Use Less Detergent
Have you ever read the recommended amount of detergent you should be using while doing a load of laundry? If not, chances are you’re using too much. Too much detergent can lead to a damaged washer, leftover residue on clothes, or stiff clothing. Not only that but using too much detergent means spending more money! Make sure to read instructions on your detergent on how much to use depending on load size.
Wash at Right Temperature
Temperature can significantly affect how your clothes turn out after washing. Temperature can cause shrinkage, fading, and more. It’s always important to check the care tag on each clothing item to see what the manufacturer recommends for washing. For example, colder temperatures typically work best for delicate clothing, whereas warm washes are best for bedding, thicker materials, etc.
Turn Dark Clothes Inside Out
Dark clothes often fade in color over time after washing again and again. One way to prevent this is turning your clothes inside out before washing them. While dark clothes are the main items to turn inside out, it’s always a good idea to turn any delicate clothing inside out; or items with embellishments that could potentially fall off or damage other garments.
Avoid Shrinking
The best way to prevent your clothing from shrinking is to examine the manufacturer tag to see the recommended ways to wash. If you aren’t sure how to clean a specific item, it’s typically safe to wash in cold water by hand and let air dry. Finding out what kind of fabric you’re trying to wash is also helpful in deciding what temperature or cycle to use.
Choose the Right Cycle
It’s easy to press the start button without thinking twice about what settings your washer/dryer is on or what types of clothing are in that specific load. However, your washer and dryer settings are there for a reason! Each item of clothing is different and requires different care. When you’re sorting laundry by color, take time to also separate by specific cycle settings needed. Adjusting the settings will help preserve the quality of your clothing in the long run.
Use Fabric Softener
A fabric softener can sometimes seem like an extra luxury item that you don’t need to implement into your laundry routine. If you notice your clothes are wrinkled every time they come out of the dryer, it’s probably a good idea to invest in some fabric softener. This being said, make sure you don’t have any clothing items in your load that are sensitive to fabric softeners or dryer sheets.
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