Washing clothes by hand or machine is a common job in Vietnam. However, many people make mistakes that harm their clothes and health.
Failing to check and separate clothes before washing
The most common errors people make while washing clothes include failing to check and sort the garments beforehand. This can lead to potential damage to the washing machine if items like coins, buttons, or zippers are left in pockets. It can also pose a risk of injury when washing clothes by hand.
Before washing clothes, it is important to check and remove any items that could potentially harm your body or the washing machine. Specifically, for garments that have buttons or zippers, make sure to button or zip them all up.
Not checking and organizing clothes before washing.
In addition, sorting your clothes before washing them by color, fabric, and other factors will help maintain their durability over time. This practice prevents color fading and preserves their aesthetic value. A helpful tip is to place garments made from delicate and stretchy materials like wool, silk, or underwear in a laundry bag when machine washing. This will increase the lifespan of these items.
Using incorrect laundry load weight.
Using a washing machine improperly by either overloading it with too many clothes or washing too few can lead to issues with the machine and compromise its washing efficiency. Overloading the machine causes the clothes to clump together and prevents them from moving and agitating properly with the water flow. This hinders the circulation of detergent, resulting in clothes that are not completely clean, and stains may remain.
Washing clothes with an incorrect load size.
If you don’t wash enough, the clothes will probably accumulate on one side of the drum, resulting in an unbalanced load. This can lead to excessive shaking and impact while spinning and drying. To avoid this, it is important to balance the correct amount of clothes recommended by the manufacturer for each wash. As a general guideline, a helpful tip is to fill the drum to approximately 80% of its height to estimate the appropriate level of dry clothes.
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Overusing detergent or washing powder can lead to problems.
Common Mistakes in Clothes Washing Another mistake frequently made by both men and women is using excessive amounts of detergent or washing powder in the belief that this will result in cleaner clothes, particularly when they are heavily soiled or stained. However, this approach is highly ineffective.
Adding excessive detergent or washing powder in each wash can cause the washing machine to not fully utilize it. Consequently, the leftover detergent remains un-drained, resulting in a blocked machine. Moreover, the clothes are not thoroughly cleaned as desired. To prevent this, it is advisable to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and add the appropriate amount of detergent or washing powder based on the type of clothing and the washing machine’s weight.
“Excessive use of detergent/laundry powder”
Furthermore, to cut costs, numerous individuals opt to use hand-washing soap in their washing machines. Unfortunately, this choice drastically impacts the machine’s performance as hand-washing soap generates excessive foam, leading to potential damage to the machine’s components due to foam overflow. Additionally, the foam necessitates multiple rinses, resulting in increased water consumption during the clothes rinsing process.
Allow clean clothes to sit in the washing machine overnight.
Leaving wet clothes in the washing machine overnight is a common practice in many Vietnamese households. However, it is not recommended to wash clothes before bedtime and leave them to dry in the morning. When wet clothes are left in a closed machine for more than 6 hours, it creates a favorable environment for bacteria to grow.
“Let the laundered clothes remain in the washing machine overnight.”
To prevent mold growth and odors on your clothes, it is essential to dry them promptly after washing. Additionally, employing a holeless washing machine can limit the formation of bacteria and unpleasant smells. This innovative design prevents mold from developing outside the washing drum and eliminates the risk of them entering the interior, ultimately ensuring that your clothes remain fresh and free from any unwanted odors.
>> See more: Answer: Is it advisable to leave clothes in the washing machine overnight?
Do laundry right away after wearing clothes.
You may not be aware, but it is recommended to wash clothes only when necessary, meaning when they are dirty. Clothing items such as men’s jackets, men’s jeans, men’s trousers, and others can be worn multiple times before needing to be washed, as long as they are not excessively dirty or stained.
Please wash your clothes promptly after every use.
Washing clothes frequently can lead to faster fading and stretching. However, it is recommended to wash underwear and sportswear after each use. This is because these items tend to accumulate bacteria and sweat, which can have a notable impact on your health.
Put underwear and sportswear in the washing machine for cleaning.
One of the top mistakes to avoid when washing clothes is putting underwear and sportswear in the washing machine. It is recommended to hand wash these types of garments instead of using a washing machine, as the machine’s washing cycle can lead to stretching and damage that cannot be repaired. Experts suggest washing underwear and sportswear separately with cold water and detergent.
Wash your underwear and sportswear using the washing machine.
See more: AZ – How to clean men’s underwear effectively, safely, and without causing any stretching.
Consolidating clothes for a single washing.
Many people have the habit of “collecting” clothes to wash all at once, thinking it saves time and effort. However, this habit can actually lead to a lot of trouble.
If you let dirty clothes pile up for a long time, it creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, leading to mold growth. Furthermore, as previously mentioned, washing a large quantity of clothes at once can overload the washing machine and result in incomplete cleaning of the clothes.
A stack of clothes in a single wash
8. Not disinfecting clothes
It is important to understand that disinfecting clothes and cleaning clothes are two distinct tasks. While washing removes surface dirt from clothes, disinfecting works to eliminate hidden germs deeply embedded in the fabric.
“Do not sterilize clothing.”
According to the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the virus can spread between individuals through direct or indirect contact with respiratory droplets on clothing. Therefore, it is important to disinfect your clothes before washing them if you have recently been in contact with someone carrying the flu or other dangerous infectious diseases. This precaution will help safeguard your health and the health of those around you.
Do not flip clothes prior to washing.
Most individuals are unaware that the majority of stains on worn garments are actually present on the inside rather than the outside. Whether it is sweat or dirt coming from the body, the interior of the clothes requires more meticulous washing compared to the exterior. Therefore, it is essential to remember to turn the clothes inside out prior to washing.
Please do not reverse the clothes before washing them.
Neglecting to clean the washing machine.
One common oversight when doing laundry is neglecting to clean the washing machine. If you notice an unusual odor on your clothes after washing them, it’s very likely a sign that your washing machine requires immediate cleaning. According to a survey, 80% of people believe that washing machines do not require regular cleaning as they assume the machines can clean themselves.
Please refrain from cleaning the washing machine.
However, this is entirely incorrect. The washing machine is not constantly running. The periods of inactivity in a humid environment provide the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold to thrive. If not cleaned promptly, these microorganisms can adhere to the clothes, resulting in a foul odor and potentially impacting your health.
Through the above article, Fashion Bandung has revealed the common mistakes people make when washing clothes. This information aims to assist you in the proper process of washing and cleaning your clothes. If you have been engaging in any of the mentioned “bad laundry habits,” it is advised to rectify them promptly.
Fashion Bandung – Men’s Fashion