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Washing clothes may look like a simple process but surprisingly 90% people do wrong while washing their clothes. Yes! You heard it right. Washing clothes may look simple yet there are many things to discover about wrong clothing and process to wash dirty clothes. From using too much detergent to washing all type of fabrics altogether, there are number of wrong steps we take while washing clothes by hand or in washing machine. But what does these misakes lead to? Cloth damage, reducing shine, color fading, etc are many consequences that can be happened while following the wrong methods of washing clothes.
So, If you want to keep your clothes looking like new then this blog is for you as we have mentioned many tips and tricks that you can follow while washing and will also aware of wrong clothing washing to prevent damage of your favorite garments.
Read More: Why should we wear cotton clothes in summer?
1. Ignoring Clothing Labels
The first thing people usually do wrong is ignoring the wash care label attached with the clothes that includes washing and drying instructions. Apart from this it also includes washing temperature, spin settings, handwash or machine wash. So, we recommend never skip the instructions which are being mentioned in the care label to prevent your cloth damage.
What You Should Do:
- Always read and follow care labels before washing.
- Separate clothes that require hand wash or dry cleaning.
- Use the right washing cycle based on label instructions.
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2. Overloading the Washing Machine
Overloading the washer is also a very common mistake that happens while washing your clothes in washing machine. We all know overloading can reduce washing efficiency and prevents proper rinsing. Apart from poorly washed clothes, it can also cause some mechanical issue to your washing machine.
Why It’s Wrong:
- Clothes in washing machine don’t move freely.
- Detergent may not dissolve properly.
- Increases wear and tear on fabric.
What You Should Do:
- Fill only two-thirds of the drum.
- Wash in batches to ensure thorough cleaning.
3. Using Excessive Detergent
Putting the right quantity of detergent is a crucial step while washing clothes by hand or in machine. Mostly people do not measure the quantity and put detergent in the machine randomly which causes fabric deterioration because some detergents are harsh on delicate fabrics and can leave residue on washed clothes. So, always measure the right amount of detergent according to number of clothes.
Why It Damages Clothes:
- Causes soap buildup in fabric fibers.
- Makes clothes stiff and scratchy after washing.
- Residue attracts more dirt during wear.
What You Should Do:
- Follow recommended detergent quantity.
- Use high-efficiency (HE) detergent for front-load machines.
4. Not Sorting Clothes Properly
Throwing everything—whites, darks, jeans, towels—into one load is a recipe for disaster. The dye from dark clothes can transfer to lighter ones, and rough fabrics like denim can cause cloth damage to delicate items.
Proper Sorting Includes:
- Color: Whites, lights, and darks separately.
- Fabric: Heavy vs. delicate.
- Soil level: Very dirty clothes separate from lightly soiled items.
Why It Matters:
- Prevents dye transfer.
- Protects delicate fibers from abrasion.
- Ensures even cleaning.
5. Washing with the Wrong Water Temperature
Choosing the wrong water temperature can ruin clothes. Hot water fades bright colors and shrinks delicate fabrics, while cold water may not remove stains or grease effectively.
What You Should Use:
- Cold water: For dark clothes, delicate fabrics, and light soil.
- Warm water: For synthetic fabrics and moderate soil.
- Hot water: For heavily soiled clothes, towels, and whites.
Pro Tip:
Always check the clothing label and match water temperature accordingly during the process of washing dirty clothes.
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6. Skipping Pre-Treatment of Stains
Throwing stained clothes directly into the washer without pre-treating is a huge mistake. Most stains set permanently if not treated promptly.
Common Mistake:
- Assuming detergent alone will remove stains.
What You Should Do:
- Blot stains gently.
- Apply a stain remover or liquid detergent directly to the stained area.
- Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before washing.
7. Using the Wrong Wash Cycle
Choosing the wrong washing cycle for the fabric type is a quick way to ruin your garments. A heavy-duty cycle on delicate clothes can lead to premature cloth damage.
Cycle Selection Guide:
- Normal/Regular: Everyday clothes like t-shirts, jeans.
- Delicate: Lingerie, silk, light cotton.
- Heavy Duty: Towels, bedsheets, heavily soiled items.
8. Leaving Wet Clothes in the Washing Machine
Many people forget their laundry in the machine after washing. This mistake causes a musty smell and encourages mold growth, especially in humid weather.
Why It’s Harmful:
- Promotes bacterial and fungal growth.
- Causes odors in clothes and the machine drum.
- Leads to re-washing, wasting water and electricity.
What You Should Do:
- Remove clothes from the machine immediately after washing clothes.
- Air-dry or tumble-dry them as per the care label.
9. Not Cleaning the Washing Machine
A dirty washing machine cannot clean your clothes efficiently. Residual detergent, lint, and fabric softener buildup over time, affecting performance and hygiene.
How It Affects:
- Dirty clothes after washing.
- Unpleasant odor from the machine.
- Bacterial contamination on fresh laundry.
Maintenance Tips:
- Clean the detergent drawer and rubber seal weekly.
- Run an empty hot water cycle with vinegar or machine cleaner once a month.
10. Drying Clothes the Wrong Way
Drying is just as important as washing. Hanging the wrong clothing under direct sunlight or using high heat in the dryer can lead to color fading, shrinkage, and fabric breakdown.
Better Drying Practices:
- Hang dark clothes in the shade to prevent fading.
- Use low heat settings in dryers.
- Air-dry delicate garments flat to avoid stretching.
11. Not Turning Clothes Inside Out
This small habit protects prints, embroidery, and colors from direct friction and sun exposure.
Why It’s Helpful:
- Preserves color and fabric quality.
- Reduces lint formation.
- Minimizes pilling in knits.
When to Use It:
- Always turn clothes inside out before putting clothes in washing machine and when drying under the sun.
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12. Using Fabric Softener on the Wrong Clothing
Fabric softeners are not for every cloth like towels, sportswear, or baby clothes as they can likely daamhe the moisture wicking or stretch the fabrics.
What You Should Know:
- Avoid softeners on towels—they reduce absorbency.
- Don’t use them on sportswear—it affects fabric performance.
Alternative:
Use white vinegar (½ cup) in the rinse cycle as a natural fabric softener
13. Not Separating Lint Shedders and Attractors
Fabrics like towels and fleece shed lint, while items like polyester or knits attract it. Mixing both leads to clothes coming out dirtier than before.
What You Should Do:
- Wash lint producers separately.
- Use a lint roller after washing clothes if required.
14. Washing Too Frequently
Not every garment is meant to be washed frequently as their fabric can damage and leads to color fading. Garments like jeans, jackets, sweaters, etc don’t require frequent washing. So, don’t do this mistake to prevent your favorite garments.
When to Wash:
- Jeans: After 4–5 wears.
- Sweaters: After 3–4 wears.
- T-shirts/Underwear: After every use.
15. Not Closing Zippers or Hooks
When you wash your clothes or some delicate fabrics, always make sure that all the zippers and hooks are closed so that they could not damage other clothes in washing machine.
Laundry Tip:
- Zip up all zippers.
- Fasten bra hooks or place lingerie in a mesh bag.
Conclusion
Doing laundry is beyond just putting all clothes in washing machine infact washing clothes is a process which includes some important steps that need to be followed so that you can avoid mistakes which prevent cloth damage, maintaing fabric quality, enhancing durability of fabric, and so on. Above we have mentioned some common mistakes that people usually do while washing and drying their clothes.
The process of washing clothes needs attention and a method to follow. From reading care washing care label to using the right temperature for each fabric, right process needs to be followed. Always remember what you do after washing clothes is as important you do while washing clothes, clothes needs care not shortcuts.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not necessarily purport to reflect the values or views of Tumbledry.
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