These 5 laundry mistakes might make your clothes dirtier!

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.


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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.
Key Takeaways

  • Laundry expert Deyan Dimitrov cautioned against using too much detergent. It can leave residue that attracts dirt, making clothes seem unclean.
  • Deyan advised using the appropriate washing machine settings for different materials to prevent damage and maintain the quality of the clothes.
  • Emptying pockets before a wash is essential to prevent blockages or damage to the machine from items such as coins or keys.
  • Overloading the washing machine can reduce efficiency, lead to poorer cleaning results, and shorten the appliance's lifespan. Users should also not ignore warning signs that the machine may be failing.
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!
 
Sponsored
Oh geeze.
Here's me thinking I've been doing the wash wrong for 55 years.
Maybe the answer is to disposable clothing. I could make a fortune with my genius ideas.
 
  • Haha
Reactions: Marilynne
So sheets and towels need a hot wash but cotton and wool items need a cool wash? Err, aren't most sheets and towels made of cotton? Cotton and wool need completely different wash cycles and temperatures.
 

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