15 things you should NEVER do to your laundry.

 

🧺 15 Things You Should NEVER Do to Your Laundry — And What to Do Instead

For something we all do multiple times a week, laundry is surprisingly easy to mess up. From shrinking your favorite sweater to fading black jeans to pulling a once-white shirt out of the dryer looking like it went through a tie-dye experiment—most of us have had our laundry disasters.

What’s worse? Many of the most damaging laundry habits are common and totally avoidable.

If you want to save your clothes, your washer, your utility bill—and your sanity—it’s time to level up your laundry game. In this article, we’ll walk you through 15 things you should NEVER do to your laundry, and how to do it right instead.

Whether you’re a laundry rookie or someone who thinks they’ve got it down, chances are at least a few of these will surprise you.

---

1. ❌ Never Overload the Washing Machine

We get it—you’re busy, and tossing in “just one more sweatshirt” feels harmless. But overloading your washer is one of the fastest ways to ruin your clothes AND your machine.

Why it’s bad:

• Clothes don’t move freely = poor cleaning

• Soap doesn’t rinse properly = residue buildup

• Extra weight strains the motor and drum

Do this instead:

Fill the drum about 3/4 full, or follow your washer’s manual. If you can’t easily run your hand between clothes and the drum, it’s too full.

---

2. ❌ Never Use Too Much Detergent

More detergent does not mean cleaner clothes. In fact, it can do the opposite.

Why it’s bad:

• Leaves residue on fabric = dingy, stiff clothes

• Traps bacteria and odor

• Can damage high-efficiency (HE) washers

Do this instead:

Use exactly the amount recommended—especially if using HE detergent. If your water is soft, you can often use even less.

---

3. ❌ Never Leave Wet Laundry Sitting

Whether in the washer or the laundry basket, wet clothes are a bacteria party waiting to happen.

Why it’s bad:

• Causes mildew and sour smells

• Encourages mold growth

• Stains set permanently

Do this instead:

Transfer wet laundry to the dryer (or hang it) immediately after the cycle ends. If you forget, rewash with a cup of white vinegar before drying.

---

4. ❌ Never Mix Lint Shedders with Lint Collectors

Ever pull a load of laundry out of the dryer and wonder why your black T-shirt is now coated in fuzz?

Why it’s bad:

• Lint ruins appearance of dark or smooth fabrics

• Can permanently embed in fleece or synthetics

Do this instead:

Separate lint shedders (like towels, flannel, or fleece) from lint collectors (like polyester, workout gear, or dark clothes). Wash them in separate loads.

---

5. ❌ Never Wash Jeans Too Often

Denim doesn’t need to be washed after every wear—and doing so can ruin it faster.

Why it’s bad:

• Causes premature fading

• Weakens fabric and wears out stretch

• Alters fit (especially with stretch denim)

Do this instead:

Wash jeans every 5–10 wears unless they’re visibly dirty. Turn inside out, wash in cold water, and line dry for best results.

---

6. ❌ Never Use Hot Water for Everything

Hot water is great for sanitizing—but not for everything.

Why it’s bad:

• Shrinks delicate fabrics

• Fades bright or dark colors

• Sets protein stains (like blood or sweat)

Do this instead:

• Use cold water for most loads (saves energy too)

• Use warm water for heavily soiled items

• Use hot only when sanitizing towels or sheets

---

7. ❌ Never Skip Sorting Your Laundry

Yes, it’s tempting to toss it all in together. But improper sorting is the root of many laundry fails.

Why it’s bad:

• Colors bleed onto lights

• Rough fabrics damage delicate ones

• Different fabrics dry at different speeds

Do this instead:

Sort by:

• Color: lights, darks, brights

• Fabric type: towels, delicates, heavy items

• Soil level: heavily soiled vs. lightly worn

---

8. ❌ Never Forget to Zip and Unzip

Zippers can be sneaky laundry saboteurs.

Why it’s bad:

• Closed zippers snag other clothes

• Unzipped zippers can tear up delicate fabric

• Velcro is even worse!

Do this instead:

• Zip up zippers fully to prevent snags

• Fasten Velcro tabs

• Turn delicate items inside out

---

9. ❌ Never Use Fabric Softener on Towels or Athletic Gear

Fabric softeners seem like a good idea—but not for everything.

Why it’s bad:

• Leaves residue on towels, reducing absorbency

• Clogs fabric pores in workout clothes = holds odor

• Can irritate sensitive skin

Do this instead:

Use white vinegar as a natural softener. It removes residue, softens fabric, and is safe for sensitive skin.

---

10. ❌ Never Ignore the Care Label

Sure, some tags seem like overkill. But manufacturers put them there for a reason.

Why it’s bad:

• You might shrink or distort a fabric permanently

• You’ll lose warranty coverage if care instructions are ignored

Do this instead:

Check the label before washing new clothes. If it says “hand wash” or “lay flat to dry,” believe it.

💡 Tip: Cut out itchy tags after you memorize the care info—or snap a pic for reference.

---

11. ❌ Never Dry Everything on High Heat

High heat is efficient—but it’s also brutal on fabric.

Why it’s bad:

• Causes shrinkage (especially cotton and wool)

• Breaks down elastic (think underwear and leggings)

• Fades colors and melts synthetic fibers

Do this instead:

Use low or medium heat, and line dry when possible. Reserve high heat only for towels or bedding.

---

12. ❌ Never Skip Cleaning Your Washer

You wouldn’t clean your dishes with a dirty sponge—so why wash your clothes in a dirty machine?

Why it’s bad:

• Residue builds up inside the drum

• Harbors mold, mildew, and bacteria

• Causes smelly laundry (especially front-loaders)

Do this instead:

Clean your machine once a month:

• Run an empty hot cycle with white vinegar and baking soda

• Wipe down seals, dispensers, and the door

• Leave the door open between uses to air out

---

13. ❌ Never Rub Stains Aggressively

Got a spill? Instinct says to scrub. Don’t.

Why it’s bad:

• Rubbing spreads the stain

• Destroys fabric fibers

• Sets stains deeper into the weave

Do this instead:

• Blot gently with a clean cloth

• Pre-treat with a stain remover or a mix of baking soda and water

• Wash as soon as possible, following fabric instructions

---

14. ❌ Never Forget to Check Pockets

You’ve probably already learned this one the hard way.

Why it’s bad:

• Tissue = snowstorm

• Pens = permanent ink stains

• Lip balm = greasy streaks everywhere

Do this instead:

Make pocket-checking part of your routine. Empty everything—even the coin pocket—before tossing into the washer.

🎒 Tip: Also check under collars and inside cuffs, especially in kids’ clothes.

---

15. ❌ Never Leave Clothes in the Dryer Overnight

Out of sight, out of mind—but not out of trouble.

Why it’s bad:

• Wrinkles set in permanently

• Clothes lose their softness and shape

• Dryer sheets can leave a waxy coating when overexposed

Do this instead:

• Remove clothes immediately after the cycle ends

• Shake them out and fold or hang right away

• If you forget, run the dryer again on a short “refresh” cycle with a damp towel

---

🧼 Bonus Tips for Laundry Mastery

• Use a mesh laundry bag for delicates, bras, and baby socks.

• Air-dry stretchy clothes (like yoga pants) to preserve elasticity.

• Wash clothes inside-out to reduce fading and protect prints.

• Wash new clothes separately the first time—they often bleed dye.

• Use cold water + vinegar for dark clothes to lock in color.

---

🧠 Final Thoughts: Laundry Is Science… and a Little Bit of Art

Laundry might feel like a chore, but it’s one of those everyday tasks where small mistakes add up quickly. Shrinking, fading, stretching, staining—these are all avoidable if you know what not to do.

By avoiding these 15 common mistakes, you can extend the life of your clothes, keep your laundry smelling fresh, and maybe even save money on detergent, repairs, and replacements.

So the next time you’re tempted to stuff your washer to the brim or skip reading that tag—remember: your clothes deserve better.

And now? You know better.