Like the miracle of the oil can, our laundry basket is always full - no matter how big or small our family is. Washing is an action that most of us do almost every day.
That's why it hurts a little to hear that we could save some favorite clothes from wear and tear or save on electricity and water expenses if we only knew how to wash properly. With the innovations in the world of fashion and fabrics, our laundry practices must change and adapt to the current era. Nicky English, head of design and business development at AJG Fashion Consulting, shed light on common misconceptions and outdated habits that are ruining our wardrobes.
These mistakes can also harm our pocket - with an unusual expense every month. Here are 10 mistakes most of us make when it comes to laundry:
Use the sun
Drying in the sun not only saves energy but also has natural bleaching and disinfecting properties. Dry the white fabrics in direct sunlight to improve their brightness - and the colored ones in the shade to prevent fading.
A dryer is a direct financial disaster, relying on electric dryers alone consumes significant energy.
To save on your electricity expenses, try to use your dryer only when you really need to. Anything you can air dry - do so. Remember that the high heat of the dryer also creates wear and tear on fabrics and it is better to prevent this.
Overloading the washing machine
Many people are guilty of cramming the washing machine to the limit. Overloading leads to inefficient washing, requires additional washing cycles and results in higher electricity consumption. In addition to this, a load on the washing machine prevents the clothes from moving freely and as a result the washing comes out at an uneven level.
Ignoring fabric care labels Those tiny labels on your clothes aren't there for decoration. Ignoring the fabric care instructions on the labels may lead to inappropriate washing settings, resulting in increased electricity consumption and destruction of the fabric.
Always check the care label before putting your clothes in the washing machine to maintain their longevity and appearance.
Excessive use of detergent
A higher amount of softener and washing powder does not make your clothes cleaner, but causes the fabric to be destroyed over time and may require additional washing cycles - a waste of water and energy. Use the recommended amount.
Sorting is extremely important
Sorting is extremely important. Sorting is not just separating light and dark clothes. You should also pay attention to the types of fabrics and wash similar textures together. Do not wash delicate fabrics with heavy items, as this may cause damage. Failure to properly sort clothes may lead to the need for repeated washing - thus, of course, to unnecessary consumption of electricity.
What about the cold water? Hot water is not always the right answer for washing. Washing in cold water saves energy and helps maintain the color of the fabric and prevent shrinkage.
Know when to use fabric softener
Fabric softeners give softness to your clothes, but they are not effective for all types of fabrics.
Avoid using them on sportswear and microfiber towels, as they can damage the fabric and reduce their ability to repel moisture and clean.
Did you forget that you should turn?
Turning the clothes before washing is not just a myth. This action helps preserve the color and protect prints from friction and damage during washing. You don't have to wash after every wear. We are usually in favor of washed clothes that smell good, but frequent washing of clothes after minimal wear only contributes to the wear of the fabric and waste of electricity. Consider airing the clothes or spot cleaning if you only wore them for a short time.
This way you will maintain the quality of the fabric over time and reduce water and energy consumption.
Come on, go do the laundry.