5 Popular Laundry Myths Debunked

Many of the laundry tips we know today were passed on to us by our parents and come from a time when laundry products and routines were very different from today. 

It is time to examine some myths and separate laundry facts from fiction. We have gathered the 5 popular laundry myths/practices that are no longer relevant.

Myth 1: You don’t need to clean your washing machine

Laundry fact: You do need to clean your washing machine.

While your washing machine may look clean, it is probably filled with dirt, dust, germs, and bacteria after every wash. 

If you don’t clean your washing machine using the proper tools and products such as antiseptic liquid, it will start to degrade and smell in time. Eventually, parts will stop working, and your washing machine may no longer work. 

Now that you must maintain your washing appliance, you can find out how to completely clean your washing machine in our guide.

Myth 2: All stains can be removed by using one method only

Laundry fact: Each stain needs to be treated in its separate way. 

Stains are caused due to various reasons such as food, drink, ink, deodorant, etc., so to remove them, you first need to understand what compound that particular stain is made of. 

Once you have figured out the answer to that question, you can remove the stain using the appropriate tools and products. 

Unfortunately, there’s no “one for all” method for every type of stain. But it would be very cool if this myth were true!!

Bathrooms, floors, and carpet stains are just as much of a hassle as clothes stains. Fret not. We have revealed the secrets to deep cleaning so you can get rid of them effortlessly and effectively. 

Myth 3: The more detergent, the better 

Laundry fact: Too much detergent is bad for your clothes!

Adding too much detergent to your laundry seems like the best way to wash away all the dirt, dust, and other visible stains. But, sadly, that isn’t going to work!

The issue with adding too much detergent to a laundry load is that it doesn’t get washed up correctly. As a result, its residue remains on your clothes and can cause skin irritation, rashes, and itchiness if you are susceptible to detergent allergies. 

To eliminate this problem, you may have to re-wash your clothes without detergent and clean your washing machine to eliminate this problem. 

Just make sure to add the same amount of detergent listed on the product packaging with the right amount of antiseptic liquid to eradicate germs and bacteria from the laundry.

Myth 4: The hotter the water, the better

Laundry fact: Not true. Hot water can damage some clothing materials!

Not all clothing material must be washed in extreme temperatures because it will get damaged.

If you are unsure which garments requires what washing temperature, just look at the clothing label. In addition, if you are still unclear about the temperature even after checking the tag, setting the water temperature to room temperature should suffice. 

Myth 5: The more dryer sheets, the better 

Laundry fact: Excess laundry sheets can block up a dryer’s lint filter and can leave an odour behind.

The primary reason why people use dryer sheets is that they want to limit the amount of static build-up that gets onto their clothes. 

Unfortunately, while there may be a reduction in the static, you will be left with an unpleasant odour left behind in the dryer due to the lint filter getting overly clogged up. This isn’t the desired result and may create more work for the tumble dryer user. 

FAQs

How do I avoid some common laundry mistakes?

Here are some of the easiest ways through which you can prevent common laundry mistakes:  

• Turn clothes inside out to avoid getting stained by items accidentally left in pockets. 
• Empty all pockets before washing.
• Zip zippers but unbutton buttons before doing laundry. 
• Take clothes out of the wash immediately to prevent odors in the fabric and mildew in the machine. Check out our guide for controlling mold and mildew in your house. 

How do you make your laundry smell good?

Follow these tips to make your laundry smell good: 

• Don’t overload the washing machine. 
• Don’t use excess detergent or fabric softener.
• Choose the hot water setting on your washing machine.
• Leave the washing machine door open after the wash cycle is finished. 
• Don’t leave your laundry to dry in the machine. 

How often should you clean your washing machine?

It is suggested to clean your washing machine once a week or bi-weekly, depending on how often you use it.