Washing and Drying Mistakes That Destroy Your Clothes (and Your Washer)

I've been repairing washing machines for over ten years and seeing disgusted faces when a customer pulls out their favorite sweater turned into doll clothes. "But I used the normal program," they tell me. And there lies the problem: "normal" is often done wrong.

Washing and drying clothes seems automatic, but we constantly make mistakes that shorten the life of our garments and, worse, that of our appliances. As a technician, today I want to share with you the most serious washing and drying mistakes I see daily, so you stop wasting money on new clothes and avoidable repairs.

Mistake 1: Detergent Overdose

It's the number one mistake. We think more soap means more cleaning, and it's just the opposite. Excess detergent creates a dense foam that cushions the clothes, preventing them from rubbing against each other (which is what cleans). Additionally:

• It leaves white residue on dark clothes.
• Causes skin allergies.
• Creates a viscous paste inside the washing machine that generates mold and bad odor (if this happens to you, read my article on why the washing machine smells bad).

Solution: Use half of what the detergent manufacturer recommends. Trust me, it's enough.

Mistake 2: Overloading the Drum (The "Tetris")

Pushing clothes in with your foot to fit everything is a death sentence for your washing machine bearings. If clothes are matted together:

• Water and soap don't circulate.
• Clothes come out with dry spots and poorly washed.
• The motor suffers to move the extra weight.

Golden Rule: Always leave a hand's width (your open hand vertically) free at the top of the drum.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Zippers and Buttons

Have you ever taken out a t-shirt with mysterious little holes? The culprit is usually an open zipper from jeans or a bra hook.

The ritual before washing:

1. Close all zippers and button pants.
2. Check pockets (a forgotten tissue is a nightmare; a coin can break the filter).
3. Put delicate underwear in mesh bags.

Mistake 4: Drying "Slowly" (or Too Fast)

Drying is where most clothes are irreparably ruined.

• Overdrying in the dryer: Leaving clothes until they are "hot" to the touch breaks fibers and sets wrinkles for life. Clothes should come out with a hint of residual moisture.
• Hanging poorly: Hanging wet wool sweaters on hangers deforms them due to the water weight. Always lay them flat. If you want to know more, I have a guide on hanging mistakes.

Mistake 5: Mixing Incompatible Fabrics

Washing towels with cotton t-shirts is a classic mistake. Towels are abrasive and heavy fabrics; rubbing against the fine cotton of t-shirts during the spin cycle acts like sandpaper, creating the famous "pilling" on your favorite clothes.

Tip: Separate by fabric: towels with towels, jeans with jeans, and delicate clothes separately.