Home - Home - 6 Common Laundry Mistakes To Avoid

6 common laundry mistakes to avoid

6 common laundry mistakes to avoid

One of the most basic rules of doing laundry is to put whites and colors in separate loads. But there is more to laundry than just picking clothes based on their color. Sometimes one can make certain mistakes that can damage the clothes and cost them a lot of money. Hence, here are some common laundry mistakes that can lead to damaged clothes, followed by tips on how one can avoid them.

Using more laundry detergent than necessary
Usually, people believe that adding more laundry detergent equals cleaner clothes. But this is far from the truth. In most cases, adding extra laundry detergent can lead to the development of extra suds that can remain on the clothes after the wash. So, when one wears these clothes, the sticky suds layer on the clothes can attract more dust and bacteria, affecting the quality of the clothes and compromising one’s immune system. Hence, its imperative to use the recommended quantity of detergent according to the laundry load.

Not sorting the load by material
One of the most common laundry mistakes that can damage clothes is not sorting them based on their material. While putting white, light-colored, and dark clothes in separate loads can prove beneficial, segregating these clothes based on their fabric material can prevent damage and abrasion. For instance, if one puts heavy material clothes such as denim with delicate fabrics like chiffon, linen, and silk, the delicate ones can likely tear or become prone to permanent damage.

Additionally, this grouping of clothes can be beneficial for the drying process, as all the clothes will dry faster compared to heavier fabrics.

Letting the loads linger in the washer
Another common laundry mistake is leaving the load in the washer and forgetting about it. While this can seem harmless, this damp load can act as a breeding ground for mold. One of the easiest ways to identify this is to look out for a musty smell from the clothes. Although high-fragrance laundry detergents can sometimes make it difficult to recognize the foul smell, it’s extremely important to remove the load from the washer as soon as the cycle is complete.

Overloading the washer
When loading the washer, the smaller the load, the better. This is because overloading the washer tub makes the penetration of laundry detergent difficult across all pieces of clothing. This means sweat, bacteria, and stains will remain on the cloth after the wash cycle, thus affecting the quality of the clothes. So, always do smaller loads and avoid compressing the clothes to fit into the machine. Also, read the manual to check for the mentioned load number.

Not preparing the clothes properly before washing
A lesser-known but widely committed laundry mistake is leaving zippers and buttons open. In most cases, when one commits this mistake, the clothes become more susceptible to rips and small holes while tossed around during the wash cycle, especially jackets, jeans, and bras. This happens because the open zips, buttons, and clasps can get stuck to other pieces of clothing or threads, leading to permanent damage.

So, as a precaution, always check all the clothes and take the time to close the zippers and clasps before putting them into the washer. For incredibly delicate fabrics, one can opt for mesh bags to avoid damage.

Choosing the wrong washing temperature
Typically most clothes must be washed in cold water to prevent problems such as bleeding of dark colors and shrinking of the clothes. So, when one uses hot water for the clothes, it can cause unnecessary stress on certain pieces of clothing. This includes increased friction, melting of fibers, and high chances of wear and tear. Such damage can potentially decrease the lifespan of the clothes and lead to them being thrown out rapidly. To prevent such problems, wash delicate clothes like wool and silk at 30 degrees. This process can work gently on the fibers and make the clothes last longer.

In addition to the above-mentioned common laundry mistakes that can damage clothes, one must also avoid others. This includes rubbing stains too vigorously, overwashing the clothes, and forgetting to clear the washer filter. Also, make sure to read the manual of the washer to make optimum use of the features according to the load and fabric of the clothes.

Previous Read

Avoid these 10 cleaning mistakes

It might sound surprising, but there are some wrong ways of cleaning your home. While your living spaces may look cleaner even with these ineffective methods, you might just help the breeding of bacteria or set yourself up for more cleaning! So, take a minute to think about your cleaning routine and how you can make it more effective. Avoid these cleaning mistakes to make your home look fresher and cleaner for a long time.Using too much laundry detergent or softenerUsing too much detergent doesn’t make your clothes cleaner. Instead, you may find traces of leftover detergent after the wash. It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for fabric softener, as too much softener may make the fabrics stiff and greasy.Overloading the dishwasherAdding too many utensils to your dishwasher may affect its ability to clean well. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when loading the dishwasher.Using the same rag everywhereEven if your rag or cleaning cloth does not look old, it must be replaced regularly to avoid spreading dirt or germs across surfaces. You may switch to a microfiber towel in combination with a disinfectant spray.Not cleaning out the vacuumIt is important to regularly clean out the waste bag in your vacuum cleaner to effectively clean up a space. Otherwise, you will just end up pushing dirt around!Using furniture polish to dustAlthough furniture polish can make surfaces look clean and shiny, it must be used sporadically. It tends to have a higher concentration of oil, which can make fingerprints more prominent on smooth surfaces and make your home look unkempt. Instead, it is best to clean furniture with a barely damp cloth.Spraying cleaners directly on electronicsDirectly spraying cleaners onto devices like laptops, cell phones, or TVs may be damaging. Instead, spray the cleaner onto a clean microfiber cloth and then wipe the surface with it.Ignoring remote controlsThis is one of the most common cleaning mistakes to avoid. The remote controls around the house may be managed by multiple people a day. So, be sure to clean and sanitize them well.Using dish soap on wooden cutting boardsCutting boards need to be cleaned more carefully, as they may lead to cross-contamination, especially after chopping meats. Instead of relying on soap and warm water, soak the board in a bleach solution to clean it well.Scrubbing stains out of carpetsScrubbing a stain on upholstery can damage the fabric. So, avoid this cleaning mistake, and instead, blot as much of the spill as possible with a paper towel. Rinse it well and blot dry again. Use a carpet stain remover if required.Forgetting to take out the trashClearing out the trash regularly will help you maintain a clean home. But this isn’t enough; leaks or tears in the bag may cause spills inside the can. Remember to wipe down the trash can with a bleach cleaning solution to ward off any undesirable smells from your home. If you are using harsh chemicals in your cleaning routine, make sure you wear gloves during the process and don’t forget to ventilate the room once you are done cleaning. This can help you stay safe and not inhale any toxic fumes. So, avoid these cleaning mistakes to make sure your home remains healthy and hygienic.

Next Read

12 most common outdoor cooking mistakes to avoid

Gathering around a BBQ grill, the tantalizing aroma of sizzling meat and other BBQ items and the laughter of friends and family create cherished memories. But to truly master the art of outdoor cooking, one must be aware of common mistakes that can hinder the grilling experience. By recognizing and rectifying these mistakes, one can elevate one’s culinary skills and ensure safety and make delicious and perfectly cooked meals each time. Forgetting to preheat Preheating the griller kills any residual bacteria and ensures an even heat distribution, thus enabling better searing and preventing food from sticking. Preheat the grill for about 10–15 minutes before starting up. Neglecting cleaning and maintenance Proper maintenance of one’s BBQ grill is essential for optimal performance and longevity. Ignoring regular cleaning and maintenance can lead to a buildup of grease, blockages in the burners, charred debris, and rust, which can affect the flavor of one’s food and even pose safety hazards. Overcrowding the grill Placing too many items on the grill at once can result in uneven cooking and inadequate searing. Each item needs sufficient space to allow the heat to circulate and ensure proper caramelization. If necessary, one should grill in batches to allow each piece of meat or vegetable to cook evenly. Constantly opening the lid It's tempting to flip one's food while grilling or open the lid to check up on one's food, but this can lead to heat and moisture loss and uneven cooking. As a result, the grill takes longer to reach the desired temperature. To achieve that sought-after crust and juiciness, one is advised to limit the number of times one flips the meat or vegetables and allow the heat to work its magic. Neglecting food safety Food safety is crucial when grilling outdoors. One should avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods and ensuring that meat reaches the recommended internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria. Using sauce too early Sauces and glazes add flavor and moisture to grilled food, but applying them too early can lead to burning and charring. Sugary sauces, in particular, can quickly burn and create an unpleasant taste. So one should wait until the final few minutes of cooking to brush on sauces, allowing them to caramelize without blackening. Failing to monitor grill ventilation Proper ventilation is essential for a charcoal grill to control the airflow and maintain consistent temperatures. Neglecting to monitor the grill's vents can lead to flare-ups, excessive smoke, and difficulties controlling the heat. Using the wrong utensils Using the appropriate grilling utensils is crucial for safe and efficient cooking. One is advised to avoid using regular kitchen utensils that may not be designed to withstand high heat. One should invest in long-handled tongs, spatulas, and forks made explicitly for grilling to ensure better control and keep a safe distance from the heat source. Forgetting to consider sufficient storage space Having adequate storage space for one’s grilling tools, accessories, and fuel is essential for a well-organized outdoor cooking area. Neglecting to plan for storage can lead to a cluttered and inefficient setup. Failing to use proper materials When designing the outdoor cooking area, it's crucial to use materials that are suitable for high heat and weather conditions. Opt for weather-resistant storage bins, heat-resistant ceramic tiles, coated steel cabinets, stone worktops, or other durable materials that can withstand changing weather and provide a safe and functional surface for food preparation and serving. Poor positioning of the grill One needs to take into account wind direction as well as direct sunlight areas before positioning the grill. Placing the grill in these areas may be counterproductive, damage the equipment, and ruin the grilling experience. Neglecting safety precautions Grilling outdoors requires attention to safety. One should avoid placing one’s grill too close to flammable materials such as dry leaves, wooden structures, or overhanging branches. It’s good to keep a fire extinguisher or a bucket of water nearby as a precautionary measure. One should also pay attention to proper ventilation and lighting, especially during evening or nighttime grilling sessions. It’s best to keep all grilling essentials handy before starting up to avoid errors. Being mindful of these mistakes will enhance one’s overall outdoor cooking experience.

Trending Articles

01

Everything you need to know about chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
02

What you should know about depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that results in bouts of continuous sadness. A clinical mood disorder can lead to physical and emotional suffering, and can also change one’s behavior. Frustration, anger outbursts, lack of energy, sleep issues, anxiety, disinterest in eating, concentration issues, and suicidal thoughts are also common symptoms of this disease. Depending on its severity, the illness can challenge one to lead a normal life, too. Diagnosis There are many different methods a medical professional can use to determine if one is affected by depression. Psychiatric evaluation is the most common way to determine if one is suffering from the disease. The mental health doctor will interview the affected person to understand their thought process, mood, and other symptoms. Some doctors may compare symptoms with the ones listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This makes it easier for them to understand the condition. A physical exam is also performed to determine if any physical health issue is caused due to this mental condition. Stages of depression Depending on the level of sadness, the stages of depression can be divided into five stages: Stage 1 Even though the signs of mental disease are hard to miss, for most people, it starts with denial.
03

Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
04

Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

Gout or gouty arthritis is a form of arthritis that commonly occurs in the joint located at the base of one’s big toe. It can also be seen in other joints and results in swelling, sudden pain, and tenderness. It can happen to anyone and occur at any moment, even suddenly in the middle of the night. The good news is that it can be prevented and treated. Diagnosis of gout Multiple medical tests can be used to determine if one has this form of arthritis. Below is a list of the most common tests. Joint fluid test The doctor uses a needle to collect fluid from one’s joint and test the same under a microscope. If urate crystals are found in the fluid then they have the condition. Blood test For gout detection, the doctor may suggest a blood test. The amount of creatinine and uric acid present in one’s blood indicates if they have it or not. However, the result of the blood test may not always be conclusive. X-ray imaging If one has joint inflammation, the doctor can use X-ray imaging to determine if it is caused by any other reason or gouty arthritis. Ultrasound A musculoskeletal ultrasound test is used to determine if one has gout or any other form of arthritis.

Our Blogs

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of ADHD

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of ADHD

ADHD, short for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, affects children worldwide, and this also often carries on into their adulthood. Some of the different problems faced by kids suffering from ADHD include sustaining attention for a long time, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity. There might be other problems associated with ADHD, like low self-esteem, low grades in school, and difficulty in keeping up with relationships. More often than not, symptoms of ADHD are seen to have decreased with age. However, there are cases wherein ADHD symptoms never subside. Levels of ADHD There are three different levels or stages at which ADHD can affect individuals. They are: Predominantly inattentive ADHD This level of ADHD may be related to missing details very easily and getting distracted often. Also, one may get bored very quickly. One has difficulty in processing new information, and there is also the tendency to not listen properly. One might not be able to follow directions very clearly and also lose things like pencils or papers. It has been observed that girls are more likely to get inattentive ADHD than boys. Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD This is mostly associated with symptoms like restlessness and difficulty with sitting still. Kids suffering from hyperactive-impulsive ADHD have a tendency to talk consistently, and it’s less likely that they will engage in quiet activities.
Read More
Understanding skin aging

Understanding skin aging

Changes in the skin are one of the biggest signs that the body is aging. But how the aging of skin takes place depends on a lot of factors such as our diet, lifestyle habits, stress levels, and the like. For example, if you smoke regularly, it can lead to the production of free radicals, which damage healthy skin cells and cause wrinkles. So, let’s dig a little deeper into skin aging so that you can diagnose it and prevent it for as long as possible. Stages of skin aging As you age, you will start noticing changes in your skin. These changes take place in phases or stages. Learning about these phases can allow you to take better care of your skin and stay away from everything that can prove to be harmful to it. So, these stages of skin aging are: Stage I – Between 25 and 35 years This is the time when your skin will look extremely voluminous to you. But, this is also the time when the early signs of aging will start to appear. Therefore, it is important that you follow a good skincare regime. Some wrinkles can start appearing on the forehead. Lines can also start to appear on the face when you make normal expressions such as laughing, smiling, or frowning.
Read More
Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of addiction

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of addiction

There are three terms that one can relate to addiction – reward, motivation, and memory. Addiction is when the body craves a behavior or substance in an obsessive pursuit of a reward. The person will have little concern about the consequences of the particular behavior or substance. Things to note in case of addiction Some of the attributes that one can relate with addiction include an inability to stay away from the substance, lack of self-control, an outrageous desire for the substance or behavior, ignorance towards the problems that the behavior might be causing, and a growing tendency to ignore the emotional response. Addictions have been known to interfere with daily life and there are also cases of relapse and remission. The complications of addiction can be physical, emotional, as well as financial. Stages of addiction There are five main stages of addiction. These include: Experimentation Every addiction starts with experimentation and during this stage, one cannot understand that this is the beginning of an addiction. One cannot be sure that this will turn into something serious, and hence no necessary steps are taken at this stage. A simple way to find out how this will turn into addiction is understanding the reason for experimenting and how often a person experiments with new substances.
Read More
Top debt settlement companies in the USA

Top debt settlement companies in the USA

Incurring debt is really common in this age and era as everything has become extremely expensive, from college education to owing a house. If you ever feel that your debt is too large and you may not be able to pay it in time, then you can seek the help of a debt settlement company. These companies essentially communicate with your creditor to try and lower your debt and the rest of it is typically forgiven. Given below is a list of the top 9 debt settlement companies in the USA. National Debt Relief If you have USD 7,500 or more in debt, then the National Debt Relief can be a great choice for you. It is one of the most prominent debt settlement companies in the country. The initial consultation is offered for free, but you will have to pay 15-25% of the settled debt amount as a fee. Freedom Debt Relief This a dedicated company that offers debt relief services to people who have at minimum USD 7,500 to USD 10,000 in debt. 15-25% of the settle debt amount is charged as fee once a settlement is negotiated, and in return, they offer the possibility of settling the debt within 24-48 months.
Read More
Allergies – Stages and prevention

Allergies – Stages and prevention

The immune system of our bodies is constantly fighting against viruses and bacteria to keep us healthy. However, in certain cases, the immune system may also end up fighting some substances that are not always harmful. When this happens, you experience an allergic reaction. The allergens are the substances that cause the reactions. With a little carefulness, you can prevent the allergies effectively. The allergic development Even though an allergic reaction can vary from person to person, it generally progresses in the same five stages: Stage 1 The allergen enters your body through food, air, or touch, and contact the cells in your body. Stage 2 Your immune system creates immunoglobulin E, which is a type of antibody. Stage 3 This antibody enters your gastrointestinal tract or respiratory tract but does not do anything. Stage 4 The next time when you are exposed to the same allergen, the immunoglobulin E treats it as a harmful substance and reacts with it. Stage 5 24 hours after the reaction, the immune system cells move towards the areas that were affected to release certain chemicals to treat it. How to diagnose allergies Your allergies can be diagnosed by a doctor. Before visiting him or her, you must recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Read More
Anemia – Symptoms, types, and prevention

Anemia – Symptoms, types, and prevention

Anemia is a kind of medical condition in which an adequate amount of oxygen fails to reach one’s body’s tissues owing to the deficiency of red blood cells in their body. When one suffers from this condition, their body feels weak and exhausted all the time. Symptoms There are different kinds of anemia and each of them has a cause of its own. It can have short-term or long-term effects and the disease can be mild or severe in nature. If one sees any symptoms suggesting that point toward anemia, it is essential to consult a doctor immediately. The signs vary from person to person and depend on the cause or their origin. Sometimes, the chronic disease causes anemia and the doctor ends up diagnosing the disease but the fact that one is suffering from anemia does not show up in the test. Sometimes, there are mild symptoms and then, with time the symptoms become more prominent indicating that the disease has penetrated one’s body more deeply. Some of the commonly found symptoms include breathing difficulties, fatigue, pale skin, chest pain, headache, dizziness, hands and feet turning cold, irregular heartbeat, and pain in the chest . Types of anemia Iron deficiency anemia This is the most common kind of anemia, which occurs due to iron deficiency.
Read More