99% of people don´t know how to properly wash clothes. This is how you do it.

Washing clothes seems simple, but getting it right can be the difference between clothes that last for years and those that fade and fall apart. Ever wondered how to stop your favorite black shirt from fading? Or what do those symbols on the tag actually mean? Or even if you can really just throw your sneakers in the washing machine? This blog post will walk you through the proper way to wash and maintain your clothes so they always look their best.

Getting Started: The Golden Rules of Laundry

Before you throw anything in the machine, take a few minutes to sort your clothes. This one step is the key to preventing damage and keeping colors vibrant.

Sort by Color: The most basic rule. Separate your clothes into three piles: whites, lights (pastels, pale yellows, light gray), and darks (black, navy, dark red). This prevents darker dyes from bleeding onto lighter fabrics and making them look dull.
Sort by Fabric Type: Wash heavy items like jeans and towels separately from light items like t-shirts and blouses. This prevents heavy items from damaging delicate fabrics.
Check the Label: The care label on your clothing is your most valuable resource. It's full of symbols that tell you everything you need to know about how to wash, dry, and iron the item. If you don't know what they mean, don't worry—we’ll go over them right now.

Decoding the Laundry Symbols

That little tag on the inside of your clothes isn’t just for decoration; it’s a map to keeping your clothes in perfect condition. Here’s a quick guide to the most common symbols you'll see.

Washing Symbols (The Wash Tub): This symbol tells you how to wash the item in water. A number inside the tub is the maximum temperature in Celsius. A hand inside the tub means it’s hand-wash only. An "X" through the tub means do not wash; the item is likely dry-clean only.

Bleaching Symbols (The Triangle): A plain triangle means any bleach is okay. A triangle with two diagonal lines means use non-chlorine bleach only. An "X" through the triangle means do not bleach.

Drying Symbols (The Square): A square with a circle inside means tumble dry (use the machine dryer). Dots inside the circle indicate the heat level: one dot is low, two dots are medium, and three dots are high. An "X" through the whole symbol means do not tumble dry.

Ironing Symbols (The Iron): Dots on the iron symbol indicate the temperature: one dot is low heat (for delicate fabrics), two dots are medium, and three dots are high (for cotton). An "X" through the iron means do not iron.

How to Wash Clothes Properly in a Washing Machine

Step 1: Get the Right Detergent

The first step is choosing the right detergent. With so many options—liquid, powder, pods—it can be confusing.

Liquid Detergent: Great for pre-treating stains.
Powder Detergent: Often cheaper and works well for heavily soiled clothes.
Detergent Pods: Convenient and pre-measured, but make sure to use the right number of pods for the load size.

It’s also important to use the correct amount of detergent. Using too much can leave a residue on your clothes and cause your machine to smell, while using too little won't get your clothes clean. The cap or scoop that comes with your detergent is usually marked with lines to help you measure. When in doubt, it’s better to use a little less than you think you need.

Step 2: Load the Machine

Don't overload your washing machine. Clothes need space to move around to get properly clean. A good rule of thumb is to fill the drum about three-quarters full.

Step 3: Choose the Right Cycle and Temperature

This is where the magic happens. The cycle you choose depends on the type of clothes you're washing and how dirty they are.

Normal/Cotton Cycle: Best for everyday items like t-shirts, jeans, and towels. It uses a strong spin cycle to remove more water.
Delicate/Gentle Cycle: For delicate items like lingerie, lace, and some knitwear. This cycle uses a gentler spin to prevent stretching and damage.
Permanent Press Cycle: This is a good choice for synthetic fabrics like those found in workout clothes and shirts that wrinkle easily. It uses a slower spin to reduce wrinkles.

As for temperature, cold water is your best bet for most loads. It's gentle on clothes, prevents colors from fading, and saves energy. Use warm water for moderately soiled loads and hot water for heavily soiled items like towels and bedding, as this temperature is great for killing germs.

Step 4: Dealing with stains

The key to treating stains is to act fast. Pre-treat the stain before washing, and never put an item in the dryer until the stain is completely gone. The heat from the dryer will set the stain, making it almost impossible to remove later.

Oil-based stains (like grease or makeup): Rub a bit of liquid detergent or dish soap directly onto the stain.

Protein-based stains (like blood or grass): Soak the item in cold water with some detergent. For blood stains, you can also apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the spot—this will help break down and lift the blood from the fabric.

How to Wash Clothes Properly by Hand

Sometimes, you have an item that's too delicate for the machine, or you're traveling and don't have access to one. Hand-washing is the answer.

Common Laundry Questions & Tips

How often should I wash my clothes? Underwear and socks should be washed after every use. Jeans and sweaters can go a few wears before they need a wash.
Can I wash my shoes in the machine? Yes! Put them in a laundry bag to prevent them from hitting the sides of the machine, and add a few old towels to balance the load. Use a cold-water, delicate cycle, and always let them air dry.
What if I accidentally shrunk a sweater? It's not always possible to reverse shrinking, but you can try. Soak the sweater in a solution of lukewarm water and a bit of hair conditioner. Gently stretch the fabric back into shape and let it air dry.
How do I clean my washing machine? Run a hot cycle with a cup of white vinegar or a machine cleaner once a month to get rid of any buildup and odors.

What's your biggest laundry struggle? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

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