Common Laundry Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Laundry is one of those tasks we often do on autopilot, but even small mistakes can cause big headaches—think faded colors, damaged fabrics, or lingering odors. Fortunately, most common laundry mistakes are easy to fix with a few tweaks to your routine. From sorting clothes for laundry to avoiding excess detergent problems, this article will help you master proper laundry care and keep your clothes looking and feeling their best.

Sorting: The Step You Shouldn’t Skip

Sorting might feel like an unnecessary hassle, but tossing everything into one load can lead to color bleeding, rough fabrics, and damaged delicates.

How to Do It Right:

• Sort by Color: Keep whites, lights, and darks separate to prevent color bleeding in laundry.
• Separate by Fabric Type: Heavy items like jeans and towels can damage lightweight fabrics, so wash them separately.
• Read Care Labels: Always follow fabric care guidelines to determine whether an item needs cold water, gentle cycles, or hand-washing.

If you’re short on time, invest in laundry bags for delicates like silk or wool to protect them even in mixed loads.

Overloading the Washing Machine

It’s tempting to stuff everything into one load and call it a day, but overloading washing machines prevents clothes from being properly cleaned. The result? Dingy laundry and an overworked appliance.

The Fix:

• Leave enough room for clothes to move freely—your washer shouldn’t be more than ¾ full.
• For bulky items like blankets or comforters, consider washing them alone to avoid strain on the machine.

An overloaded washer can also lead to washing machine errors and increase wear and tear on both your clothes and the machine itself.

The Detergent Trap: Too Much Is Never a Good Thing

If you think more detergent means cleaner clothes, think again. Excess detergent problems can leave residue on fabrics, trap odors, and even clog your washing machine over time.

How to Avoid It:

• Measure your detergent carefully—follow the instructions on the bottle based on your load size.
• For high-efficiency (HE) machines, always use HE-specific detergents.
• If you notice stiff fabrics or a soapy feel after washing, run an extra rinse cycle to remove any buildup.

For those looking for alternatives, try natural options like soap nuts or plant-based detergents, which are gentler on clothes and the environment.

Ignoring Stains Until It’s Too Late

Throwing a stained item directly into the wash is one of the most common laundry mistakes—and it often sets the stain permanently.

What to Do Instead:

• Pretreat stains immediately with a stain remover, baking soda paste, or mild detergent.
• For stubborn spots, let the pretreatment sit for 10-15 minutes before washing.
• Always check that the stain is gone before drying. Heat from the dryer can lock it in for good.

Neglecting Washing Machine Maintenance

Your washing machine works hard, and like any appliance, it needs regular care. Without proper maintenance, mold, odors, and grime can build up, affecting how well your clothes get cleaned.

Quick Maintenance Tips:

• Once a month, clean your washing machine naturally by running an empty cycle with white vinegar or baking soda.
• Wipe down the door, drum, and detergent tray after every few uses to prevent mildew and buildup.
• Leave the door slightly ajar between loads to let the drum dry out and avoid musty odors.

Fabric Softeners and Dryers: Use with Care

While fabric softeners and dryer sheets make clothes smell fresh, they can coat fabrics with residue that reduces absorbency and traps odors.

Better Alternatives:

• Switch to fabric softener alternatives like wool dryer balls or a splash of white vinegar in the rinse cycle.
• For towels, athletic wear, or delicates, skip softeners altogether to keep fabrics performing their best.
• Avoid common mistakes when drying clothes, like overdrying. Instead, remove items when slightly damp to minimize shrinkage and wrinkles.

How can Fazio Cleaners help? 

At Fazio Cleaners, we’re committed to more than just delivering clean clothes. We remain dedicated to providing expert garment care with unmatched convenience. With decades of experience, we offer specialized cleaning techniques, high-quality services, and environmentally friendly practices to keep your clothes looking their best. Whether you’re a busy professional, a family balancing multiple responsibilities, or someone looking for reliable care for delicate fabrics, our team is here to help.

Contact Fazio Cleaners today by calling us at (818) 776-2870 or visiting our website to schedule a service. Let us take the hassle out of your laundry and provide the care your garments deserve.