8 Common Laundry Mistakes That Can Damage Clothes

Doing laundry involves more than simply tossing clothes into the washing machine and pulling them out when they're clean. It requires proper prep work, detergent measuring, and cleanup to keep your clothes and linens—not to mention your washer and dryer—in top shape. If you're not careful, certain laundry mistakes can damage your clothing and diminish the effectiveness of your washer. Be sure to follow the care instructions on the item you're washing as well as the manuals for your washer and dryer. Here are eight common mistakes to watch out for to ensure you get your laundry as clean as possible without damaging your clothes or your machine.

1. You use too much laundry detergent.

It might seem like using more detergent would help get your clothes cleaner, but in fact, the opposite is true. Adding too much detergent can create extra suds that don't completely rinse out of clothes, leaving behind a sticky residue that attracts more dirt, dust, and bacteria—and that you'll have to remove using borax and washing soda in a process called laundry stripping. Pay close attention to the fill line as you measure detergent into the cup and use only the amount recommended for the size of your laundry load.

2. You sort only by color, not also by fabric.

You likely know that light-colored clothing should be washed separately from darks, but it's also a good idea to sort items by the fabric they are made of. Separate heavier items, such as jeans and sweaters, from lightweight blouses and dress shirts to prevent abrasion and damage to the more delicate fabrics. To avoid getting sweater fuzz on your dress pants, you should also separate fabrics that shed lint from those that attract it. And always wash towels, bedding, and other bulky items separate from clothing. Grouping items by fabric type also helps your laundry loads to dry evenly, rather than some items remaining damp when others are fully dry.

3. You don't take time to prep your clothes.

Empty all pockets. If you've ever accidentally washed a pocket full of tissues, you know this all too well. Make sure you check and empty all the pockets. Running a pen, a marker, or a stick of gum through the laundry can make a major mess of both your clothing and your washer and/or dryer.
Zip up zippers. Zippers have jagged teeth that can snag other fabrics in the washer. To prevent damage to other garments, take the time to zip up all zippers before washing. You should also fasten clasps on bras and other items to avoid snags.
Unbutton buttons. Unlike zippered items, shirts should be left unbuttoned when laundered. This helps guard against tears in the buttonholes and protects the button threads from being pulled and loosened in the wash. And don't forget to unfasten the buttons on shirt sleeves or collars as well.
Uncuff sleeves and pant legs. Your garment probably isn't going to get damaged if you skip this step, but it won't get fully clean unless you take the time to unroll any cuffs.

4. You forget to pretreat stains.

One wash cycle may not be enough shirt it's important to use the right stain removal method for the stain and the fabric before you put the item in the washing machine. This is especially crucial for items you wash on hot because hot water can set a stain, as will a trip through the dryer, no matter what temperature the item was washed in.

The best time to begin trying to remove a stain is the moment you notice it. But even if a stain has already sat for some time, don't skip the pretreating step. Just don't forget to test the stain remover in an inconspicuous spot, use cold water as you work, and dab gently in order not to damage the fabric or further set the stain.

Laundry expert Patric Richardson, known as the Laundry Evangelist, swears by the inexpensive Fels-Naptha laundry stain remover bar and a small horsehair brush for removing tough stains. "Horsehair actually becomes softer when it's wet, so it won't damage the fabric," Richardson says.

5. You keep the washer door closed.

Front-load washing machines are notorious for trapping moisture and bacteria around the door, which can lead to mold and unpleasant smells. To keep your washer free of bacteria and odors, leave the door open after each wash cycle to allow the area to dry out. You can close it again after a few hours, or when the rubber gasket and washer drum feel completely dry.

6. You automatically throw everything in the dryer.

You can't beat the convenience of a dryer, and for some items like towels and sheets are really the only way efficient way to get them dry and fluffy, save for dragging them outdoors to hang on a clothesline. But for most clothing (with a couple important exceptions), air-drying is the smarter choice. That way you can be assured that it won't shrink. Plus, heat can damage and weaken fabric, causing it to tear. So if you want to get maximum life out of your clothing, hang most of it to dry.

7. You forget to remove dryer lint.

Lint buildup in your dryer can pose a serious fire hazard. After each laundry load, remove the lint screen or filter and use a brush to clean off as much lint as possible. It's also important to regularly clean the cavity that holds the lint filter. This area can house additional lint that blocks airflow and prevents the dryer from working as efficiently as it could. Use a long, skinny brush to clear the area of lint every few months or as needed.

Additionally, you should clean your dryer duct once a year to ensure it's not clogged. To clean the duct, detach the hose from the back of your dryer and vacuum out any lint or buildup.

8. You skip cleaning your washing machine.

Your washer cleans your clothes and linens, but the machine itself needs to be thoroughly cleaned, too. Grime from your dirty laundry, detergent residue, hard-water deposits, and mold or mildew can build up inside the washer over time. To clean your washing machine, use the self-clean cycle or run an empty hot-water cycle with vinegar instead of detergent. Be sure to scrub around the lid and rubber gasket, which can harbor moisture and bacteria and result in musty-smelling laundry.