Stains can be a nightmare to deal with, but an expert has said we could be sabotaging ourselves when doing laundry. However, there is an easy process to follow to achieve stain-free clothes.
On hand to help anyone dealing with unsightly marks and blemishes on their clothes is Ryan Adams, director of Ati Harrogate and Miele kitchen appliance expert. He explained that there’s five overlooked mistakes most people make when doing laundry. In fact, they actually could be ruining your clothes.
Ryan warned about the risk of overloading the washing machine with your clothes, which could prevent clothes from being washed properly.
He said: “Overloading a washing machine can prevent water and detergent from circulating properly, leaving clothes dirty and with detergent residue. To make sure it’s cleaned well and your machine lasts longer, leave a hand’s width gap at the top of the drum.”
Not cleaning your washing machine
Many people only focus on washing their clothes, overlooking how the cleanliness of their washing machine could be compromising their laundry.
The expert explained: “Deep cleaning your washing machine is essential to keep its efficiency and prevent stale-smelling laundry.
“Start by spraying the door and rubber seal with white vinegar to remove any dirt buildup, add 500g of soda crystals directly into the drum and run the hottest wash cycle.
“If any residue remains afterwards, simply run a quick rinse cycle. For machines that haven’t been cleaned in some time, adding around 50ml of white vinegar into the detergent drawer or directly into the drum can give it an extra boost.”
You could be sabotaging your clothes if you’re not paying attention to their care labels. It’s best to look at each of the clothes’ labels to know what temperature you should be washing your clothes.
This can vary depending on fabric, as Ryan said: “The temperature of your wash plays a big role in stain removal. Higher temperatures are recommended for stubborn stains when the fabric allows, while delicate fabrics require cooler settings to avoid wear and tear.
“For heavily soiled items, choose a Heavy Duty or Intensive cycle, which provides longer wash times, increased agitation, and higher spin speeds to tackle tough stains. Delicate or Hand Wash cycles are ideal for fragile fabrics, offering gentle agitation and lower spin speeds.”
Not treating stains quickly
He continued: “To effectively remove stains, they should be treated as quickly as possible. Rinse the fabric from the reverse side to push the stain outward, then place absorbent material like kitchen towel underneath to catch any residue. Gently work a stain remover into the fabric before washing.”
The expert advised to look at the amount of detergent, especially if you’re in an area with hard water.
Ryan said: “Using the right amount of detergent is also important. For full loads, use a full dose, and remember that hard water areas may require extra detergent to achieve the best results.
“Higher temperatures can help with tougher stains, but always check the laundry label to avoid damaging the fabric.”