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6 Laundry Habits That Are Damaging Your Clothes

Introducing the art of clothes airing: an easy task, yet one that requires a thoughtful approach to avoid common pitfalls. Uncover the six mistakes that lead to premature wear and tear, and embrace the secrets to prolonging the lifespan of your beloved garments. It's time to transform your laundry routine into a refined art form!

Administrator

21 July, 2024

Improperly drying your clothes can lead to an unpleasant odor and reduce their longevity. Discover the six common drying mistakes that can ruin your garments with us.

1 Drying Clothes Under the Scorching Sun

Avoid drying clothes under the scorching sun

While drying clothes in the sun can effectively disinfect and retain their fragrance, excessive sunlight will make them stiff, fade, and lose their scent. Hence, opt for a time with moderate sunlight for drying your clothes!

2 Leaving Clothes in the Washing Machine Overnight

Avoid leaving clothes in the washing machine overnight

Due to busy schedules, many people tend to wash their clothes late at night and leave them in the washing machine for convenience. However, this is a mistake because wet clothes left in a damp environment like the washer provide the perfect conditions for bacteria and mold to thrive, resulting in an unpleasant odor.

3 Drying Clothes at Night

Avoid drying clothes at night

At night, the air tends to be more humid. Therefore, drying clothes at night will cause moisture to seep into them, making them take longer to dry and develop a musty smell. Instead, try to wash and dry your clothes early in the morning rather than waiting until sunset.

4 Not Wringing Out Clothes Before Drying

Wring out clothes before drying

Some believe that sunny weather will quickly dry clothes, negating the need to wring them out. However, this allows dust and bacteria to adhere to the garments, resulting in an unpleasant smell and mildew.

But avoid wringing too hard, as it can cause clothes to stretch and lose their shape, reducing their longevity.

5 Not Using Fabric Softener

Many homemakers often skip using fabric softener. However, merely washing clothes is insufficient because softener not only makes them smell pleasant for extended periods but also prevents mold, softens the fabric, and enhances color retention. Thus, using fabric softener contributes to maintaining your clothes’ longevity.

A tip for you: Soak your clothes for 10-15 minutes before rinsing and hanging them to dry.

Using fabric softener

6 Choosing the Wrong Clothes Hanger

If you dry your clothes on unsuitable hangers, they will lose their shape and deteriorate faster.

Avoid using oversized hangers that stretch your clothes, and of course, small hangers that may cause garments to slip off. Instead, opt for hangers that fit your clothes!

Pay extra attention to rusty hangers, as they will stain your clothes. Replace scratched hangers to prevent fabric damage.

Choosing the right clothes hanger

This article has revealed six common drying mistakes that can ruin your clothes. Pay attention to these details to better care for your garments! Best of luck!

Frequently asked questions

There are several habits that may be causing this. Using too much detergent, overloading the washing machine, washing at extremely high temperatures, and leaving clothes in the dryer for too long can all damage your garments. Additionally, using the wrong detergent or fabric softener and not reading the care labels can contribute to the problem.

Measure your detergent carefully and use the recommended amount. Don’t overload your washing machine, as this can prevent effective cleaning and rinsing. Avoid very high temperatures and opt for cold or warm washes instead. Always refer to the care labels on your clothes and choose the appropriate settings on your washing machine.

Excess detergent can leave residue on your clothes, making them stiff and rough. It can also cause colors to fade and fabrics to weaken over time.

When you overload the machine, your clothes don’t have enough space to agitate and move freely. This can result in insufficient cleaning and rinsing, leading to dirt and detergent residue being left on your clothes.

Washing at very high temperatures can cause colors to bleed and fabrics to shrink or become damaged. It’s generally recommended to wash most clothes in cold or warm water to preserve their quality and color.

Over-drying your clothes can lead to shrinkage, static cling, and increased wrinkles. It’s best to dry your clothes just enough and remove them promptly from the dryer to avoid these issues.

Care labels provide specific instructions on how to wash and dry your garments. Following these instructions is crucial to maintaining the quality and longevity of your clothes. Different fabrics have different care requirements, so always take a moment to read the labels before laundering.