5 Common Laundry Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Laundry is a part of our routine, but it can be frustrating when things don't turn out as expected. Here are five common laundry mistakes and how to avoid them:

1. Overloading the washing machine: This can lead to poor cleaning and damage to clothes. Avoid overloading the machine and only fill it up to the recommended level. You should be able to easily fit your hand in between the clothing and the drum. If you cannot, remove some items and do another load.

2. Using too much detergent: This can leave residue and cause skin irritation. Use only the recommended amount of detergent for your laundry load. For most loads, you need no more than what fits in a normal-sized shot glass (1.5 oz). Anything more than 1.5 oz. is going to do more harm than good.

3. Not cleaning the lint filter: This can cause dryer malfunctions and even fires. Clean the lint filter after every load. At laundromats, you may not be able to access the lint filters, but the attendants or owners are responsible for cleaning any that you cannot. You should also be cleaning the dryer vent regularly as that can be a safety hazard as well.

4. Not reading care labels: This can lead to shrinking and damage to clothes. Always read the care labels before washing your clothes. You can separate your clothing based on the handling instructions. These instructions are there to help you, so please PLEASE read them carefully.

5. Mixing white clothes with dark clothes: This can result in dye transfer and staining. Keep white and dark clothes separate and sort them properly before washing. Even if dark clothing isn't new, it can still bleed onto lighter clothing.

By avoiding these common laundry mistakes, you can ensure that your clothes are being treated properly and will come out looking clean and fresh.