In the age of equality, learning to do the household chores is a sine qua non! And one among such chores is doing the laundry. We spend almost 23,214 hours on this job, and funnily enough, even then we tend to make plenty of mistakes which can affect (and sometimes even ruin) our clothes. 

Dan Gold/Unsplash | A few basic do’s and don’ts need to be followed when using the washing machine to keep clothes as good as new for long

So, to help you untangle this not-so-complicated mess, we’ve outlined a precise step-by-step guide which you can follow to make things a bit easier.

General DOs and DON’Ts to keep in mind while washing clothes

First, let’s have a look at the Do’s:

• Always read the wash care symbols before you start
• Sort your clothes by color, fabric, soil and lint
• Clean the washing machine occasionally
•  Switch off the machine after use

Now, never repeat these mistakes that you were doing unknowingly. Note down these Don’ts:

• Never use an excessive amount of detergent
• Never overload the machine
• Never keep a gas cylinder near the washing machine
• Never run the machine on a generator or inverter

Now that you’ve acknowledged the nitty-gritty of your washing machine, let’s learn the materials that you should and shouldn’t wash in the machine. 

Items that you CAN wash in the machine

• Yoga Mat

While you can be an absolute fitness freak, the very thought of washing your yoga mat can make you feverish! But it’s important to note that cleaning your mat is of utmost necessity as it absorbs your sweat as well as dirt from the floor. So, without any worry, throw your mat into the washing machine and clean it with a mild detergent in lukewarm or cold water.

Naturtid Denmark/Unsplash | Cleaning your yoga mat is of utmost necessity as it absorbs your sweat as well as dirt from the floor. You can wash the mat in your washing machine directly

• Sneakers

Another item that we love to wear but hate to wash! Taking a bucket, filling it with water, and soaking the sneakers with detergent could often be quite a task for the sloth in us! No worries, let your washing machine do the task for you while you lounge on your couch with a smoothie. Make sure to use the right amount of detergent and a tablespoon of vinegar to get your sneakers in mint condition.

Some other items that you can wash in the machine are pillows, soft toys, backpacks, car mats, make-up sponges, etc.

Items that you CANNOT wash in the machine

• Swimwear

While you might be planning to just dump your swimsuit in the machine once you return from your vacation, we urge you not to do so. Being a delicate material, the continuous spinning in the machine would rip off the fabric or make holes in it.

• Ties

After a hectic week, you might pile up your work attire and throw it to the washing machine collectively. Quite possibly, your tie can become an unwanted casualty in the rush of the moment! This is a big DON’T you should take care of. Made from delicate materials like silk or wool, the mechanical action can ruin your precious ties, making them shrink or lose the color.

Rhii Photography/Unsplash | Made from delicate materials, the mechanical action of your washing machine can ruin ties, making them shrink or lose the color

Other items that you should avoid dumping in the machine are purses, bras, car keys, tailored suits, baby socks, etc.

To wrap it up

We admit it; doing laundry is one of the most laborious jobs. But it’s a necessary evil! If certain ‘DOs’ and ‘DON’Ts’ are kept in mind, the task can actually turn out to be pretty hassle-free. So from your next laundry day, follow these highly effective tips and wash like a boss!