Laundry day can sometimes feel like a chore, but it's essential for keeping our clothes clean, fresh, and in good condition. Here are the top five laundry mishaps and tips on how to avoid them, ensuring your laundry comes out perfect every time.
1. Overloading the Washing Machine
Mistake: It's tempting to cram as much as possible into a single load to save time and energy. However, overloading your washing machine can lead to poorly washed clothes and can also put extra strain on your machine's motor.
How to Avoid: Ensure you're not filling the machine beyond its recommended capacity by separating your loads by fabric; cottons and activewear should be washed separately. Synthetic fabrics (what your Lululemon’s are made of) deserve a specialty activewear detergent and care routine. Mixing the two totally different fabrics will ruin the performance of your expensive gear. A good rule of thumb is to fill the drum no more than three-quarters full.
2. Ignoring Care Labels
Mistake: Skipping the step of reading the care labels on clothing & fabrics is a common oversight that can lead to shrinking, color bleeding, or fabric damage. Different fabrics require different care, and the label provides the best guidance on how to wash each garment.
How to Avoid: Always check the care labels before washing. They'll tell you whether the item needs to be washed in cold or hot water, if it should be tumble dried or air-dried, and if it requires a gentle cycle. Most of your synthetic fabrics require a cold wash and for your activewear, it’s best to hang-dry.
3. Using Too Much Detergent
Mistake: More detergent does not necessarily mean cleaner clothes; in fact, it can leave a residue on fabrics and inside your washing machine, which attracts dirt and can be difficult to rinse out.
How to Avoid: Use the recommended amount of detergent according to the package or your machine's instructions. Consider the size of your load and the level of soil in your clothes when determining the right amount. A little goes a long way!
4. Mixing Colors and Fabrics
Mistake: Washing all your clothes together regardless of color or fabric type can lead to color bleeding and can damage delicate fabrics.
How to Avoid: Separate your laundry by color (whites, darks & colors) and by fabric type (activewear, towels, jeans, etc.). Washing similar items together protects the fabrics and ensures that colors remain vibrant.
5. Neglecting the Dryer
Mistake: Over-drying clothes or using a heat setting that's too high can cause shrinking, fading, and wear and tear on fabrics.
How to Avoid: Follow the drying instructions on your clothes' care labels. Whenever possible, air dry your clothes to preserve their shape, texture and performance. If using a dryer, choose a lower heat setting and remove clothes while they're slightly damp to air dry the rest of the way.
Avoiding these common laundry mistakes can extend the life of your fabrics and ensure they look, feel and perform their best. Remember, treating your garments with a little extra TLC goes a long way in maintaining their quality and vibrancy!
