Laundry might look simple, but it can be complicated. A lot of us don’t do it correctly. If we do it right, it can increase the life of your clothes, save you money, and protect your fabrics from damage. Whether you are a laundry beginner, a pro or someone who just wants to do it better, know these 7 laundry tips and hacks that will change how you wash your clothes.
1. Sort Clothes Before Washing
Sorting is not just about separating whites from colours. It is about protecting your garments and improving washing results.
The classic advice is to separate lights from darks. Dark-coloured clothes can bleed dye during washing, especially when they are new. This will stain the lighter items. But the right kind of sorting goes beyond this basic rule.
Add these categories when washing clothes:
- Fabric Weight: Heavy items like jeans and towels can damage delicate fabrics during the cycle. The weight difference causes friction that ends in pilling or early wear of clothes.
- Fabric Type: Synthetics, cottons, and delicates usually need different washing approaches. Grouping similar fabrics makes sure that clothes are washed properly.
- Soil Level: Heavily soiled items need more aggressive washing than light ones. Mixing them can cause dirt to stick to the cleaner clothes.
- Lint Producers vs. Lint Attractors: Washing towels with dark clothes can leave annoying lint. Keep lint items separate from fabrics like corduroy or microfiber.
Pro Tip: Use mesh laundry bags for delicate items. They protect vulnerable fabrics from aggressive washing while still helping them get clean.
2. Decode Laundry Symbols and Use the Right Water Temperature
Those tiny symbols on clothing care labels aren’t just decorative. They actually contain important information on how to wash those fabrics safely. Taking time to understand them can prevent shrinkage, colour fading, and damage.
Common Care Label Symbols:
- A tub filled with water means the item is machine washable.
- A hand in water means hand wash only.
- A crossed-out tub means the item should not be washed with water.
- Dots inside the tub indicate maximum water temperature (more dots = hotter water)
Water temperature matters a lot when washing clothes. Here’s a temperature guide for different situations:
Hot Water (130°F+)
- Best for white, colour fast items
- Good for killing germs and heavily soiled work clothes
- Perfect for sanitizing dish towels and bedding
Warm Water (90F-110F)
- This is the middle ground for most regular laundry.
- Best for moderately soiled items
- Works well for synthetic fabrics and blends
Cold Water (60F- 80F)
- Perfect for delicate fabrics
- Prevents colour bleeding and fading
- Energy-efficient and gentler on clothes
- Works with modern detergents designed for cold water
Using cold water when possible is better for your clothes and your energy bill. Modern detergents are made to work better in cold water, as clothes get clean while preserving colours and fabrics.
Related: Ventless Dryer Pros and Cons: What to Know Before You Buy
3. Choose the Right Detergent and Use the Correct Amount
With many laundry cleaner options available, selecting the right one can be difficult. You should match it to your specific laundry needs.
Types of Detergents:
Standard: Suitable for most everyday laundry and best at removing common stains and soil.
HE (High Efficiency): Specially made for HE washing machines. These create fewer suds and rinse out more completely in the lower-water cycles of these machines.
Specialized formulas: Get detergents made for specific purposes:
- Cold water formulas that dissolve and activate properly in lower temperatures.
- Free & clear options for sensitive skin that eliminate dyes and fragrances.
- Colour-safe formulations that help preserve fabric colours.
- Heavy-duty varieties for work clothes and heavily soiled items.
One of the most common laundry mistakes is using too much detergent. Too much of it doesn’t make clothes cleaner. It actually creates problems:
- Residue buildup on clothes can irritate skin.
- Soap scum collection in your washing machine.
- Reduced cleaning effectiveness as suds cushion fabrics from proper agitation.
- Wasted money as you use more products than needed.
Most detergent caps have measurement lines for no reason. For regular loads in standard machines, the middle line is usually sufficient. HE machines need even less, usually just a tablespoon or two. When in doubt, use less than you think you need, especially with concentrated formulas.
4. Pre-Treat Stains Properly
Stain removal begins before clothes ever enter the washing machine. Addressing stains quickly and appropriately can save your favourite clothes from permanent damage.
The golden rule of stain treatment: Act quickly. Even if you can’t wash it immediately, a quick rinse or spot treatment makes all the difference.
Stain Treatment Guidelines
Protein-based Stains (Blood, Sweat, Food):
- Rinse with cold water first (hot water cooks the protein, setting the stain)
- Apply enzyme-based stain remover
- Let sit for 10-15 minutes before washing
Oil-based Stains (Cooking Oil, Makeup, Salad Dressing):
- Blot excess oil without rubbing
- Apply dish soap directly to the stain (it’s made to break down grease)
- Work in gently with a soft brush or fingertips
- Allow to sit for 15 minutes before washing
Tannin Stains (Coffee, Tea, Wine):
- Rinse with cold water immediately
- Apply stain remover with mild acidity like white vinegar
- For white items, oxygen bleach can be effective
Dye Stains (Berries, Grass, Ink):
- These are among the most challenging
- Commercial stain removers that are specific to the stain type work best
- For white items, a diluted bleach solution may work as a last resort.
Keep a stain reference guide near your laundry area for quick consultation. Many seemingly impossible stains can be removed with the right approach applied promptly.
Related: How Ventless Dryers Work and Why You Might Need One
5. Maximize Your Washing Machine’s Potential
Modern washing machines are sophisticated appliances with cycles that are made for specific purposes. Understanding and using these features properly makes sure of better cleaning results. It also increases both machine life and clothes.
Cycle Selection Guide:
Normal/Regular Cycle:
- Medium agitation and spin speeds
- Suitable for cotton, linen, and durable synthetic fabrics
- Cleans everyday clothes with moderate soil
Delicate/Gentle Cycle:
- Low agitation and spin speeds
- Perfect for lingerie, silk, wool, and thin fabrics
- Reduce fabric stress while still cleaning perfectly
Heavy Duty Cycle:
- High agitation and longer wash time
- For heavily soiled items like work clothes or sports gear
- Provides more mechanical action to remove stubborn dirt
Quick Wash:
- Shorter cycle time with higher agitation
- Good for lightly soiled items that need refreshing
- Energy-efficient but less thorough for heavily soiled clothes
Bulky/Bedding
- Modified water levels and tumbling pattern
- Makes sure large items get thoroughly wet and clean
- Prevents tangling and improper cleaning of large items
Load size matters a lot for washing effectiveness. Overloading prevents clothes from moving freely in the water, resulting in poor cleaning and possible damage from a lot of friction. The drum should be no more than three-quarters full.
Front-loading machines generally need less water and detergent than top-loaders. Follow your machine’s specific recommendations for best performance. Regular maintenance will extend your machine’s life and keep your laundry smelling fresh.
Related: Dishwasher Brands to Avoid: A Practical Guide
6. Air-Dry and Machine-Dry Clothes the Right Way
While convenient, machine drying is not always the best choice for all clothes. Knowing when and how to air-dry can keep your clothes better and maintain fabric quality.
When to Air-Dry:
- Delicate fabrics can shrink (wool, silk, cashmere)
- Items with elastic that can degrade from heat (swimwear, underwear)
- Embellished clothing with sequins, beading, or decorative elements
- Athletic wear with performance fabrics (heat can break down moisture-wicking properties)
- Knits that might stretch or lose shape in the dryer
For effective air-drying:
- Shake items vigorously to remove wrinkles before hanging
- Use proper hangers that won’t stretch necklines
- Consider a foldable drying rack for items that shouldn’t be hung
- Position items with space between them for air circulation
- Keep away from direct sunlight to prevent fading
When machine drying is appropriate:
- Clean the lint filter before every load to improve air circulation and prevent fire hazards
- Sort drying loads by fabric type and weight, just as you did for washing
- Use lower heat settings whenever possible. High heat may speed drying but it can damage fibers
- Remove items while slightly damp to reduce wrinkles and prevent over drying
- Try adding wool dryer balls to reduce static and drying time naturally
Many items labeled as ‘dry clean only’ can actually be hand-washed safely. Test an inconspicuous area first, and use cool water with mild detergent. However, structured garments with interfacing (like blazers) and many skills and wools truly do need professional care.
Related: What’s the Best Dishwasher You Can Buy in Canada?
7. Store Clean Laundry Properly
The laundry process is not only about washing clothes. It also means to properly store them. It helps in preserving your hard work and keeps clothes ready to wear.
For Hanging Items:
- Allow shirts to cool completely before hanging to prevent setting wrinkles
- Use appropriate hangers for different garments. Wooden or padded hangers for structured pieces, slim velvet hangers for slippery fabrics.
- Leave space between hanging items for air circulation and wrinkle prevention
- Button the top buttons of shirts and jackets to help maintain shape.
For Folded Items:
- Fold along natural seam lines to minimize visible creases.
- Store similar items together (all t-shirts in one drawer, all sweaters in another)
- Avoid overstuffing drawers, which creates wrinkles and makes finding items difficult.
- Consider file-folding t-shirts and jeans vertically so all items are visible at once.
Seasonal Storage:
- Make sure items are completely clean before storing long-term (stains attract pests).
- Use breathable cotton storage bags rather than plastic for natural fibers.
- Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets as natural pest deterrents.
- Store in cool and dry locations.
For basics like t-shirts and jeans, you can roll them. This will save space and reduce wrinkles.
Conclusion
Knowing how to wash clothes safely isn’t about cleanliness. It is about preserving your wardrobe investment. These laundry tips and hacks give you a better way of taking care of your garments. From sorting smartly and choosing the right detergent to understanding the washing machine’s capabilities and proper drying techniques. Each step helps in longer-lasting, better-looking clothes.
Remember that good laundry care is personalized. As you implement these tips, you will discover which techniques work best for your specific clothing items and household needs. With practice, proper clothes washing becomes second nature. It saves you time, money and the frustration of damaged favorites.
Related: The Top 5 Smart Appliances Every Modern Household Needs
