The most important thing to keep in mind when washing your clothes is to make sure that you wash them correctly. Plan, prepare, choose the right temperature, use the right amount and type of detergent and have an environmentally friendly mindset.
Most of us know how to wash our clothes and do it several times a month. But still, many of us wash our clothes in the wrong way.
But how do you wash your clothes properly? In general, we wash our clothes far too often, which is bad for the garments but also for the environment and your wallet. Often, it’s enough to air the garment or remove a stain with a wet cloth.
Here are some tips on how you can wash your clothes a little more environmentally friendly and make them last longer.
How to wash your clothes properly – tips and instructions
1. Planning
Do not run semi-empty machines. The washing machine uses almost the same amount of energy, whether it’s half full or filled with laundry. Wait a few extra days to wash, until you can fill your washing machine to the brim. The machine is full if you can hold a fist above the dirty laundry.
2. Preparation
Empty all pockets. Turn pants and knit sweaters inside out. Pull up zippers and snap buttons. Put your underwired bras and delicate tights in separate laundry bags.
Pre-treat clothes that have bad stains with a bile soap or stain removal spray. If there are coffee, wine or grass stains on your clothes, it can be good to soak the garment in cold water with a little liquid detergent. Let it soak for 30-45 minutes before putting it in the washing machine.
3. Sort your laundry
Start by sorting your laundry into the following piles.
- Everyday clothes. Sweaters, shirts, blouses, trousers, jeans and underwear
- Towels and sheets
- Wool garments
- Workout clothes
Then divide the piles into coloured clothes and whitewash. Double check that everything you put in one and the same machine has the same washing label. If you are unsure, read the label on the inside of the garment.
4. Use the right detergent in the correct amount
Too much detergent is a very common problem. But too much detergent doesn’t make your laundry any cleaner. On the contrary. More rinses will be required, which will increase water and energy consumption. There is also a great risk that it can ruin your clothes and lead to skin irritation and allergies as detergent residues remain in the clothes.
So always follow the instructions on the detergent package and measure carefully for the correct amount.
When it comes to the type of detergent, there are three different varieties. Detergents for coloured clothes or white garments and detergents for wool and silk. Your exercise clothes can be washed with a detergent that is specially adapted for functional garments. Otherwise, pick colour or whitewash.
5. Dry your laundry
When the washing is done, immediately hang your laundry to dry. If you leave the clean laundry in the machine for too long, it may start to smell musty, and the clothes may discolour.
Let your laundry air dry. Although the dryer is practical, it uses a lot of energy and can wear out our clothes unnecessarily.
Do not forget to hang your shirts and blouses on a hanger and button all the buttons. IT makes ironing much easier.
Wash your workout clothes in the proper way
- Hang your sweaty workout clothes as soon as you get home. If you put them directly in the laundry basket, there is a great risk that bacteria will start to grow.
- Depending on how much you have sweated, an airing, rinsing or a full wash may be needed.
- Sports bras and exercise socks must be washed after each use.
- Turn all garments inside out before washing them.
- Never use fabric softener as it clogs the pores of the material, and the clothes lose positive properties that wicks away moisture and dirt.
- Avoid tumble drying as it can cause the exercise clothes to lose their elasticity. Let them rather hang dry.
- If your exercise clothes smell bad, you can make a little refreshing vinegar bath. Fill a bucket or sink with cold water and add 1/2 dl vinegar. Let them soak in the mix for about half an hour before putting them in the washing machine.
Make doing laundry a pure pleasure
The laundry rooms are important rooms for anyone who lives in our buildings. Here are tips for how to use the laundry rooms.
When you have finished your washing!
- Wipe the machines and detergent compartments after using them.
- Remove the lint from the dryer and wipe the machine off.
- Wipe the inside of the drying cabinet.
- Wipe benches and tables and clean the floors.
- Take your empty packaging with you and throw it in the correct container in the recycling room.
Please remember
- To prevent our machines from breaking, it’s important to use a laundry bag when washing an underwire bra, to empty all pockets of the garments and to not wash carpets in the machines.
- Avoid using chlorine in the machines. Chlorine can ruin the laundry for the person washing after you.
- Report an error to customer service if a machine is out of order. Feel free to put a note on the machine with the date it was reported.