown too quickly.
6. Drying at the wrong temperature
Dryer temperature is even more important to protect your clothes over time.
Not only are most Americans guilty of blasting their delicate clothes with temperatures that rival those of a fighter jet engine, but we’re also putting the wrong kinds of clothes in the dryer.
“Using too much heat or drying inappropriate fabrics in machines often leads to shrinkage,” says Agzoul, who advises everyone to look at care labels as a rule of thumb.
Plus, it’s time to ditch the dryer sheets and replace them with wool balls. Not only are artificially scented sheets full of waxy residue that can build up in your dryer and pose a major fire hazard, but they’re also disposable and environmentally unfriendly.
7. Skip care labels
Always check item labels before washing.
Tags sewn into clothing are there for a reason. We have analyzed the meanings of each one in This guide. Use them as a basic guide to proper care, especially if you’re not sure where to start with wash and dry cycles and temperatures.
“Care labels are often overlooked, but essential. They provide instructions on washing, drying, bleaching and ironing,” says Agzoul.
Of course, when all else fails, bring your favorite items to a local dry cleaner for a professional opinion. If an item of clothing holds sentimental value, it’s worth the extra cost to have it expertly cleaned, allowing you to enjoy wearing it for years to come.