14 mistakes we all commit when we do laundry ... that we can easily avoid!

by Shirley Marie Bradby

February 03, 2018

14 mistakes we all commit when we do laundry ... that we can easily avoid!
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Anyone who takes care of the household knows very well that doing the laundry does not mean just putting clothes in the washing machine and pushing a few buttons.

Clothes have specific needs and being aware of them can help us avoid nasty surprises. Even the washing machine itself, among other things, can benefit greatly from some clever cleaning or maintenance stratagems.

We have compiled a list of as many as 14 mistakes that many people make that put their wardrobe or their appliance at risk. Keep them in mind and spread the information!

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kelly/Flickr

kelly/Flickr

1. Swimsuits should be washed by hand; in this way, they last longer and keep their shape.

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The Ministry Mom

The Ministry Mom

2. Be careful not to rub too hard! If the fabric is not particularly resistant, you risk eliminating the color and weakening the fabric ... rather than making the stain disappear.

3. A dirty washing machine will never be able to clean your clothes well! Sterilize your washing machine from time to time by starting a wash cycle at maximum temperature with water and vinegar.

14 mistakes we all commit when we do laundry ... that we can easily avoid! - 4

4. Use bleach in moderation: many people use it irresponsibly, remember that it is very aggressive and can ruin fabrics.

5. Pillows and duvets should be rinsed twice. They tend to retain traces of soap, so after washing, it is good to repeat the rinse cycle twice, especially if you are hypersensitive or subject to allergies.

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6. Close the pants or jeans zipper well! Other clothing may get stuck or damaged in the metal teeth of the zipper.

7. Duvets and coats should be washed with a pair of tennis balls. The tennis balls, possibly white, speed up and fluff up the laundry thereby increasing the effectiveness of the wash cycle.

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8. Do consecutive loads of laundry to save heat and energy. If you have a lot of clothes to wash, do two loads of clothes consecutively. The washing machine will remain hot and you will save a lot of energy on the second load.

9. Do not exaggerate with detergent: for both the environment and for your wallet! Avoid using more detergent than necessary. You may find yourself forced to rinse your clothes a second time, wasting time and water.

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10. Do not exaggerate with fabric softener when you wash towels. Traces of detergent and softener can accumulate in the towel fibers, making them impermeable and unhealthy. Opt for ecological solutions such as vinegar or bicarbonate soda.

11. Periodically dedicate some time to cleaning the most hidden parts of the washing machine. In fact, the gaskets, the detergent dispenser, and all the hidden parts can be perfect places for the proliferation of mold and bacteria. Clean them often with a cloth soaked in bleach or vinegar.

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邰秉宥/Wikimedia

邰秉宥/Wikimedia

12. Pay attention to care labels! Although few people pay attention to them, on care labels, there is all the information you need to guarantee your garment a long and splendid life!

Imgur / 20jlamorticella

Imgur / 20jlamorticella

13. Do not make socks disappear! Even if the image shown is clearly an exaggeration, pushing socks inside wash loads that are already very full can make them end up in the hidden parts of the washing machine, making them, in fact, irrecoverable.

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Aqua Mechanical/Flickr

Aqua Mechanical/Flickr

14. Differentiate the clothes to be washed. Every garment has its own necessities, and the safest way to wash it is to associate it with similar garments. Differentiate clothes not only according to color but also in regards to the capacity of resistance to rubbing or temperature.

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