Common Laundry Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Laundry might seem simple: throw clothes in, add detergent, press start; but it's also where many people make small mistakes that cause big problems. Shirts shrink, colours fade, and stains stay put.
It's frustrating when your favourite clothes come out looking worse than before. These slip-ups not only damage fabrics but also waste time, money, and energy. Most of these problems are easy to fix once you know what to avoid.

1. Overloading the Machine

It’s tempting to stuff in just a few more shirts, especially when you’re in a rush. But overloading stops water and detergent from moving around freely. Clothes don’t get clean, and they wear out faster.

Fix it: Wash in smaller loads. Your garments will remain in better condition, and your machine won't have to do as much work.

2. Using Too Much Detergent

More detergent doesn’t mean cleaner clothes. In fact, it often does the opposite. Excess soap creates too many suds, which don’t rinse out properly. This can leave a sticky layer on fabrics that traps dirt and smells.

Fix it: Follow the instructions on the detergent bottle. Adjust the amount based on how dirty your clothes are and how big your load is.

3. Skipping the Sorting Step

Throwing all your clothes in together might save time, but it can ruin your laundry. Colours can bleed, and mixing heavy jeans with soft fabrics like cotton can cause damage.

Fix it: Sort clothes by colour and fabric. Keep whites, darks, and colours separate. Wash delicate items on a gentler cycle.

4. Ignoring Clothing Labels

Care tags are there for a reason. They tell you how to wash, dry, and iron your clothes. Ignoring them often leads to shrinkage, fading, or damage, especially with wool, silk, or items with special decorations.

Fix it: Take a moment to read the label. If you're unsure what the symbols mean, print out a guide to keep near your washer. Or better yet, leave it to Gold Dry Cleaners ;Your Best Choice for Favorite Clothing Care, especially for your most delicate items.

5. Washing with the Wrong Water Temperature

Water temperature matters. Hot water can affect some fabrics in the way that they shrink or fade. Cold water might not clean heavily soiled clothes well.

Fix it: Use cold water for bright colours and delicate fabrics. Use warm water for towels, gym clothes, or items with stains, only if the label allows.

6. Letting Stains Sit Too Long

Stains are easier to remove when treated quickly. Leaving them to dry lets them soak into the fabric, making them harder to clean later.

Fix it: Treat stains as soon as they happen. Dab, don’t rub, and use a stain remover or soak the item before putting it in the washer.

7. Rubbing Stains Too Hard

Trying to scrub a stain out might seem like a good idea, but harsh rubbing can ruin the fabric or fade the colour.

Fix it: Gently blot the stain with cold water and stain remover. Let it soak if needed. Always be extra careful with delicate items.

8. Using the Dryer for Everything

The dryer is fast and easy, but not everything should go in there. Heat can shrink clothes, make fabrics rough, or damage delicate items.

Fix it: Air-dry delicate fabrics like silk, lace, and wool. Use the dryer on a low setting for more durable items, and always check the label first.

9. Not Cleaning Your Washing Machine

Your washer cleans your clothes, but who cleans the washer? Over time, soap, fabric softener, and grime can build up inside, leading to bad smells and poor cleaning.

Fix it: Run a cleaning cycle once a month using white vinegar and baking soda. Leave the door open after each wash to let the drum dry.

Also read : Top 5 Benefits of Outsourcing Your Laundry to a Commercial Laundry Service?

10. Forgetting to Zip and Button Up

Zippers can scratch other clothes. Loose buttons can snag and rip fabrics or fall off during the spin cycle.

Fix it: Zip up zippers and fasten buttons before washing. Turn delicate items inside out for extra protection.

11. Washing at Too High a Temperature

High heat can melt certain fibres or weaken fabrics, causing quicker wear and tear. It’s also not great for the planet, or your power bill.

Fix it: Most clothes can be washed at 30°C. Lower temperatures are safer for fabrics and use less energy.

12. Drying at High Heat

Just like with washing, drying at a high heat can shrink or ruin your clothes. Synthetic materials can melt or lose shape.

Fix it: Line dry or use a drying rack when possible. If you must use a dryer, go for a lower heat setting and don’t over-dry.

13. Washing “Dry-Clean Only” at Home

Trying to wash dry-clean-only clothes at home with DIY kits might seem like a smart shortcut. But these kits often can’t protect delicate fabrics or details.

Fix it: Don’t risk damaging expensive or fragile items. Take them to a professional cleaner who knows how to handle them safely.

14. Failing to Master Laundry Symbols

Those small symbols on garment labels may look perplexing, but they provide valuable washing and drying guidance. Disregarding them can be catastrophic.

Fix it: Take a few minutes to learn what the most common laundry symbols mean. This little step can save large errors. Count on Gold Dry Cleaners to handle your most valued pieces carefully and professionally.

Final Thoughts

Most laundry problems result from hurrying or omitting little things. Take it easy, stick to the fundamentals, and your clothes will be nicer, softer, and longer-lasting. Repairing your laundry process doesn't require specialized equipment, only a little tender loving care and attention. Remember these tips the next time you sort through your load.