An Expert Explains 6 Common Laundry Mistakes That Are Killing Your Favorite Garments - CNET

Learning how to do laundry is a rite of passage for adulthood, much like learning to drive a car and filing taxes . Though much like the latter, it's not the most thrilling chore to tack onto a busy workweek. While most of us have a basic understanding of how to use a washer and dryer , it's likely that we're shortening the lifespan of our favorite garments by cutting corners and/or adopting damaging habits. "While there are no universal standardized practices across Moroccan hotels, it is considered best practice to uphold strict standards," says Brahim Agzoul, acting housekeeping manager at Kasbah Tamadot , a five-star resort that specializes in soft and cozy bedding, towels and other linens. "We place great importance on softness and meticulous care, ensuring every guest enjoys the highest levels of comfort and relaxation." As someone whose job is to ensure that fresh laundry results in nothing short of clean, snuggable perfection, we tapped into Agzoul's expertise to get a breakdown of the six laundry mistakes we're making on a weekly basis. Improperly sorting clothes You should be sorting laundry into more than just lights and darks, says Agzoul. Martin Poole/Getty Images While most people understand the importance of separating garments by color to prevent irreversible dye transfer, considering fabric type and washing requirements is equally important. " Mixing items can lead to damage and inefficient cleaning," stresses Agzoul. Instead, consider a customizable, multi-compartment laundry bin that goes beyond whites, darks and dry cleaning. This will allow for more unique subcategories, such as delicates or towels, to further identify items that may require special care or those that can withstand the harshness of standard machines. Additionally, be sure not to overstuff your washer; leave shirts unbuttoned and zippers open. This will ensure consistent soaking and drying, preventing snags and tears. 2. Overusing detergent, softener and bleach Measure and use the right amount of detergent to avoid damaging clothing and irritating your skin. Whirlpool "It's a common misconception that more detergent equals cleaner clothes," saya Agzoul. "In reality, excess soap lingers in fabrics, which could cause skin irritation." Additionally, excess detergent, especially in high-efficiency machine models, can potentially damage clothing by seeping deeply into fibers, lingering beyond the spin mode and baking into the clothing during the drying process. Most laundry professionals also advise against the harshest addition of all: bleach. Instead, consider a sodium percarbonate product like OxiClean, which is gentler on clothes and skin but has the same brightening and lightening qualities of its more mainstream counterpart. And if you want your clothes softer, skip residue-causing fabric softener altogether. As an alternative, add a cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle or a 1⁄2 cup of baking soda during the wash cycle to neutralize pH levels and ensure that detergents break down, yielding a fluffier outcome. 3. Not cleaning the washing machine Regularly cleaning your washing machine is the best thing you can do for it. Marina Shvedak/Getty Images The machine we use to...

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