Doing laundry is a routine task that most people complete without giving it much thought. Clothes are often tossed straight into the washing machine, detergent is added, and the cycle begins. Yet a few seconds of preparation can make a significant difference in how well garments hold up over time.
From fabrics wearing out prematurely to zippers snagging delicate items and drawstrings disappearing into hoodies, many common laundry frustrations can be avoided with a handful of simple habits. Best of all, these tips require no special products or expensive equipment.
The Common Mistake That Can Damage Your Laundry
One of the most overlooked steps before starting a wash cycle is closing all zippers. While it may seem like a minor detail, leaving zippers open can cause unexpected damage inside the machine. During a wash cycle, clothes are constantly rubbing against one another. Open zippers can catch on delicate fabrics, leading to snags, pulls, or even holes. Lightweight sweaters, activewear, lingerie, and other fragile garments are particularly vulnerable.
Closing zippers before washing helps protect the rest of the load from this type of damage. It can also extend the lifespan of the zipper itself. When left open, the zipper pull is more likely to bang against the drum and other clothing items, which may eventually cause bending or wear. Taking a few seconds to check and close every zipper before putting clothes in the machine is a simple habit that can help keep garments looking their best for longer.
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Turning Clothes Inside Out Can Make a Difference
Another useful laundry habit is turning clothes inside out before washing them. This is especially beneficial for dark-colored garments, printed T-shirts, jeans, and sportswear. When clothes are washed inside out, the outer surface is less exposed to friction during the cycle. As a result, colors tend to stay vibrant for longer, and printed designs are less likely to crack, fade, or peel.
This technique can also help reduce pilling on certain fabrics. Over time, garments that are regularly washed inside out often maintain a newer appearance compared to those washed normally. Although it may seem like a small detail, this extra step can help preserve the look and quality of frequently worn clothing without requiring any additional effort once it becomes part of a routine.
Laundry Tips That Work
Drawstrings on hoodies, sweatpants, and jackets are another common source of annoyance. After a few trips through the washing machine, they can slip inside the garment, making them difficult and time-consuming to rethread.
A quick solution is to tie a small knot at each end of the drawstring before washing. This helps keep the cord in place and prevents it from disappearing inside the fabric. Mesh laundry bags can also be extremely useful. They keep socks, underwear, and delicate garments together during the wash, reducing the chances of losing small items. They also provide extra protection for fragile fabrics that may be damaged by excessive rubbing.
Clothing with decorative details such as buttons, fringe, or embellishments can benefit from the added protection as well. Using a laundry bag helps reduce wear and lowers the risk of pieces becoming detached during the cycle.
