How to wash clothes in the washing machine without ruining them

The biggest waste of washing machines is ruining clothes. This is due to a series of very common mistakes, first and foremost using too much detergent, thinking that more soap means a better wash (which is completely wrong). Furthermore, clothes get ruined when you don't follow the first rule: separate them by color, fabric, and temperature.

Index of topics

What to do before loading the basket

Before loading the washing machine and choosing a wash program, we need to perform some steps to wash our clothes without making mistakes. Here's how :

Read the labels on your clothesWe can easily find them inside each garment and they provide valuable information about the type of fabric and the type of washing. Some garments, for example, can only be hand-washed. Others, however, should only be taken to the dry cleaners.

Knowing the right temperature. Also on the label, we find information regarding the washing temperature to which the garment can be subjected. Too high a temperature risks felting or discoloring the "Fabrics, making the garments unsightly.

Separate the heads. The first thing to do, to avoid the risk of discoloration, is to separate colored clothes from solid colors and light colors from dark colors. Light colors, for example, can be washed in hot water, while dark colors should be washed at a low temperature to prevent discoloration. It's also important to separate clothes by fabric type. Cotton, for example, can shrink if washed at high temperatures, while wool can become felted or stiff. How to program a washing machine cycle.

Knowing the washing machine. Using a washing machine may seem like child's play, but it's not that simple, especially for those who are new to the door and the buttons on it. Therefore, it's necessary to first read the instruction manual that comes with the washing machine.household appliance, so you can learn the available controls and programs. This way, you won't get the temperature and wash cycle wrong, which could cause damage.

Do not overload the washing machine. If you've accumulated several days' worth of dirty clothes and don't want to waste time doing more washes, avoid overfilling the drum. You risk damaging not only the clothes but also the washing machine itself. Furthermore, at the end of the wash cycle, you may find traces of soap on the clothes, forcing you to repeat the process.

Use the right soap. Laundry soap isn't like hand washing soap. We need to be careful about what we choose to avoid wasting water and time. There are different types, depending on the type of garment: from detergents for colored clothes to detergents for delicate fabrics. We can choose a powdered detergent or liquid and may or may not be effective at low temperatures.

Measure the detergent carefully. Before purchasing a detergent, it's important to read the label, which often includes instructions on dosage. Dosage depends primarily on the hardness of your water, i.e., the amount of limescale it contains. The harder it is, the more detergent you need to use for it to work best.

What not to put in the washing machine together

One of the most common mistakes in washing machines is mixing items that need to be separated. For example, by color. All whites should be washed together and not mixed with other colors. Also, never mix red, blue, and black. Red, orange, and pink, which stain heavily, can ruin other items.

How to wash jeans in the washing machine

Jeans are a classic item that shouldn't be mixed in the washing machine. At most, you can do a single wash, all dedicated to jeans.

Jeans in the washing machine go like this:

Turn around backwards
Wash at a temperature not exceeding 30 degrees
Don't overload the washing machine
Use a gentle cleanser
Don't use the bleach which risks discoloring them
Don't dry them in the dryer
As an alternative to the washing machine, you can wash them by soaking them in cold water for at least ten minutes and with a natural detergent.

How to choose the program

The choice of wash program varies depending on the type of garment. Newer models offer multiple programs, which in many cases also allow you to save water and electricity. Before setting the program, however, remember to read the label inside the garment to determine the type of wash it can be subjected to . For woolen garments, for example, the spin cycle should be avoided, while more durable fabrics can be washed at a temperature of 60 degrees and a high spin speed. Even if you're new to washing, you can start programming your washing machine by distinguishing your items as follows:

Colored clothesYou can set a long program with a wash temperature of 40 degrees or lower and a medium-high spin speed. A higher temperature could discolor the garments, creating an unwanted camouflage effect.

Delicate itemsIn this case, you should set a maximum temperature of 30 degrees or lower, and if necessary, spin at a low speed. Delicate fabrics, as the adjective suggests, should not be "stressed," so except for stubborn stains, it's best to avoid spinning.

Dirty clothes. If your clothes don't have particularly stubborn stains or only a few, to avoid waste, choose the quick or half-load program. This way, you'll get clean clothes without wasting excess water and electricity. For lightly soiled items and a small quantity, choose the quick or half-load program.

How to use the juicer

Finally, especially if you're washing your clothes for the first time, never set the spin cycle to maximum, as is often the case with the basic program, as you'll end up taking out your clothes still dripping wet. Spinning clothes wrinkle a lot, and it's one thing to subject a pair of jeans to this treatment, but quite another to a new shirt . Therefore, we must decide, based on the type of laundry, how many spins the washing machine should perform. Spinning doesn't always save us time. In some cases, by setting a lower spin speed, we can even skip the ironing after washing and drying.

How to wash white clothes

For wash white clothes in the washing machine Two fundamental things must always be kept in mind. First, it must be a dedicated wash, not to be confused with colored garments, otherwise you risk discoloring the clothes. Second, the temperature varies based on the type of fabric. The choices are between 30, 40, and 60 degrees. Lightly soiled items can be washed at 30 degrees, or at most 40 degrees; synthetic fibers at 30 degrees or even cold; particularly soiled cotton towels and sheets should be washed at 60 degrees. For sheets For silk, it is preferable to pre-wash by hand, and then wash in cold water, without spinning.

How to wash new clothes

When we buy a new piece of clothing, we think about washing it as soon as we bring it home. It's a matter of hygiene: it prevents the risk of infections and dermatitis. To wash new clothes, it's a good idea: leave them to soak for about twenty minutes, after having removed thelabel, in a basin of cold water and a spoonful of salt. Then move on to the washing machine. Then, transfer the clothes to the drum and wash at 30 degrees, or 40 degrees for more delicate items.

How much does the washing machine consume?

Always remember that the washing machine is one of the most energy-intensive appliances, and therefore contributes significantly to your electricity consumption and your utility bill. Use it with a mindset that minimizes waste. As we explain in this article.

How to wash your clothes in the washing machine without ruining them