15 Essential Laundry Tips to Prevent Clothes Damage
Everyone has experienced the loss of a beloved garment prematurely, often due to laundry mishaps—a truly tragic outcome when all you were trying to do was clean it!
Improving your washing and drying routine only requires a few thoughtful adjustments and a bit of extra time on laundry day.
Here are Whiteice’s top 15 laundry tips from our experts to help prevent clothing damage.
15 Must-Know Laundry Tips To Prevent Clothes Damage
1. Decode those label symbols once and for all
Laundry labels are often overlooked, much like terms and conditions documents—hardly anyone reads them, right?
If you tend to agree, it might be time to start paying closer attention to those care labels. They provide precise instructions on how to care for your clothing properly, and often, these instructions aren’t as complex as you might think. It comes down to selecting the correct water temperature to using the appropriate dryer settings
2. Wash (almost) everything less often
Do you find yourself throwing everything into the laundry bin, including garments worn for just a few hours? This habit can shorten the lifespan of your clothes with each wash.
For instance, while workout clothes typically require washing after each wear, expensive items like jeans and sweaters should only be washed every five wears. It’s beneficial to research your favorite pieces to determine the appropriate cleaning schedule for your wardrobe!
3. Prioritize pre-treating stains
Public Service Announcement: Stains don’t have to ruin an entire item forever. Acting swiftly with effective stain removal techniques can often save the entire garment.
4. Sort like your (closet’s) life depends on it!
Your mother was right when she advised you to avoid mixing darks and lights in the laundry. Proper laundry sorting extends beyond colors—it includes separating heavy and delicate materials, different fabric types, and items based on soil levels.
5. Flip before you wash
If you’re short on time but want to make a simple improvement, consider flipping your jeans and graphic t-shirts inside out before washing them. Dark colors and printed designs can fade over time due to washing, so flipping them inside out helps protect the surface and slows down wear and tear.
6. Close up every zip and button
To prevent rogue zippers, hooks, and buttons from snagging and tearing other garments, another quick tip is to ensure everything is securely fastened. Whether it’s jeans, jackets, or bras, make sure to zip up and button any protruding elements before placing them in the wash!
7. Invest in a delicate bags
Have you observed how delicate lace trim and other dainty features often wear out quickly? Anyone who wears feminine underwear can relate to this frustration! Fortunately, there’s a simple solution: place bras, underwear, tights, and similar items in a delicates bag before putting them in your regular wash cycle.
8. Don’t discount the impact of water temperature
It’s not merely advice; it’s grounded in science—warm and hot water can impact clothes differently than tap and cold water, potentially causing damage, shrinkage, or color bleeding.
As a rule of thumb, use warm water for light-colored and white garments, and opt for cold water for everything else. Always refer to the care label for specific instructions, and when unsure, choose cold water to be safe!
9. Know your cycles
Washers and dryers come with a plethora of buttons, yet many people aren’t familiar with their functions. Understanding when to use settings like rinse and spin, permanent press, and tumble dry can help preserve your clothing’s freshness and longevity. Here’s how to decipher each cycle setting effectively.
10. Stop stuffing the drum
Regardless of the cycle you select, it’s crucial to avoid overfilling your machine. Overloading a washer or dryer can hinder proper cleaning and lead to holes and tears in your clothing.
When uncertain, aim to fill your washing machine no more than three-quarters full. This blog provides tips on recognizing when you’ve added too much!
11. Never mix towels and clothes, especially in the dryer
While it might be tempting to throw in a towel or two with a small load, it’s best to reserve towels for separate cycles. Towels can absorb water from other garments during washing, potentially causing damage. Moreover, in dryers, towels can lead to overheating and contribute to wear and tear on clothing.
12. Ditch the fabric softener
Fabric softener promises to improve the feel of your clothing, but it often leaves behind layers of damaging residue. For a similar effect that protects your clothes better, try using white vinegar instead!
13. Swap dryer sheets for dryer balls
Similar to fabric softeners, the adhesive chemical residue from dryer sheets can cause more harm than good. Instead, opt for reusable DIY dryer balls—they’re better for the environment and much gentler on your clothing.
14. Get into line drying
One of the major risks in laundry is excessive heat in the dryer. To prevent shrinkage, fading, and damage caused by high temperatures, consider incorporating line drying into your routine. While it may seem old-fashioned, this method not only leaves clothes smelling fresher but also helps maintain the integrity of your garments.
15. Remember: dry cleaners exist for a reason!
Lastly, here’s a tip that can completely remove the task of laundry from your to-do list: utilize your local dry cleaner.
Remember, dry cleaners aren’t just for tackling tough stains—some garments actually require dry cleaning. Typical items that benefit from dry cleaning include:
- Men’s dress shirts
- Blouses, pants, skirts, sport coats, sweaters, and vests
- Windbreakers
- Down coats
- Dresses
- 3-piece suits/tuxedos
- Down comforters
And the best part? Dry cleaning is often more affordable than you might think. Congratulations—you now have a expert laundry routine that protects your clothes from damage!
