10 Laundry Rules That Make All the Difference, According to Pros

Read the Garment Label Before Washing

The perfect way to wash any garment isn’t a mystery—it’s written clearly on the label. Just be sure to check it before putting it in the laundry. “A care label provides instructions on washing, bleaching, ironing, drying, and more,” says Frej Lewenhaupt, co-founder and chief product officer of Steamery. “It’s often assumed that most clothing can be thrown in the washing machine with a generic detergent and then tumble-dried, and while this can work to an extent, it will cause more wear and tear to your clothing over time. This is especially true for more delicate fabrics like silk and cashmere that can shrink or become misshapen if not cared for properly.”

Don’t Launder Anything Labeled “Dry Clean Only”

If the garment’s label says “dry clean only,” it’s for good reason. “The word ‘only’ is very important here—when it’s included with dry cleaning instructions on a care label, it means the manufacturer has determined that any other method of care will harm the item,” says Mary Gagliardi, Clorox’s in-house scientist and cleaning expert.

However, she reveals there’s one exception to this rule. “Dry clean [without the word ‘only’], on the other hand, means careful hand washing may be acceptable.”

Don’t Just Dry Every Garment

Most of us tend to move all our laundry straight from washer to dryer. But according to Lewenhaupt, some garments are safe to machine-wash but should always be air-dried. “There are many garments that do not react well to tumble drying, as the heat can cause shrinkage and overall fabric fatigue,” he says. “Refer to the care label to determine the best drying method for your clothes, and air-dry when possible.”

Pre-Sort Your Clothes

Sorting your clothing is an extra step, but it’s absolutely necessary. Lewenhaupt recommends sorting your garments into four piles: black and dark clothing, white and light clothing, delicates, and red/pink garments. “If you can’t avoid mixing colors or are washing multi-colored garments, use a color absorber sheet which absorbs loose color pigments, preventing them from being transmitted to other garments,” he suggests.

Pre-Treat All Stains

You can’t get food or dirt on your favorite top and then expect the stain to come out when you wash it without pre-treatment. Matt O’Connor, co-founder and CEO of laundry service NoScrubs, suggests pre-treating stains immediately. “Set-in stains are nearly impossible to remove,” he says. Always pre-treat stained clothing beforehand.

Choose Your Bleach Wisely

Depending on the fabric type and results you’re aiming for, there are two kinds of bleach to consider: chlorine and non-chlorine (also known as color-safe and oxygen-based bleach). According to Lindsay Jones, Maytag integrated brand manager, it’s crucial to choose the right one for your fabric. “Traditional chlorine bleach is great for rapid whitening and is powerful for tough stains and odors,” she says. “It should not be used on dark colors. Oxygen-based bleaches are commonly color-safe and can be used gradually [on] stains like food and sweat.”

Always Wash Towels Separately

There are a few reasons why you should always wash towels separately. “Heavily soiled items, like towels, require additional water and alternating wash action,” Gagliardi says. “It is recommended to wash them separately for optimal cleaning.”

Maria Mooney, non-toxic cleaning expert and executive brand director at Truly Free Home, adds that “towels are heavy, absorbent, and shed lint, which can cling to your more delicate clothes. Washing them separately helps them dry more thoroughly and prevents mildew buildup.”

Wash Activewear on “Delicate” in Cold Water

Activewear often comes at a high price and really needs to maintain its shape to be functional, so proper laundry etiquette is essential. “Hot water and high heat can destroy the stretch and shape of leggings and sports bras,” Mooney says. “Turn activewear inside out, wash it separately on a cold, delicate cycle, or hand wash, and always air-dry flat or on a drying rack. This preserves elasticity, protects moisture-wicking fabrics, and helps eliminate lingering odors.”

Empty the Lint Trap Before Drying Your Clothes

Before you load your clothing into the dryer, it’s crucial to make sure the lint trap is empty. “Clean the lint trap every single load,” O’Connor says. While you might not think much of this, a buildup of lint can cause a fire. So, it’s not just about decreasing drying time (which lint trap removal contributes to)—it’s truly a matter of safety.

Clean Your Washing Machine Monthly

You might not realize that if you wash dirty laundry frequently, you also need to clean the machine itself to prevent buildup and promote optimal function. “Running a bleach cleanout cycle to clean the inner workings of a clothes washer gets rid of soil buildups that can happen inside a clothes washer where you can’t see them,” Gagliardi says. “They’re the perfect place for odor-causing bacteria to grow; the odors can transfer to the laundry during a wash cycle, and it’s why ‘clean’ laundry can smell bad.”

Running a bleach cleanout cycle is easy. “Start with an empty washer,” Gagliardi explains. “Fill the bleach dispenser to the max fill line, select hot water and the heavy-duty cycle, select an extra rinse, and start the washer. Note that if you don’t have an extra rinse option, you can run one manually when the cycle is complete.”