We all want our clothes to last. Whether it’s a favorite pair of jeans, a dress shirt that fits just right, or that hoodie you’ve had since college, the goal is simple: keep them looking and feeling great for as long as possible. But many people unknowingly make laundry mistakes that quietly sabotage their wardrobe. At Hangers Cleaners, we’ve seen the damage firsthand, and we’re here to help you avoid it.
The everyday wash routine might seem harmless, but how you wash, dry, and store your clothes matters. Let’s walk through the most common laundry mistakes and how you can steer clear of them.
Overloading the Washing Machine
It’s tempting to cram in one last pair of pants to avoid doing another load, but overloading is one of the worst laundry mistakes you can make. When clothes don’t have room to move, they rub and twist against each other. This leads to:
- Increased fabric friction
- Weakening of fibers
- Uneven cleaning
Give your clothes space to breathe. If you consistently find yourself overloading, it may be time to reassess how often you’re doing laundry, or invest in larger capacity machines.
Using Too Much Detergent
More detergent doesn’t mean cleaner clothes. In fact, using too much can backfire. Excess detergent often doesn’t rinse out completely and leaves a residue behind, which can:
- Trap bacteria and odors
- Cause fabrics to stiffen or fade
- Irritate sensitive skin
Stick to the recommended amount on the detergent label, and if your washer has a high-efficiency (HE) setting, use the right type of detergent to match.
Washing Everything on Hot
Hot water isn’t a universal solution. While it can be useful for sanitizing towels or gym clothes, hot water can shrink, fade, or weaken many fabrics. This is especially true for:
- Delicates like lace or silk
- Brightly colored garments
- Stretchy materials like spandex
Most clothes can be cleaned thoroughly in cold or warm water. When in doubt, check the care label—and don’t default to hot unless it’s necessary.
Hot Tip: Sort by Fabric, Not Just Color
It’s not just about separating whites and darks. Sorting your laundry by fabric weight and wash setting can help reduce wear and tear. Towels and jeans don’t belong in the same load as your favorite t-shirts or dresses.
Ignoring the Labels
Laundry symbols might look confusing, but they’re there for a reason. Ignoring them is a shortcut to ruining your clothing. Every tag tells you how the fabric reacts to heat, water, and agitation. Misreading or skipping them completely is one of the most overlooked laundry mistakes.
Take the time to understand what those little icons mean—especially before trying something new, like drying a wool sweater or machine-washing a rayon top.
Skipping the Inside-Out Trick
Turning clothes inside out before washing and drying isn’t just about protecting prints. It helps prevent pilling, fading, and friction on the most visible parts of your clothing. This is especially useful for:
- Dark jeans and pants
- Printed or graphic tees
- Delicate tops
It’s a simple trick that adds years to the look of your clothes.
Using the Dryer for Everything
Not all fabrics belong in the dryer. High heat breaks down elastic, fades colors, and causes shrinkage. One of the most common laundry mistakes is tossing everything in the dryer out of convenience.
Air dry anything made with delicate materials, or anything labeled “lay flat to dry.” If you must use the dryer, use a low-heat or air-dry setting whenever possible.
Don’t Forget the Lint Trap
A clogged lint trap makes your dryer work harder, increases drying time, and creates a fire hazard. Clean it out after every use. Your clothes—and your utility bill—will thank you.
Letting Wet Clothes Sit
Leaving wet clothes in the washer, even for a few hours, encourages mildew, odor buildup, and bacteria growth. It’s one of those silent laundry mistakes that seem harmless—until your clothes smell musty, or worse, need a second wash.
Set a reminder if you need to step away mid-laundry. The faster you move wet clothes to dry, the better.
Using Fabric Softener on the Wrong Materials
Fabric softeners can leave a coating that builds up over time, especially on materials like towels, microfiber, or moisture-wicking activewear. That residue actually reduces absorbency and breathability.
Use it sparingly and only on fabrics that benefit from it—like cotton shirts or sheets. For everything else, consider vinegar as a natural alternative to soften without buildup.
Bleaching Without Testing First
Bleach has its place, but using it on the wrong fabric can permanently damage fibers and cause yellowing. Always spot test on a hidden area of the garment before using bleach or any harsh stain remover.
Better yet, trust a professional cleaner like Hangers Cleaners when it comes to tough stains or whites that need reviving. We can get the results without the risk.
Trust Hangers Cleaners to Protect Your Wardrobe
We get it, laundry isn’t always at the top of your to-do list. But avoiding these laundry mistakes can make a big difference in how your clothes look and feel over time. And when it comes to your most beloved pieces, some loads are better left to the professionals.
At Hangers Cleaners, we’re more than just a dry cleaner. We’re fabric care experts, offering eco-friendly cleaning solutions, specialized garment handling, and top-tier customer service across Arkansas. Whether you’re dealing with delicate fabrics, stubborn stains, or just want your wardrobe to last longer, we’ve got your back.
Let us help you make fewer laundry mistakes and keep your clothes looking their best, season after season. Drop by your local Hangers Cleaners or schedule a pickup today.