There are many common laundry mistakes that you might be making, but following these laundry tips will help you wash your sheets and other fabrics in a better way. The first mistake you should avoid is adding too much detergent or fabric softener to your laundry. Using too much detergent can make your clothes shrink and cause a sour smell. Another mistake is overdoing it with fabric softener.
Fabric softener
There are some common laundry mistakes that you could be making when washing sheets with fabric-softener. These mistakes are often caused by over-dosing on detergent, fabric softener, or both. You should only use about one-third of the liquid detergent cup in your washing machine, and you should only use one detergent pod per medium-sized load. The extra rinse and spin cycles help to remove accumulated detergent residue. Also, fabric-softeners and dryer sheets can reduce the amount of water your towels absorb.
If you want your towels to be super-absorbent, use less fabric-softener than normal. Fabric softener can actually make your towels stiff and less absorbent. It can also damage terry cloth, which is meant to absorb water. Adding white vinegar to the detergent every other load may help solve this issue. Alternatively, you can use vinegar as an alternative for fabric-softeners.
Another common mistake that you may be making when washing sheets with fabric-softeners is adding too much of the substance to the water. Liquid fabric softeners are the most effective but they can be more expensive. If you’re on a budget, you should opt for dryer sheets instead. Another option is to use baking soda or white vinegar. These ingredients have a similar effect to liquid fabric softeners, but they’re more inexpensive.
When using fabric-softener, you should always follow the manufacturer’s directions for adding it to the water. If you’re using a liquid fabric-softener, be sure to use a measuring cup. Be sure to dilute it properly so it doesn’t ruin your clothes. You also need to make sure to measure the correct amount for your washing machine. If you’re using a front-load washer, you may find a dispenser to place fabric-softener in.
Bleach
According to Clorox’s in-house scientist, “Dr. Laundry,” the use of bleach in washing your sheets is not the root cause of their wear. Instead, incorrect care could damage bleach-safe linens. Mishandling bleach can cause your sheets to turn yellow and develop other signs of wear. To prevent this, always follow the care instructions on the label. If you’re worried that your white linens are not bleach-safe, consult the label.
Another mistake people make is washing sheets with bleach. Bleach can damage the sheets, as it causes the stains to become yellowed and ruins the materials. Additionally, washing sheets with bleach could damage the elastic of the material, making them less comfortable to sleep on. Bleach is best used as a last resort, and only when absolutely necessary. When you need a bright, white sheet, it’s best to use one-half cup of bleach instead of two cups.
In addition to damaging your sheets, bleach is also toxic to your skin and clothes. If you’re not careful, you could end up wasting your money on laundry that smells like chlorine. Even worse, you could be exposing yourself to dangerous bacteria, which could make you sneeze or cough. Benzoni’s article points out that you should always dilute bleach in water before washing your sheets.
Fabric softener on top of laundry
A fabric softener is a common laundry additive. These products contain a thin layer of chemically charged ions that bond with the negative ions in the fabric. This process makes the clothes feel softer and less scratchy, while reducing the amount of static electricity they generate. However, this chemical coating is not suitable for all types of fabric. If you use fabric softener on towels, be aware that this substance can decrease the absorbency of the towel.
To use fabric softener, measure the amount according to the weight of the load. Generally, you should use between one and two tablespoons per load. Make sure you follow the directions on the fabric softener container. The amount of fabric softener you need depends on the brand and type you use, so it is best to refer to the packaging for specific instructions. In case you’re unsure of how much to add, use a measuring cup to check the product’s contents.
You can use a dryer ball instead of fabric softener. Place the ball in the dryer before the cycle and remove it once it’s finished. If you don’t have dryer balls, you can reuse the balls until they become ineffective. Though fabric softener can increase the life span of your clothes, it may damage some fabrics. Microfiber clothes are highly sensitive to fabric softeners, so they can be damaged by using them.
Another advantage of using fabric softener on your clothes is that it increases their quality and lifespan. Many people don’t use fabric softeners on a regular basis, but they can help extend the life of clothing. Some fabric softeners contain chemicals that can cause allergic reactions. However, white vinegar is a safer alternative. As a natural solution, it can help reduce odors and keep your clothes smelling fresher.
Using too much detergent
Using too much detergent when washing sheets can be a mistake that people often make. While more detergent does not always make things cleaner, too much residue on your sheets can trap dirt, which can shorten their lifespan. A proper amount of detergent can be found in most laundry detergent bottles. The manufacturer of the detergent will tell you how much is needed for an average load. You should always follow the amount recommended on the package.
When it comes to washing cotton sheets, too much detergent is not a good idea. It can create an oily coating on the fabric and irritate your skin. Too much fabric softener can even make your sheets flammable, so be cautious. Also, modern washer and dryer technology has improved the texture of your clothes. While using too much detergent can lead to shrinking and snags, using too little can extend the life of your bedding.
