Common Laundry Mistakes and How to Avoid Them: Make the Most of Your Wash at Made New Laundry
Doing laundry might seem simple, but even the most seasoned pros can make mistakes that can damage their clothes, reduce the effectiveness of their wash, or even harm the machines. At Made New Laundry, we want to help you avoid these common pitfalls so that you get the best possible results every time you visit. Here are some of the most frequent laundry mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Overloading the Machines
It’s tempting to throw as many clothes as possible into one load to save time and money, but overloading your machine can do more harm than good. When the drum is too full, clothes don’t have enough room to tumble freely, meaning they won’t get thoroughly clean. This also puts unnecessary strain on the machine.
How to Avoid This:
Leave Room to Tumble: For both washers and dryers, leave at least a third of the drum empty so clothes can move freely.
Use Larger Machines for Bulky Items: For items like blankets, comforters, and heavy coats, use the large-capacity machines at Made New Laundry to ensure a thorough clean and prevent machine strain.
2. Using Too Much Detergent
More detergent doesn’t equal cleaner clothes! Using too much detergent can actually lead to residue buildup on your clothes and inside the machine. It can also trap dirt and bacteria in fabric, making your laundry less clean.
How to Avoid This:
Measure Carefully: Always follow the detergent’s instructions and use the recommended amount. Most modern detergents are concentrated and don’t need much to be effective.
Use High-Efficiency Detergent: Our Electrolux machines are designed for high-efficiency (HE) detergent, which requires less product for the same cleaning power.
Look for Suds: If your clothes still have suds during the rinse cycle, you’ve used too much detergent. Try running another rinse cycle to remove any leftover soap.
3. Using the Wrong Water Temperature
Selecting the wrong water temperature can lead to shrinking, fading, or even setting stains deeper into the fabric. Knowing when to use hot, warm, or cold water is key to keeping your clothes in great condition.
How to Avoid This:
Read Care Labels: Always check the care labels on your clothes to find out what water temperature is best.
Cold Water for Delicates and Colors: Use cold water for delicate fabrics, dark colors, and items prone to shrinking or bleeding.
Hot Water for Whites and Heavily Soiled Items: Hot water works best for white fabrics, towels, and items that need extra sanitization, like bedding or gym clothes.
Use Our Machines’ Temperature Settings: At Made New Laundry, our washers offer customizable temperature settings so you can easily choose the right one for each load.
4. Not Sorting Laundry Properly
Skipping the sorting step can lead to disastrous results—think a white shirt turned pink or dark lint covering light fabrics. Sorting laundry by color, fabric type, and soil level is essential for a successful wash.
How to Avoid This:
Sort by Color: Separate whites, darks, and brights to avoid color transfer.
Sort by Fabric: Wash delicate fabrics separately from heavier items like jeans or towels to prevent damage.
Sort by Soil Level: For heavily soiled items like gym clothes or work uniforms, wash separately from lightly soiled clothes to avoid spreading dirt and grime.
5. Drying Items on the Wrong Heat Setting
Just like with washing, drying your clothes on the wrong heat setting can lead to shrinkage, fabric damage, and even set-in wrinkles. High heat can be tempting for a faster drying time, but it’s not always the best choice.
How to Avoid This:
Use Low Heat for Delicates: Delicate fabrics like silk, lace, and spandex should always be dried on a low heat or air-dry setting.
Medium Heat for Everyday Clothes: For everyday wear like t-shirts and jeans, medium heat is usually a safe bet.
High Heat for Heavy Items: Use high heat only for towels, bedding, or other heavy-duty fabrics that can handle the heat.
Check Care Labels: Always follow the drying instructions on your clothing labels to prevent shrinking or damage.
Use Our Temperature-Controlled Dryers: Our dryers at Made New Laundry offer multiple heat settings, making it easy to choose the perfect one for your fabrics.
6. Leaving Clothes in the Washer Too Long
We’ve all been there—you get busy, forget about the laundry, and leave your clothes sitting in the washer for too long. The problem? Damp clothes left in the machine can develop mold, mildew, and musty odors.
How to Avoid This:
Set a Timer: If you’re multitasking, set a timer on your phone to remind you when your wash cycle is done.
Use Our Technology: At Made New Laundry, our Electrolux machines offer a convenient feature where you can check machine availability and time remaining, so you’ll never forget about your laundry again.
Act Fast: If you forget and leave your clothes in the washer, rewash them with a bit of vinegar to help remove the musty smell before drying.
7. Skipping Pre-Treatment for Stains
Throwing a stained item straight into the wash without pre-treating can make it much harder to get the stain out. Some stains, like grease or ink, need extra attention before washing.
How to Avoid This:
Pre-Treat Stains: For tougher stains like grass, coffee, or grease, apply a stain remover or liquid detergent directly to the stain before washing.
Don’t Let Stains Sit: The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove. Try to pre-treat stains as soon as possible for the best results.
Use the Right Wash Cycle: Once pre-treated, use the appropriate wash cycle for the stained item to avoid setting the stain deeper into the fabric.
Conclusion
By avoiding these common laundry mistakes, you can keep your clothes looking fresh and new for longer. At Made New Laundry, we’ve made it easy for you to avoid these pitfalls with our high-efficiency machines, customizable temperature settings, and large-capacity washers and dryers. Whether you’re washing delicates or bulky bedding, our advanced technology and helpful features ensure you’ll get the best results every time.
So next time you stop by Made New Laundry, keep these tips in mind and say goodbye to laundry mishaps for good!
