Doing laundry seems straightforward, but most of us have picked up habits that actually harm our clothes. Here are 10 common mistakes and how to fix them.
1. Using Too Much Detergent
More detergent does not mean cleaner clothes. Excess detergent creates a residue that traps bacteria and makes fabric stiff. Follow the recommended dosage — for Orma, one scoop per standard load is enough.
2. Overloading the Machine
Clothes need room to move and agitate for proper cleaning. Filling the drum beyond 75% capacity means clothes won't get clean, and your machine works harder, wearing out faster.
3. Not Sorting by Colour
We've all been guilty of throwing everything in together. But washing dark jeans with white shirts is a recipe for dingy whites. Sort into whites, darks, and colours at minimum.
4. Ignoring Care Labels
Those tiny symbols on clothing tags exist for a reason. Washing a "dry clean only" silk blouse in hot water will ruin it. Take 5 seconds to check the label before tossing it in.
5. Washing in Hot Water by Default
Hot water is only necessary for heavily soiled items, towels, and bedsheets. For everyday clothes, cold or warm water is sufficient and causes less colour fading and shrinkage.
6. Not Treating Stains Immediately
The longer a stain sits, the harder it becomes to remove. Blot (don't rub) fresh stains immediately and pre-treat with detergent paste before washing.
7. Leaving Clothes in the Machine After Washing
Damp clothes left in the machine for hours develop a musty smell caused by mildew. Transfer to the dryer or clothesline within 30 minutes of the cycle ending.
8. Zipping Up but Not Buttoning
Open zippers can snag other garments, while unbuttoned shirts can stretch and lose shape. Zip up zippers and unbutton buttons before washing.
9. Skipping Machine Maintenance
Run an empty hot water cycle with a cup of white vinegar once a month to clean out detergent buildup, mold, and odours from your washing machine.
10. Drying Everything on High Heat
High heat causes shrinkage, fading, and weakens fabric fibres over time. Use medium or low heat for most items. Better yet, air-dry when possible — it's free and gentler on clothes.
Fix these 10 habits and you'll notice your clothes lasting longer, looking better, and smelling fresher. Small changes, big difference.