10 Common Laundry Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Doing laundry seems simple, but small mistakes can ruin clothes, fade colors, or even damage your washing machine. Here’s a guide to the most common laundry errors—and how to avoid them.

1. Overloading the Washer

Mistake: Stuffing too many clothes in one load.
Why it’s a problem: Overloading prevents proper cleaning, can strain the machine, and leaves detergent residue on fabrics.
Solution: Wash smaller loads to allow clothes to move freely and rinse thoroughly.

2. Using Too Much Detergent

Mistake: Pouring in more detergent than necessary.
Why it’s a problem: Excess detergent can leave residue, irritate skin, and even damage the washing machine over time.
Solution: Follow the detergent instructions and use high-efficiency (HE) detergent for HE machines.

3. Ignoring Care Labels

Mistake: Washing clothes without checking their tags.
Why it’s a problem: Wrong temperature or cycle can shrink, stretch, or fade fabrics.
Solution: Always read labels for washing instructions and separate delicate items.

4. Mixing Colors and Whites