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6 common laundry mistakes that can ruin clothes

6 common laundry mistakes that can ruin clothes

Laundry is an unavoidable household chore, and while it might appear simple enough, there is a right and a wrong way of doing it. Do it correctly and clothes can look new for a long time. Do it the wrong way and one might even end up ruining the washing machine and dryer. Here are some quick don’ts that seem harmless at first but could end up costing a lot.

Overloading the Washing Machine
One of the most prevalent laundry mistakes is overloading the washing machine. Trying to cram too many clothes into a single load might seem efficient, but it can result in insufficient water circulation and detergent distribution. This leads to inadequate cleaning and can even damage the washing machine over time.

To avoid this, leave some room in the drum for clothes to move freely. Overloading not only compromises cleanliness but also increases wear and tear on the machine, potentially shortening its lifespan.

Ignoring Fabric Care Labels
Each piece of clothing comes with a fabric care label that provides valuable instructions on washing, drying, and maintaining the item. Ignoring these labels can be a costly mistake. Fabrics vary widely, and improper care can lead to shrinkage, fading, or stretching.

Always take a moment to check the care label before tossing garments into the washing machine. Learn the common fabric care symbols to ensure that each garment receives the proper treatment it deserves.

Using Too Much Detergent
While it might seem logical to use extra detergent for heavily soiled laundry, too much detergent can have adverse effects. Excessive detergent can lead to soap buildup on clothes and inside the washing machine. This residue not only affects clothing quality but also causes unpleasant odors.

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for detergent usage. In most cases, using the recommended amount will suffice for a thorough cleaning without any unwanted consequences.

Neglecting To Sort Clothes
Sorting clothes is a laundry step that often gets rushed or skipped entirely. Neglecting to separate darks from lights or delicates from sturdy fabrics can result in color bleeding, fabric damage, and uneven cleaning.

Set up separate laundry baskets or hampers for different types of clothing. Taking the time to sort laundry correctly will help maintain garment quality over time.

Not Cleaning The Washing Machine
The washing machine itself needs regular maintenance to function optimally. Failing to clean it can lead to mold and mildew buildup, which can transfer onto the clothes and cause unpleasant odors.

It’s essential to clean the washing machine at least once a month. Use a specialized washing machine cleaner or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to eliminate residue and odors. Wipe down the drum and seal after each use to prevent moisture buildup.

Overusing The Dryer
Over-reliance on the dryer can have detrimental effects on clothing. Excessive heat can cause fabrics to break down, shrink, and lose shape. It can also contribute to energy waste and higher utility bills.

To avoid this laundry mistake, consider air-drying clothes whenever possible. Hang delicate items on a drying rack, use a clothesline for outdoor drying, or utilize the dryer’s low-heat setting for more delicate fabrics.

In conclusion, laundry is an everyday task that, when done correctly, can help extend the life of clothing. By avoiding common laundry mistakes, one can maintain the quality of their garments and ensure they look their best for years to come.

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5 common vacuuming mistakes to avoid

Most individuals rely on their vacuum cleaners to help clean floors, carpet, tiles, sofas, upholstery, and sometimes hardwood floors. Though the vacuum is a versatile and sturdy tool, you may be unknowingly doing things that could damage its parts or body in the long run. After all, they are not indestructible and surely not always cheap. In order to keep them in good working condition, you should avoid making the following mistakes with your vacuum cleaner. Vacuuming things you shouldn't Dry foods like salt or sugar spills can be cleaned with a vacuum. But bits of wet food left on the floor, like pieces of tomato or baked beans, should not be vacuumed. They contain moisture that can clog the pipes and ruin the motor. Small and heavy objects like screws, coins, or large pieces of broken glass could cut the dust bag if vacuumed and damage the internal parts. Used coffee grounds are another thing that should not be vacuumed. They can block pipes, destroy motors, and result in the growth of mildew. Avoid vacuuming long clumps of hair, too, as they can get stuck inside the machine. Running the vacuum when the dust bag is full Whenever the dust container or bin is full, it should be emptied. On the off chance that you don't do that, the performance of the vacuum cleaner will be affected. You also risk overheating and harming the machine. However, time after time, we're in a rush and run the machine when it's overfilled. In the event that you notice the vacuum cleaner doesn't appear to have as much suction, take a look at the bin or dust bag first. More often than not, emptying these can have a tremendous effect on the vacuum's performance. It will likewise lessen the weight on the motor and extend the life of the machine. Throwing away the vacuum prematurely If your vacuum cleaner isn't suctioning things like it used to, don't just assume it's old and broken. There are various easy ways to fix the machine. First, check if the dust bag is full. Most vacuum cleaners perform poorly when the dust bag is full or nearly full. If this doesn't work, there could be a clog somewhere. Unplug the machine and remove its parts carefully. Check if the hose or its surrounding openings are blocked. Your brush-roll could not be running smoothly because of too much hair or carpet fibers stuck inside. Clean the clogged parts and your vacuum will start running just fine. Assuming the motor is broken Sometimes vacuum cleaners stop working mid-way. This is not because the motor is broken. It could simply mean that the machine has overheated because of a full dust bin. Empty the bag and try running the machine once it's cooled down. Some machines have a manual reset button that needs to be pushed to reset the motor. Read the instructions booklet on how to resolve this issue. Not cleaning the filter All vacuum cleaners have a filter that can get blocked due to excess dirt. They prevent dust from recirculating back into the air. The process of cleaning the filter is different for every model. Some have washable filters while others need to be replaced. Read the instruction manual and take the necessary steps to clean it accordingly.

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6 common things one should not clean with paper towels

Paper towels are quite handy and convenient. Many reach out for a paper towel to clean up any mess, whether it is spilled juice or splattered sauce. However, the convenience and use of paper towels is limited. This is because some surfaces are not very responsive to paper-based cleaning wipes. Also, cleaning everything with these single-use items can be damaging, wasteful, and not environmentally friendly. Here are common things that shouldn't be cleaned with paper towels. Electronic gadgets All paper towels have abrasive surfaces. Even the ones marketed as soft have some level of grainy texture. When used to wipe electronic gadgets, paper towels can leave behind micro-scratches. This happens explicitly when dust or grime is wiped off the screens of phones, tablets, laptops, or televisions. Opting for microfiber or suede cloth is better in such cases. Windows and mirrors It is common to use glass-cleaning solutions and paper towels to wipe dust and grime from windows and mirrors. However, the paper towels leave streaks and lint on the glass surfaces. So, it is better to use microfiber cloth, which is effective in keeping mirrors and windows sparkling clean. Moreover, using a cloth will not cause any wastage. Dusty moldings The surface of the architectural moldings around the house does not get cleaned even with the use of several paper towels, leading to paper wastage. In fact, there will be more mess to clean, including the residue of paper towels left behind. Therefore, the best way to clean these moldings is to vacuum, followed by the use of a sponge or gentle scrubber. Carpets and rugs It is easy to quickly reach out for a few paper towels to scrub off spills or stains from carpets or rugs. However, this may cause paper residue to remain within the carpeting or the rugs. This residue is hard to get rid of, even with a vacuum cleaner. Also, the paper towels are effective in wiping off the stains, as the spilled liquid will get deeper into the fabric. So instead, it is best to use a clean and dry cloth to blot the stains and spills. Dinner plates Wiping or dusting off dinner plates, cups, and other kitchen items with paper towels is not an effective way to clean them. Moreover, if these have been stored inside for a long time without any use, it is best to refrain from using paper towels to clean them. This is because the towel will leave behind particles on the plates and mugs. They will not clean off the dust quite well from the surfaces. Instead, use a damp kitchen towel to wipe any glassware. Bathtubs Using a paper towel to clean soap scum and residue in the shower, tub, or sink can leave behind lint and additional residue. Also, it might not effectively remove bacteria and other germs thriving on the surfaces of bathtubs and showers. Instead, one can use dish soap or a mild cleaner and wipe it off with a cloth or sponge to get rid of the grim and germs.

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