Whether you got your clothes from the sale rack, designer outlet or the thrift store, ALL clothes need to be properly cared for! Why? To keep them looking good and to make them last long. No one likes faded colours, random holes and ruined fabrics.

Here are 10 mistakes you’re probably making that are ruining your clothes:

 Over-Washing Your Clothes

You may think you’re doing your clothes justice by washing them often, when in fact you’re actually ruining your clothes. Over-washing dyed cotton fabrics will, overtime, cause colours to fade noticeably and wear out the fabric. This goes for jeans too. Jeans shouldn’t be over-washed, but instead, should be worn up to at least 6 times until washing is necessary. See how often you should be washing your clothes.

Wash coloured fabrics (especially ones with details and prints) and jeans inside out. This will help your clothes to last longer and prevent them from wearing out.

Not Using Detergent Effectively

Detergents all have the same purpose in cleaning BUT there is a difference between using liquid detergent and powder detergent. Powdered detergent works best in hot washes. When used in a cold water cycle, powders don’t properly dissolve and can leave behind debris on your garments. To avoid this issue, use powder detergent on warm/hot temperature washes.

Likewise, liquid detergents can get caught onto your clothes causing discolouration as it leaves behind light spots, IF you use too much of it that is.

Instead, measure the liquid detergent accordingly to your load size, using the measuring cup it came with or use gel capsules for exactly the right amount of detergent in your usual washes.

Washing Too Hot

Detergents all have the same purpose in cleaning BUT there is a difference between using liquid detergent and powder detergent. Powdered detergent works best in hot washes. When used in a cold water cycle, powders don’t properly dissolve and can leave behind debris on your garments. To avoid  this issue, use powder detergent on warm/hot temperature washes.

Likewise, liquid detergents can get caught onto your clothes causing discolouration as it leaves behind light spots, IF you use too much of it that is.

Instead, measure the liquid detergent accordingly to your load size, using the measuring cup it came with or use gel capsules for exactly the right amount of detergent in your usual washes.

Not Treating Stains Quickly Enough

Letting stains sit for a long period of time (more than 24 hours), only gives it the chance to stick and ‘attach’ itself onto the fabric. You may still be able to remove the stain but you will struggle and it may not be completely removed. 

Try to treat stains as soon as you can. If you’re on the go, at least blot away the stain a little, with cold water, so it makes pre-treating a lot easier. 

Hanging Knit Jumpers

A mistake most of us make without realising is hanging our knit jumpers. Hanging your jumpers only causes the jumper to stretch out over time as the heaviness of the fabric weighs it down. 

It’s best to fold these jumpers and stash them away in the closet as you would with the rest of your clothes.      

 Folding Leather Garments

Leather clothes of any type- jackets, pants, skirts etc, should NOT be folded as it can cause creases and folds on the fabric that are difficult and sometimes impossible to get rid of. You can’t even steam nor iron leather garments as a solution should that issue occur.

Take better care of your leather clothes by simply hanging them in a cool dry place!

Using The Wrong Hangers

Believe it or not, the type of hanger you use can have an impact on your clothes. Using the wrong hangers can awkwardly distort the shoulder/ shoulder pads of clothes. The right hanger will ideally sit at the end of the shoulder, where the sleeve meets.

Use wooden, felt or thick plastic hangers for your clothes to be safe and as much as possible, avoid metal/wired hangers.

You Tumble Dry Everything

Just as all clothes can’t be washed on a hot cycle, all clothes can’t be tumble dried either, unfortunately.  Tumble drying items that aren’t suppose to be tumble dried can cause shrinkage to clothes and ruin it’s fibres. 

Instead try naturally air drying your clothes out in the sun or even at home AND make sure to read the care label before putting your clothes in the dryer.

You Don’t Hand Wash

Some clothes, especially delicate ones such as silk, require extra care when washing. If you’re one who stuffs everything in the machine, even delicate clothing, you risk ruining the fabric fibres by not washing with extra care.

Hand washing is an ancient laundry practice BUT it is the most careful washing method as you have complete control on how much pressure or ‘irritation’ you use on the fabric. This cleaning method should be applied to fabrics that require gentle care and of course, the fabrics with a ‘hand wash’ only care symbol!

You Iron Everything

Again, not all items of clothing can be ironed because some fabrics are just too delicate to handle the heat. Don’t iron clothes such as silk, leather, suede and definitely do not iron a suit either! You’ll only ruin your clothes as well as decrease it’s longevity. ALWAYS check the label to see if your garments are suitable for ironing.

Use hand held steamers as an alternative to ironing, as this is a safer and fabric friendly method. 

If you’re making more than half of these mistakes, it’s probably best to leave your laundry to the professionals, like Laundryheap. We’ll wash, fold and iron (or press) your items and get it delivered to you all within 24hrs!