It's almost always the little distractions that can interfere with the day, which can lead us to make mistakes. These distractions almost always occur at home during our daily chores. When it comes to washing laundry, some of the steps that we have learned aren’t up to date in keeping our clothes as good as new, even though all of us try our best to do so. What are the most common mistakes when it comes to washing laundry?
Color Splash
This is the most classic example - the color splash. At the end of the cycle, you realize that your red laundry has stained other lighter-colored clothes. The best solution is to separate the laundry, wash the new clothes separately, run different cycles for light, dark and colored clothes or use special sheets to "catch" the colors. There are a number of washing machines that have specific programs, which allow you to wash different colors and fabrics at 70°F instead, with the same results as you would expect from a program that washes at 100°F.
If the damage has already been done - don't panic, there are always a few tricks to make the best out of the situation. For example, it's good practice not to let the laundry dry, especially in the sun. Secondly, you will need to try to remove any stains from the clothing as soon as possible. If the garment that absorbed the color is white, all you need to do is hand wash it in baking soda and a specific bleaching detergent. If the clothes that has absorbed the color is of another color, you can try treating it with a bleaching product designed for delicate and colored fabrics. If none of these options work, the only option left is to color in the item with a darker color to hide the damage.
Check Your Pockets
How many times have you had to take tissues out of your pants pockets, remove residue from other items of clothing, and clean the washer door because of paper tissues left behind? Always check before washing that you didn't leave any degradable materials such as paper or tissues in your pockets before starting the wash cycle. If you forgot, no problem. Shake the clothes well before removing the unwanted items from the fabric if you plan on air-drying your clothing. If you are using a dryer, the pieces of paper will most likely fall off the clothes on their own, and you will be able to easily remove them from the filter.
Wrong Temperature
Another common mistake with washing machines is washing laundry at the wrong temperature. This is one of the main reasons for faded or damaged clothes. Therefore, never wash wool or delicate synthetic clothes at high temperatures. Wool requires a short and less powerful cycle with a low spin, as if you were washing by hand. To avoid mistakes, check the washing instruction labels on the laundry items and set the washing machine program accordingly. If your favorite woolen sweater has shrunk a few sizes and turned matte, you can try to "revive" it using one of the following methods:
- Baking soda: Dissolve two tablespoons of baking soda in warm water and soak the article of clothing for several hours, rubbing it gently; then rinse with a little fabric softener.
- Milk: Leave the laundry to soak for about an hour in a solution of cold water and milk in equal proportions. We recommend rinsing with fabric softener at the end of the treatment.
- Ammonia and turpentine: Fill a bowl with ten liters of warm soapy water, add 1/2 spoon of alcohol, 1 spoon of turpentine and 3 spoons of ammonia. Soak the matte sweater all day for best results.
Aggressive Pre-washing
Aggressive pre-washing is another common mistake, along with using too much detergent and doing heavy loads that lead to bad washing. If performed on delicate fabrics, pre-washes can actually leave marks on the garment and even damage the fibers of the garment, causing holes to form. If you have to remove a stubborn stain, opt for a manual pre-treatment using a specific and not overly aggressive detergent. Leave it on for a few minutes before washing the clothes in the washing machine.
Too Much Detergent
This may seem like a contradiction, but using a large amount of detergent in the washing machine does not guarantee flawless cleaning. Too much foam can lead to the formation of mold, produce an unpleasant smell, and leave stains on your favorite clothes, which can cause certain allergies. Therefore, we recommend that you follow the instructions on the packaging and adjust the dosage of detergent based on the amount of clothes to be washed and the hardness of the water.
Excessive Loads
Excessively heavy loads are also not productive as filling the washing machine drum with more than the recommended weight will save you neither time nor money. By not allowing water and detergent to enter the fibers, the laundry will remain dirty and you will waste the entire wash cycle.
How to Avoid Damaging the Fabrics of Your Clothes?
Of course, all these mistakes can be avoided. Understanding what is necessary is the first essential step, followed by understanding the functions of your washing machine. In order to use all programs appropriately without overworking it in terms of load, detergent and prewash, here are some tips to ensure optimal results:
Read the Labels Carefully
Just a few extra seconds to read labels will prevent the vast majority of washing machine accidents. The separation of colors and fabrics is necessary to allow you to choose the most appropriate type of program for your clothing. This way, your clothes will last longer and remain in their original condition.
Buy a Smart Washing Machine
Technology is of great help to us today. Fortunately, we now have smart washing machines that can help us choose programs, as well as manage both water and energy. Many smart washer models on the market today include features that adjust the duration of the cycle (energy consumption), as well as the amount of water according to the weight of the laundry detected in the drum. You can also control your energy consumption in real time, which boasts additional programs to make sure your laundry is always safe.
Proper Maintenance
Periodic cleaning and sanitizing of your appliance is of a great importance to ensure the consistent efficiency of your washing machine over time. In fact, dirt and detergent residues that remain in the drum and on the rubber on the door, can cause an unpleasant smell and increase poor washing results in the long term. We recommend using washing machine sanitizing tablets from time to time to help keep your machine clean and tidy.
There are numerous features to consider in order to ensure efficient cycles and perfectly clean, good-as-new fabrics. If you're looking to buy a new washer for your laundry room, we offer some of our numerous models from a wide selection of high-end washers, as well as great knowledge and experience in their usage at Town Appliance.
