To keep your clothes clean and prolong their life, you need to necessarily wash them.
Today, you'll discover the most common mistakes that can ruin your favorite clothes.
Do you think you know how to use your washing machine perfectly?
That doesn't mean your washing routine can't be improved!
That's why I've prepared a list of 15 mistakes to avoid when doing laundry .
Here are the mistakes we all make when washing clothes in the washing machine. Watch:
Almost everyone knows that laundry should be sorted by color before being washed.
But did you know that your clothes must also be sorted according to their type of fabric? ?
For example, fleece clothing should always be washed separately.
Similarly, it is not recommended to wash your terry towels with your synthetic fiber clothes.
Why?
This is because some materials form fluff, while others attract it.
Cotton and terry are materials that tend to pill.
Conversely, other materials attract lint.
This is particularly the case for linen, synthetic fibres, knits and corduroy.
As a result, the result is far from ideal when you combine these different fabrics.
If you want to prevent your clothes from pilling, separate them by type of fabric before washing them.
Do you usually scrub stains vigorously?
Bad idea, because it will mostly damage the fabric .
In addition, by rubbing the fabric too vigorously, the stain will become more embedded in the fibers.
To remove stains without damaging your clothes, it is best to remove them as gently as possible.
Click here for our ultimate guide to removing ALL stains from your clothes.
Many people tend to overdo the amount of detergent.
Normal, because commercial detergents give laundry a good clean smell.
The problem is that putting too much detergent in the machine promotes the appearance of foam.
And when there is too much foam, it cannot be removed during the rinse cycle.
As a result, it makes the fabric stiff and uncomfortable .
For more effective rinsing of your clothes, avoid overdosing your detergent.
It is also more economical and more ecological!
But then, how to dose the detergent correctly?
Click here to discover the simple and practical guide.
Remember to properly zip your clothes before putting them in the washing machine.
Why ? The reason is simple but important to keep clothes in perfect condition.
It's because of the metal teeth on the zippers.
Indeed, during washing, they tend to snag and damage the fabric other clothes.
Here, it's the complete opposite of zippers!
Shirt buttons, unlike zippers, must remain open.
Indeed, if the buttons remain closed during the wash, they may stretch the fabric .
So remember to always unbutton your shirts and blouses.
In addition to polluting the environment, bleach is also very bad for fabrics.
Over time, bleach makes fabrics less durable.
This means that they become more fragile and tear more easily.
To whiten your linen, it is better to boil it in a large basin, with a few drops of lemon juice.
Click here to discover all of Grandma's tricks for having clothes that are whiter than white, but WITHOUT using bleach.
Few people know it, but swimsuits should never be machine washed!
Why ? Because, in the washing machine, they wear out much more quickly and lose their elasticity .
This is the case for all your spandex clothing, such as running tights, for example.
To keep the shape of the swimsuits longer, it is advisable to wash them by hand.
Some people let their washing machine "rest" between washes.
They think that doing several washes in a row is likely to cause a breakdown.
But they are wrong!
On the contrary, your machine will be even more efficient if you do several cycles in a row.
Indeed, because the machine is already hot, it can use this residual heat for its next wash.
Therefore, it consumes less electricity.
When washing a duvet or pillows in the machine, it is better to start a second cycle.
Why?
Suds from laundry tend to become embedded in the stuffing of linens.
Therefore, the thick materials of the padding need to be rinsed off as well as possible.
For this reason, it is better to start a second cycle - but only rinsing and without detergent.
After going through the washing machine, the socks often tend to disappear without a trace!
As a result, you end up with orphan socks...
And let's be honest, even when they don't disappear, there's nothing more boring than looking for the matching socks.
The easy solution is to put your underwear in a net of linen, like this one.
Not only is it more hygienic, but it also allows you to find all of your socks after washing.
Another advantage, the linen net also prevents your clothes from being damaged by bra hooks.
Trust my experience, it's a lot easier that way.
Fabric softener makes towels softer and fluffier.
The problem is that over time, the fabric softener molecules build up and saturate the fibers of the towels.
And as a result, the fabric softener reduces the absorption power terry towels.
So, since this is their primary function, it is better not to use them for towels.
Click here to find out how to make your towels soft and absorbent without using fabric softener.
Be careful, overloading your washing machine too much can have serious consequences!
First, if you put too many clothes in your machine, it may be much less efficient.
This means that your laundry will be poorly washed , poorly rinsed and with unpleasant odors. Not great!
But above all, with a significant overload, you risk damaging your washing machine and causing a breakdown.
The problem with washing a down jacket is that its down tends to lose its softness.
But be aware that there is a very effective trick to prevent stuffed clothes from losing their soft texture
All you have to do is put in three tennis balls in the washing machine!
Tennis balls also help to better remove suds from laundry and rinse out down.
Why waste your money on detergents and fabric softeners that cost an arm and a leg?
Most laundry products can easily be replaced by everyday products !
Here are 4 concrete examples:
- use salt to revive the colors of your clothes
- use chalk to remove grease stains
- use Marseille soap to whiten laundry and remove stains
- use lemon juice to soften clothes and give them a natural scent
Click here to discover 46 homemade recipes of products that you can make yourself.
Many people forget that...
But to have clean laundry, your machine must be clean too!
There's nothing worse than washing your laundry in a filthy machine.
For the proper functioning of your machine, and for your laundry to smell clean, don't forget to regularly clean your washing machine .
For example, the detergent drawer of washing machines is often removable.
So take care to clean the drawer of your machine regularly, as detergent residue easily accumulates there.
Likewise, do not close the door immediately after washing.
Indeed, if the washing machine is still damp, this will promote the appearance of mold and bad odors.
It is for this reason that it is advisable to leave the drawer and the door of your washing machine open for a few moments.
And once a year, run your machine empty at 90°, with a little white vinegar.
This will prevent your machine from breaking down.
Do you want to know how to do a complete cleaning of your washing machine?
Click here to discover the 6 effective tips.
