Doing laundry is a routine task in every household. But despite its routine nature, improper washing is often the reason clothes lose their color, shape, or wear out too quickly. Many people follow tips from the internet or advice from relatives, unaware that some of these are just common myths. As noted by the editorial team at the Baltimore Chronicle, proper washing is a science that helps extend the life of your wardrobe and save you money.
In this article, we’ll break down the most common laundry mistakes, share advice on how to avoid damaging your clothes, and help you tell facts from fiction.
Why It’s Important to Wash Clothes Properly
Incorrect washing leads to premature fabric wear, color fading, pilling, and even shrinkage. This not only damages clothes but also adds extra expenses for replacing your wardrobe. Moreover, frequent improper laundry practices negatively impact the environment due to overuse of chemicals and water.
Proper care of clothes allows you to:
- Preserve color brightness
- Prevent fabric shrinkage
- Avoid unpleasant odors
- Save on electricity and detergents
- Prolong the life of garments
And this doesn’t apply only to delicate items, but also to everyday clothes like jeans, T-shirts, and underwear.
The Most Common Laundry Myths
Despite having care instructions on labels, many people still believe in questionable advice.
Myth 1: The more detergent, the cleaner the clothes
In fact, too much detergent makes rinsing more difficult, leaves residue on fabrics, and may cause skin irritation. Cleaning efficiency depends more on detergent composition and wash cycle than on quantity.
Myth 2: All clothes can be washed together
Mixing white and colored garments often results in color bleeding. This is especially true for new clothes, which tend to release dye. Also, different fabrics require different water temperatures.
Myth 3: Hot water removes dirt better
While hot water may work for sheets or towels, it can harm colorful or synthetic fabrics. High temperatures break down fibers and “wash out” dye.
Myth 4: Washing machines clean themselves
Many forget that the washing machine itself needs regular cleaning. Otherwise, detergent residue, bacteria, and mold may transfer onto clothes.
Myth 5: Fabric softener is good for all fabrics
Softeners can decrease the absorbency of towels and activewear by leaving a film on fabric surfaces.
How to Sort Clothes Before Washing
Sorting is the first step toward proper laundry. It’s often ignored, yet it helps avoid many problems.
Here are a few rules:
- Sort clothes by color: whites, darks, brights
- Consider fabric type: cotton, synthetics, wool
- Take soil level into account: heavily soiled clothes should be washed separately
- Wash new garments separately a few times
- Zip up zippers and close buttons to prevent damage
Also, always check pockets — small items can harm both clothes and the washing machine.
Temperature Settings: Which to Choose
Water temperature plays a huge role in wash quality. Here are the main recommendations:
| Type of clothing | Recommended temperature | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | 40°C (104°F) | Efficient cleaning without shrinking |
| Synthetics | 30–40°C (86–104°F) | Maintains shape and color |
| Wool | 20–30°C (68–86°F) | Prevents felting and shrinking |
| Towels and bed linen | 60–90°C (140–194°F) | Kills bacteria |
| Jeans | 30°C (86°F) | Prevents fading |
Always check the label — it contains accurate temperature information for each garment.
What Type of Detergent to Choose
There’s a wide range of detergents: powders, gels, pods, eco-friendly options. When choosing, consider:
- Fabric type (delicate, heavy-duty)
- Garment color
- Personal sensitivity to fragrance and chemicals
- Ingredients (phosphates, fragrances)
Whites benefit from detergents with bleach, while colored items require bleach-free formulas. Delicate fabrics should be washed with liquid detergents designed for sensitive materials.
Key Laundry Rules to Follow
To keep your clothes in good shape, follow these simple yet effective rules:
- Always read garment care labels
- Sort clothes before washing
- Don’t overload the washing machine drum
- Choose the right cycle and water temperature
- Don’t overuse detergent or softener
- Dry clothes according to recommendations (air-dry, no tumble drying if prohibited)
- Clean your washing machine regularly
How to Care for Delicate Fabrics
Delicate garments (silk, lace, wool) require special attention.
Things to keep in mind:
- Use a laundry bag or hand wash
- Apply specialized detergent or fabric shampoo
- Avoid spin cycles or choose the gentlest setting
- Lay flat to dry — avoid hanging on clothespins
Just one mistake can ruin a favorite dress or sweater.
How Often Should You Wash Clothes?
Washing frequency depends on clothing type and usage. Some garments don’t need daily washing.
- Underwear — after each use
- T-shirts, shirts — after 1–2 wears
- Jeans — after 4–5 wears
- Sweaters — after 3–4 wears
- Coats, jackets — 2–3 times per season
Over-washing can be just as damaging as under-washing: fabrics wear out faster and lose elasticity and shape.
Earlier we wrote about how to remove stains from deodorant from shirts and other clothes.