5 Mistakes When Using Washing Machine …Making Clothes Dirtier The More You Wash Them
A washing machine is a modern convenience many of us can’t imagine living without—but are you using yours correctly? These common mistakes might be affecting your laundry’s cleanliness, causing bad odors, or even encouraging the growth of bacteria and mold. Let’s break them down:
1. Leaving Wet Clothes in the Washer
We’ve all done it—left a load of freshly washed clothes sitting in the machine, sometimes overnight. But this habit can lead to:
- Musty odors in both your clothes and your washer
- Bacterial growth due to the warm, damp environment
- Wrinkled fabrics and mildew stains
Tip: Always remove clothes immediately after the wash cycle finishes and hang or tumble dry them right away.
2. Closing the Lid Too Soon After Washing
After removing the clothes, many people shut the washer door or lid right away. This traps residual moisture and steam, especially in front-loading machines, encouraging mold and bacteria inside the drum and rubber gasket.
What to do instead:
Leave the door open for 2–3 hours after each wash to allow proper ventilation and drying. But don’t leave it open forever—dust can still settle inside.
3. Washing Underwear with Everything Else
Throwing underwear in with the rest of your laundry may be convenient—but it’s not always hygienic.
- Underwear often contains bacteria and bodily fluids that can transfer to other clothes.
- The gentle settings for other items might not clean them thoroughly.
Best practice:
Hand wash your underwear using warm water and a gentle detergent. If you do machine wash, use a separate lingerie bag and opt for a hot water cycle when possible.
4. Washing Bedding with Cold Water
Your bed sheets and pillowcases are a breeding ground for dust mites, sweat, dead skin, and oils. Cold water may save energy, but it won’t get the job done when it comes to deep cleaning.
Better solution:
Wash bedding in hot water every two weeks to kill bacteria and remove yellowing stains. Just make sure the fabric can handle the heat to avoid shrinkage or damage.
5. Neglecting to Clean Your Washing Machine
It may sound strange, but yes—your washing machine needs to be washed too.
- Dirt, detergent residue, and moisture build up in hidden crevices
- This leads to unpleasant smells and bacterial growth
How to clean it:
Run a cleaning cycle with vinegar or a washing machine cleaner once a month. Don’t forget to wipe down the rubber seals and detergent drawer as well.
Final Thought
Your washing machine works hard to keep your clothes clean—return the favor with a little proper care. Avoiding these simple mistakes can help extend the life of your machine, improve hygiene, and keep your laundry smelling fresh.
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