Common Laundry Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Laundry might seem like a simple task, but even small mistakes can have big consequences on the life and look of your clothing. From faded colors to shrunken sweaters and lingering odors, the wrong techniques can quietly wear down your wardrobe over time. Whether you’re doing laundry at home or using a laundromat, knowing what not to do is just as important as following best practices. Here are some of the most common laundry mistakes—and how to avoid them.
Overloading the Washer
It might seem efficient to stuff your washer to the brim, especially when you’re in a hurry. But overloading doesn’t just impact how clean your clothes get—it also causes excess friction that leads to fabric wear and tear. Clothes need space to tumble, rinse, and spin freely. If the machine is packed too tightly, detergent can’t rinse out fully, leaving residue that stiffens or fades fabric. To avoid this, stick to the machine’s load recommendations and aim for loosely filled drum space.
Using Too Much Detergent
More soap doesn’t mean cleaner clothes. In fact, excess detergent often backfires by leaving a film on your garments. This residue can trap dirt and bacteria, leading to unpleasant smells and skin irritation. It also builds up in your washing machine, potentially damaging it over time. Follow the measuring guide on your detergent bottle and adjust based on your load size and soil level.
Ignoring Care Labels
Fabric care labels aren’t just there for show. They contain important information about water temperature, drying methods, and whether a garment should be dry cleaned. Washing delicate fabrics like silk or wool in hot water can shrink or warp them. Likewise, tumble-drying certain items can melt synthetic fibers or cause shrinkage. Always check tags before tossing items into the washer or dryer—and separate accordingly.
Mixing Colors Improperly
We’ve all had the mishap: a red sock sneaks into a load of whites and suddenly everything’s pink. Dark, bright, and white clothing should be washed separately to prevent color transfer. This is especially important for new garments that haven’t been washed before, as they’re more likely to bleed. When in doubt, use cold water, color-catching sheets, and sort laundry by shade and fabric type.
Neglecting Regular Machine Maintenance
A dirty washing machine can’t clean your clothes properly. Over time, mold, detergent residue, and lint build up inside the drum and filter. If your freshly washed clothes still smell musty, your machine may be the problem. Run a monthly maintenance cycle with white vinegar or a washing machine cleaner, and check lint traps and filters regularly.
Drying Everything on High Heat
High heat can shrink, fade, or weaken fabrics—especially delicate or stretchy items like activewear, wool, and undergarments. Instead, use a lower heat setting or air dry when possible. Not only does this preserve your clothes, but it also saves energy and extends the lifespan of elastic bands, stitching, and fabric dyes.
Laundry Care Express uses expert handling and professional-grade equipment to avoid these common pitfalls, so your clothing stays in peak condition. With on-demand pickup and delivery in the Santa Cruz and San Jose area, we take the guesswork out of laundry day and bring peace of mind to your wardrobe care.