Doing laundry seems straightforward, but many people unknowingly make common laundry mistakes that can leave their clothes less than perfectly clean. By avoiding these laundry mistakes, you can ensure your garments last longer and look their best. At Friendly Laundry Service in Orange County, CA, we take the guesswork out of laundry, so you never have to worry about making these errors again.
Laundry Mistake #1: Overloading the Washing Machine
One of the most common laundry mistakes is overloading the washing machine. While it might seem like a good idea to fit as much as possible into a single load, doing so can prevent your clothes from getting thoroughly cleaned. When the machine is too full, clothes don’t have enough room to move around, resulting in inadequate rinsing and detergent not being fully washed out.
Solution: Stick to the recommended load size for your washing machine. If you’re unsure, it’s better to err on the side of caution and do smaller loads. Not only will this help your clothes get cleaner, but it will also extend the life of your washing machine.
Laundry Mistake #2: Using Too Much Detergent
Another laundry mistake that many people make is using too much detergent. Contrary to popular belief, more detergent does not equal cleaner clothes. In fact, excess detergent can leave residue on your garments, making them look dull, feel stiff, and actually retain dirt.
Solution: Use the recommended amount of detergent as indicated on the package. If you have a high-efficiency (HE) washing machine, make sure to use HE detergent, as it is formulated to produce fewer suds and works best in these machines. Most people don’t have an HE machine, so leave this to the professionals at Friendly Laundry Service.
Did you know? Using less detergent not only benefits your clothes but also helps protect the environment by reducing the number of chemicals released into the water supply.
Laundry Mistake #3: Ignoring Care Labels
Care labels on clothing aren’t just there for decoration—they provide essential information on how to wash and care for your garments properly. Ignoring these instructions can lead to shrinking, fading, or damaging your clothes.
Solution: Always check the care label before washing an item. Pay attention to the recommended water temperature, washing cycle, and drying instructions. If a piece of clothing is labeled “dry clean only,” consider taking it to a professional or use a home dry-cleaning kit.
Pro Tip: For delicate items, consider using a mesh laundry bag to protect them during the wash. This is especially useful for items like lingerie, hosiery, and sweaters.
Laundry Mistake #4: Not Separating Laundry Properly
Mixing all your clothes together in one load is a laundry mistake that can lead to disastrous results, such as colors bleeding or fabrics being damaged. Separating your laundry properly is crucial to preserving the quality of your garments.
Solution: Sort your laundry by color (whites, lights, darks) and by fabric type (delicates, heavy items like towels or jeans). Washing similar fabrics together helps ensure that each item is washed in the appropriate cycle and temperature.
Need help sorting your laundry? Our pickup and delivery service takes care of everything, from sorting to folding, so you can enjoy clean clothes without the hassle.
Laundry Mistake #5: Leaving Wet Clothes in the Washer
Leaving wet clothes in the washing machine for too long is a common laundry mistake that can lead to musty odors and even mold growth. This can ruin your clothes and make additional washes necessary.
Solution: Set a timer or reminder to transfer your clothes to the dryer as soon as the washing cycle is complete. If you can’t dry them right away, at least open the washer door to allow air circulation until you can.
Friendly Laundry Service staff manages pickup and delivery orders quickly and efficiently, so this never happens with our laundry pickup and delivery customers.
Conclusion
By avoiding these common laundry mistakes, you can keep your clothes looking their best and extend their lifespan. However, we know that life gets busy, and laundry might not always be your top priority. That’s where Friendly Laundry Service comes in. Our professional laundry service ensures that your garments receive the care they need, so you never have to worry about making these mistakes again. Whether you’re a busy family, an older adult, or a single professional, we’ve got you covered.
