Throwing whites, darks, and brights together is a recipe for color bleeding. One red sock can ruin an entire load of white clothes.

Do this instead: Always sort laundry into whites, darks, and colors.

5. Never Wash Stains Without Treating Them First

Once a stain sets in the wash, it becomes much harder to remove.

Do this instead: Pre-treat stains with a stain remover or a mixture of baking soda and water before washing.

6. Never Leave Wet Clothes in the Machine

Damp clothes sitting in a washer quickly develop mildew and odors.

Do this instead: Transfer clothes to the dryer or drying rack right after the cycle ends.

7. Never Wash Zippers Without Zipping Them Up

Open zippers can snag on delicate fabrics, causing tears or pulls.

Do this instead: Zip up zippers before washing.

8. Never Wash Lint-Producing Fabrics with Lint Magnets