These 5 laundry mistakes might make your clothes dirtier!
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Laundry day can often feel like a never-ending battle against a mountain of clothes.
For many, we've been doing laundry for decades, and you'd think we'd have it down to a fine art by now.
But according to laundry expert Deyan Dimitrov, CEO of Laundryheap, even the most seasoned washers among us could be making critical errors that leave our clothes looking less than fresh.
Here are the five common laundry mistakes Deyan has identified, which you might be making right now, and how to rectify them to ensure your clothes come out cleaner and your machine stays in top condition.
1. The Detergent Dilemma: Less is More
It's a common belief that more detergent equals cleaner clothes. However, Deyan suggested that this myth needs to be dispelled.
‘Using too much laundry detergent can result in residue marks on your garment,’ he said.
This means that your clothes might come out of the wash looking dingy or with streaks of detergent scum.
The solution? Use only three-quarters of the recommended amount of detergent to ensure your clothes come out spotless without the unwanted residue.
2. One-Setting Wonder: A Recipe for Disaster
Many are guilty of finding one setting on the washing machine that seems to work and sticking with it for every wash.
But this one-size-fits-all approach can damage your clothes. Different fabrics require different care, and using the wrong temperature or cycle can lead to fading, shrinking, or even disintegration of delicate items.
Deyan said, as a general rule, towels and bed linens typically need a hotter wash to kill germs, while cotton and wool fare better with cooler temperatures.
Familiarise yourself with your machine's settings and sort your laundry accordingly to keep your clothes in top condition.
3. Pocket Perils: Check Before You Wash
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to overlook the simple step of checking pockets before tossing clothes into the machine.
But as Deyan pointed out, neglecting to empty pockets can lead to disaster.
Coins, keys, and other small items can cause blockages, damage the drum, or even crack the glass door of front-loading machines.
Always ensure pockets are empty to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
4. The Overload Overlook: A Heavy Burden
We've all been there – trying to cram just one more shirt into a full washing machine. Deyan warned that loading up their washing machines will ‘ruin’ their clothes in the long run.
Not only does it prevent detergent from circulating properly, leaving clothes unclean, but it also puts extra strain on your machine.
Overloading can lead to wear and tear and a shorter lifespan for your appliance. Resist the urge to overload to ensure a thorough clean and to protect your machine.
5. Warning Whispers: Listen to Your Machine
Finally, it's crucial to pay attention to the health of your washing machine. Ignoring odd noises, unpleasant smells, or visible mould can lead to bigger issues down the line.
These warning signs could indicate that your machine isn't operating efficiently, so it's not cleaning your clothes properly.
'Next time you hear an odd noise from your washing machine, smell a bad odour or see mould around the handle, it's best to not ignore these signs,' Deyan said.
'A faulty washing machine will not wash your clothes properly.’
If you smell a bad odour on your washing machine, you can try this clever solution a mum discovered.
In a previous story, she sought guidance from fellow cleaning enthusiasts online, which led her to use three potent products to ultimately eradicate odour once and for all.
What are these products? Read here to find out.
Have you learned any laundry lessons the hard way? Or perhaps you have a tried-and-true laundry tip that you swear by? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below!
For many, we've been doing laundry for decades, and you'd think we'd have it down to a fine art by now.
But according to laundry expert Deyan Dimitrov, CEO of Laundryheap, even the most seasoned washers among us could be making critical errors that leave our clothes looking less than fresh.
Here are the five common laundry mistakes Deyan has identified, which you might be making right now, and how to rectify them to ensure your clothes come out cleaner and your machine stays in top condition.
1. The Detergent Dilemma: Less is More
It's a common belief that more detergent equals cleaner clothes. However, Deyan suggested that this myth needs to be dispelled.
Are you doing these laundry mistakes? Credit: Shutterstock
‘Using too much laundry detergent can result in residue marks on your garment,’ he said.
This means that your clothes might come out of the wash looking dingy or with streaks of detergent scum.
The solution? Use only three-quarters of the recommended amount of detergent to ensure your clothes come out spotless without the unwanted residue.
2. One-Setting Wonder: A Recipe for Disaster
Many are guilty of finding one setting on the washing machine that seems to work and sticking with it for every wash.
But this one-size-fits-all approach can damage your clothes. Different fabrics require different care, and using the wrong temperature or cycle can lead to fading, shrinking, or even disintegration of delicate items.
Deyan said, as a general rule, towels and bed linens typically need a hotter wash to kill germs, while cotton and wool fare better with cooler temperatures.
Familiarise yourself with your machine's settings and sort your laundry accordingly to keep your clothes in top condition.
3. Pocket Perils: Check Before You Wash
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to overlook the simple step of checking pockets before tossing clothes into the machine.
But as Deyan pointed out, neglecting to empty pockets can lead to disaster.
Coins, keys, and other small items can cause blockages, damage the drum, or even crack the glass door of front-loading machines.
Always ensure pockets are empty to avoid costly repairs or replacements.
4. The Overload Overlook: A Heavy Burden
We've all been there – trying to cram just one more shirt into a full washing machine. Deyan warned that loading up their washing machines will ‘ruin’ their clothes in the long run.
Not only does it prevent detergent from circulating properly, leaving clothes unclean, but it also puts extra strain on your machine.
Overloading can lead to wear and tear and a shorter lifespan for your appliance. Resist the urge to overload to ensure a thorough clean and to protect your machine.
5. Warning Whispers: Listen to Your Machine
Finally, it's crucial to pay attention to the health of your washing machine. Ignoring odd noises, unpleasant smells, or visible mould can lead to bigger issues down the line.
These warning signs could indicate that your machine isn't operating efficiently, so it's not cleaning your clothes properly.
'Next time you hear an odd noise from your washing machine, smell a bad odour or see mould around the handle, it's best to not ignore these signs,' Deyan said.
'A faulty washing machine will not wash your clothes properly.’
If you smell a bad odour on your washing machine, you can try this clever solution a mum discovered.
In a previous story, she sought guidance from fellow cleaning enthusiasts online, which led her to use three potent products to ultimately eradicate odour once and for all.
What are these products? Read here to find out.
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