Laundry is one of those everyday chores that we rarely stop to think about. For most people, it’s as simple as tossing clothes into the machine, adding detergent, and pressing “start.” However, there’s actually a science behind proper laundry care. The way you wash, dry, and handle your clothes can dramatically affect their appearance, texture, and lifespan.

Unfortunately, many of us develop bad laundry habits over time—habits that can dull fabrics, damage fibers, or even shorten the life of our washing machines. Below are eleven of the most common laundry mistakes people make and practical ways to fix them for cleaner, fresher, and longer-lasting clothes.

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1. Using Too Much Detergent

It’s easy to assume that more detergent equals cleaner clothes, but the opposite is often true. Excess detergent creates extra suds that trap dirt and residue, leaving clothes feeling stiff or sticky after washing. Over time, this buildup can also clog your washing machine, leading to unpleasant odors and even mechanical issues.

Most modern high-efficiency (HE) washers are designed to work with much less detergent—usually just two tablespoons per full load. Always check the detergent label and measure carefully. If you live in a hard-water area, consider adding a small amount of baking soda to boost cleaning power instead of more soap.

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2. Washing Towels with Clothes

Towels are bulky and highly absorbent, which means they soak up a lot of water and detergent. When washed with clothes, they can create friction that causes pilling, stretching, and general wear. Towels also shed lint that sticks to other fabrics—especially darker or synthetic ones.

To avoid these issues, wash towels separately using a warm or hot cycle. You can also add a bit of vinegar to help maintain softness and reduce detergent residue.

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3. Leaving Wet Laundry in the Machine

Forgetting your wet laundry in the washer for hours—or even overnight—is one of the quickest ways to develop musty odors. In just 8–12 hours, damp clothes can start to grow mold and mildew.

If you often forget, try setting a phone reminder or using your washer’s mobile alert feature (if it has one). And if your clothes already smell sour, rewash them with a cup of white vinegar and a half-cup of baking soda to neutralize the odor and freshen the fabrics.

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4. Adding Fabric Softener to Workout Clothes

Fabric softeners might make clothes feel smooth and smell great, but they’re a poor choice for moisture-wicking or performance fabrics. The coating left by softeners blocks the breathable fibers that pull sweat away from your skin, reducing their effectiveness.

Instead, pour a half-cup of white vinegar into the rinse cycle—it naturally softens clothes, helps eliminate odor, and keeps performance wear functioning as intended.

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5. Overloading the Washing Machine

Stuffing your washer to the brim doesn’t save time—it prevents your clothes from being cleaned properly. Without enough room to move around, water and detergent can’t circulate, resulting in uneven washing and lingering dirt.

As a rule of thumb, leave about a hand’s width of space between the top of the drum and your clothes. For bulky items like bedding or coats, consider doing smaller loads or using a laundromat’s industrial machines for better results.

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6. Ignoring Care Labels on Clothing

Care labels aren’t just there for decoration—they contain essential information on washing temperature, drying methods, and ironing recommendations. Ignoring them can lead to shrinking, fading, or even destroying your favorite garments.

Take a moment before washing new clothes to read the tag. Sort delicates, wool, or “hand wash only” items separately. When in doubt, use a gentle cycle with cold water to stay safe.

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7. Using the Wrong Water Temperature

Temperature matters more than you might think. Hot water kills bacteria and removes oil-based stains but can shrink or fade fabrics. Cold water is energy-efficient and gentle but might not clean heavily soiled clothes as well.

A good middle ground is warm water—it provides cleaning power without being too harsh. You can also separate laundry by type: use hot for towels and bedding, warm for everyday wear, and cold for delicates or bright colors.

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8. Not Sorting Laundry Properly

Mixing light and dark clothes is a recipe for color bleeding disasters. Similarly, washing jeans with lightweight blouses can cause damage due to friction.

Always sort your laundry by color (whites, lights, darks) and by fabric weight. You’ll notice your clothes staying brighter, smoother, and looking newer for longer.

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9. Skipping the Pre-Treatment of Stains

Once a stain sets, it becomes much harder to remove. Whether it’s coffee, wine, or grass, quick action makes all the difference.

Before washing, dab a bit of liquid detergent or stain remover directly on the spot and let it sit for at least 5–10 minutes. For tougher stains, gently scrub with a soft brush or use a mix of vinegar and baking soda for a natural alternative.

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10. Not Cleaning the Washing Machine Regularly

Your washing machine also needs washing! Over time, detergent residue, dirt, and bacteria accumulate inside the drum and hoses, causing bad smells and reducing cleaning efficiency.

Run an empty cycle once a month with two cups of white vinegar and hot water, followed by a rinse cycle with baking soda. Wipe down the rubber seal and detergent drawer afterward to prevent mildew growth.

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11. Using the Dryer for All Fabrics

The dryer may be convenient, but excessive heat can shrink, fade, or weaken many fabrics—especially delicates, wool, and items with elastic.

Check clothing tags carefully, and air-dry anything labeled “line dry” or “dry flat.” A drying rack placed near a sunny window can be just as effective, and it’s gentler on both your clothes and the environment.

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Final Thoughts

Mastering good laundry habits doesn’t just make your clothes look and smell better—it saves money, conserves energy, and extends the lifespan of your wardrobe. With just a few small changes, you can elevate laundry day from a mindless chore to an easy routine that keeps your garments in top shape.