Status: 13.01.2024, 16:28 PM
By: Franziska Kaindl
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When it comes to doing laundry, not much can go wrong – or can it? Sometimes it doesn't hurt to revisit some typical mistakes.
After washing, you feel much more comfortable in the clothes again - they smell nice and are free of dirt. But even if you've washed often enough, you can still learn. Because while some mistakes take immediate revenge, there are others that only reveal their consequences over time. Here are five mistakes to avoid when doing laundry:
1. Zippers and buttons not closed during washing
At the latest when the laundry comes out of the washing machine with holes and running stitches, the question arises as to how this could have happened. Often, the answer is simpler than you might think: Zippers and buttons on other items of clothing can cause a lot of mischief when whirling around in the device. This happens especially if both have not been properly closed before washing – thin fabrics, such as blouses, easily get caught in the teeth of the zippers. Sharp-edged buttons can also cause damage if they are not closed.
Sensitive fabrics can quickly be damaged in the washing machine. © Pond5 Images/Imago
2. Stuffing too much into the washing machine
Why wash twice when you can do it all at once? What may sound tempting is something you should think about carefully. If the washing machine is too full, the laundry in it will no longer be properly clean – and then you can basically start all over again. In addition, in this case, the textiles absorb too much of the water, so that in the worst case the washing powder cannot dissolve properly. As a result, detergent residues remain on clothing.
Of course, you shouldn't let a washing machine run too empty either – that would be a waste of water and energy. So pay attention to the manufacturer's instructions on how much the device can be loaded and try to approach this limit. In principle, however, the drum should be three-quarters full.
3. Forgot to turn the laundry
Before washing, you should sort out the garments that are particularly sensitive and turn them inside out. If this is forgotten, sequins, buttons or prints on the top, for example, can be damaged much more quickly - and perhaps even affect the rest of the laundry. Inside the washing machine, the garments are neatly whirled around and rubbed against each other or against the drum. For this reason, some manufacturers recommend turning the textiles once before washing them on the label.
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4. Wash clothes unnecessarily often
It can never be too clean – or can it? In fact, for some textiles, less is more. This is especially true for garments that have only been worn once or are not soiled at all, but have simply ended up in the laundry basket across the board. Just hold it to your nose to see if it smells – if so, then put it in the washing machine, if not, then it might be enough to hang the garment in the fresh air. After all, every wash cycle is also a strain on the textiles and consumes water and electricity.
Did you know, for example, that jeans are not actually intended for laundry at all? Many manufacturers point out that the popular garment would only lose its fit and color when washed. Instead, it would be completely sufficient to air the jeans.
5. Washing machine not left open after washing
Often, the washing machine door is closed immediately after the work is done. But it's better not to do that: because not only the laundry, but also the washing machine has to dry first - otherwise there is a risk of germs and mould. So, after washing, leave the door open for at least half an hour to allow the remaining moisture to escape.