When it comes to caring for your clothes, most people believe that throwing garments into the washing machine, adding detergent, and pressing “start” is all it takes. However, laundry is a skill — and doing it incorrectly can damage fabrics, fade colours, shrink clothes, weaken fibres, or ruin delicate items.

Whether you wash at home or frequently use professional laundry services, understanding common laundry mistakes can save money, protect clothes, and extend the lifespan of your wardrobe. In this comprehensive guide, we break down the most frequent mistakes people make and explain how to fix them easily.

1. Using Too Much Detergent

Many people assume that more detergent means cleaner clothes. In reality, the opposite happens. Excess detergent creates residue that sticks to fabric, traps dirt, and even causes unpleasant smells. Clothes appear dull and stiff.

How to fix it:

• Use the recommended amount on your detergent.

• For soft water areas, use less detergent.

• Consider deep-cleaning your machine once a month.

2. Not Separating Laundry Properly

A quick mixed-load wash may seem convenient, but mixing colours, fabrics, and soil levels is one of the biggest causes of fading, shrinking, and lint transfer.

Correct sorting categories:

• Whites

• Lights

• Darks

• Delicates

• Heavy items (towels, jeans, bedding)

This simple habit improves wash quality dramatically.

3. Washing Everything in Hot Water

Hot water isn’t suitable for all fabrics. It can shrink clothes, fade colours, and damage elastics.

Use temperatures wisely:

• Cold: darks, delicates, mixed loads

• Warm: everyday clothing

• Hot: towels, bedding, heavily soiled garments

Cold washes also save energy and reduce fabric wear.

4. Overloading the Machine

Filling your washing machine to the top prevents clothes from moving freely. Water and detergent can’t circulate properly, meaning dirt stays trapped.

Fix:
Leave enough space for the clothes to tumble.

5. Ignoring Care Labels

Those small tags are extremely important. They tell you water temperature, drying settings, ironing instructions, and more.

Never guess — always check.

6. Using the Wrong Detergent for the Fabric

Delicates, wool, and silk require gentle detergents. Using strong detergent can weaken fibres.

Solution:
Buy detergents meant for delicates or handwashing.

7. Not Treating Stains Immediately

Old stains are harder to remove and may set permanently.

Fix:

• Blot gently (don’t rub).

• Use stain treatment before washing.

• Bring valuable garments to a cleaner immediately.

8. Using Fabric Softener on the Wrong Items

Fabric softener ruins:

• Towels (reduces absorbency)

• Sportswear (blocks moisture-wicking ability)

• Delicates (weakens fibres)

9. Overdrying Clothes

High heat shrinks garments and damages elastic.

Fix:

• Use low or medium heat

• Remove items slightly damp and air-dry

10. Not Using Professional Laundry Services for Delicate or Expensive Items

Silk, linen, wool, wedding garments, and premium items last much longer when handled by professionals.

Final Thoughts

Improving your laundry routine protects your favourite clothing, saves money, and keeps garments fresh for longer. For delicate, expensive, or heavily soiled items, professional laundry services provide the safest and most effective results.