Laundry baskets sometimes feel never-ending.
There's always something to wash as baskets continue to pile up no matter how big or small your family is. But you could be making some silly cleaning mistakes that's costing you money.
When it comes to laundry, many believe they have mastered the art. But with fashion and fabric technology constantly evolving, laundry practises must adapt accordingly.
READ MORE: You shouldn't do your laundry at this time of day – it will break the bank
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Niki English, Sr. Director of Design & Business Development at AJG Fashion Consulting, shed light on common misconceptions and outdated habits that wreak havoc on your wardrobe. As well as ruining your clothes, they could also be damaging your wallet.
So be savvy with your washing to make the most of it. Otherwise you could end up coughing up the cash for new clothes and heftier bills.
These are the biggest mistakes you can make, according to an expert.
Not harnessing the sun’s power
Sun-drying not only saves energy but also has natural bleaching and disinfecting properties. Place whites in direct sunlight to enhance brightness and colours in the shade to prevent fading.
Overloading the washing machine
Many are guilty of stuffing the washing machine to the brim. Overloading leads to inefficient washing, requiring additional wash cycles, and consuming more energy.
It prevents clothes from moving freely, resulting in uneven washing and unnecessary wear and tear.
Ignoring fabric care labels
Those tiny labels on clothes are not there for decoration. Disregarding fabric care labels can lead to inappropriate wash settings, resulting in increased energy.
Check the care label before tossing clothes in the wash to preserve their longevity and appearance.
Using excessive detergent
Excessive detergent doesn’t make clothes cleaner but rather leaves a residue, dulling fabric over time and potentially requiring extra rinse cycles – wasting water and energy.
Disregarding sorting
Sorting goes beyond separating darks from lights. Pay attention to fabric types and wash similar textures together.
Delicate fabrics should not be washed with heavy items, as this can cause damage. Failing to sort clothes properly can lead to damage and the need for re-washing, both of which waste energy.
Not using cold water
Hot water is not always the answer. Washing with cold water is energy-efficient and gentle, helping to maintain fabric colour and prevent shrinkage.
Using fabric softeners on everything
Fabric softeners can make clothes feel softer, but they are not good for all fabric types. Avoid using them on sportswear and microfiber towels, as they can break down the fabric and diminish its moisture-wicking and cleaning abilities.
Ignoring the inside-out rule
Washing clothes inside out is not just a myth. It helps to preserve colours and protects prints and embellishments from friction and damage during the wash.
Washing clothes after every wear
Frequently washing clothes after minimal wear contributes to fabric wear and energy waste. Consider airing them out or spot cleaning instead to preserve the fabric and reduce water and energy consumption.
Never air drying
Relying solely on electric dryers consumes substantial energy. Ditch the dryer when possible and opt for air drying to conserve energy and prevent fabric wear and tear caused by the high heat of dryers.
Not implementing a cold water rinse
Regardless of the wash temperature, use a cold water rinse. This small change can make a significant impact on energy consumption without affecting the cleanliness of clothes.
Laundry may seem like a straightforward task, but these common missteps can significantly shorten the lifespan of clothes and waste unnecessary energy.
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