Six laundry mistakes to avoid making this spring

Laundry is a tiresome chore, especially if washing clothing for a large family, and once in a routine, it often doesn’t change for several years. However, to prolong the lifespan of garments as well as make sure they stay fresh and white all summer long, a clothing expert from M&S recommended following their tips for fresh laundry.

1. Not removing stains

The expert explained: “Starting off simple with an all-time obvious, remove stains from your clothes before washing them. Though it may seem clear, not everyone thinks to do this before chucking a load in their washing machine and walking away.

“If you’ve got the odd faint, mud-stained shirt and don’t pretreat it, then it’s likely your garment should stay in good condition. But if you neglect deeper stains, such as blood, ink or food stains, your clothes are likely to be permanently soiled.

“If not pretreated, tough stains may not come clean from your clothes – so it’s important to assess what type of stain you have on your hands.  

“Start by separating the stained clothes and soaking them thoroughly, before applying washing detergent directly on the stain. Soaking them in vinegar and warm water will help bring out the stains further.”  

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2. Not separating whites

According to M&S’ research, two thirds of people do not always separate their whites before getting started on their washing.

However, according to the expert, this is extremely important in prolonging the lifespan of a garment, helping it to keep the same level of brightness as when it was first purchased.

The expert added: “Though it may be less important to separate duller coloured and well-worn clothes from your whites, I’d still suggest doing so as much as possible – particularly when it comes to new clothes.  

“Bright clothes are likely to have excess dye in them that may bleed into your lovely white washing on the first few cycles. 

The expert continued: “Picking the right water temperature for each cycle will prevent your clothes from shrinking, stretching or fading. It really is as simple as following the care label instructions on your clothes!  

“Be sure to sort your clothes before starting your wash, to ensure a decent lifespan on your load. Though it’s true that having hotter water does essentially mean cleaner clothes, it doesn’t mean you should dial up the heat for every wash. 

“If you do, you’ll likely end up with clothes you can no longer wear due to shrinkage and misshaping.”

5. Not using the right products

Whether the preference is powders, gel or pods, using the right products is another way to keep clothing in tip-top shape for longer.

With so many options, it is important to know how each one works, according to the clothing expert.

They explained that having too much detergent, in any form, can negatively impact the load of washing, leaving detergent residue, which could result in garments being left feeling “scratchy and crunchy”.

The M&S pro added: “If you usually opt for powder, you must remember that it may not dissolve fully during cooler cycles and that there’s a high chance you could overdo it on the dosage, as well as leave a sticky residue in the drawer. 

“However, it is the best for hard water areas and tends to get grass stains out easily. On the other hand, liquid detergents are great for scent and pre-treating stains.”

6. Overdoing the tumble dryer

While access to a tumble dryer is considered a luxury, 22 percent of those asked by M&S about laundry, were unsure which items could go into the appliance.

If ever unsure about putting an item in the tumble dryer, opt to air dry to avoid shrinkage or fading colours.

The expert said: “A tumble dryer isn’t appropriate for every piece of clothing. Before shoving everything in the dryer, please take the time to go through your garments, check the labels and untangle each piece.  

“From silk shirts to cotton t-shirts, if your clothes are made from natural or delicate materials then they shouldn’t be put in the dryer.

“Irreparable damage could mean that the clothes in question can’t be worn again! If you do have clothes that can be put in the tumble dryer, be doubly sure to vary the heat level.”