This Laundry Mistake Is Wearing Out Your Clothes Faster

2025-05-10 04:44:12

You follow labels, you sort your colors, you invest in a good detergent… and yet, your clothes lose their shine, shrink, or lose their shape too quickly. If this happens to you regularly, it’s probably due to a washing mistake that many people make without realizing it. And no, it’s not the temperature or the cycle on your washing machine. It’s simpler—and more common: overloading the drum.

When too much washing rhymes with too much wear

Filling your washing machine to the last sock seems economical: fewer cycles, less water, less electricity. But this false good idea actually costs your clothes dearly. An overfilled drum prevents fabrics from circulating freely. The result: fibers rub excessively against each other, stains are poorly removed, and clothes wear out faster.

Additionally, a wash that’s too dense doesn’t allow the detergent to distribute evenly. Soap residue, poorly rinsed areas, and ingrained wrinkles not only reduce the lifespan of your clothes, but also alter their appearance from the first washes.

Signs that don’t deceive

If you notice your T-shirts shrinking, your sweaters pilling after the second wash, or your sheets getting rough, you’re probably systematically overloading your washing machine.

Other signs to watch for:

• Clothes that still smell after washing
• Stains that persist despite several cycles
• Seams that stretch
• Clothes that come out wrinkled, even on a delicate cycle

How much laundry is right?

As a general rule, you should leave about a third of the drum empty. This allows the laundry to move freely and the water to circulate properly. To check this, here’s a simple trick: you should be able to run your hand flat over the laundry without forcing it.

Another useful indicator: the fabric’s density. A "cotton" cycle will hold slightly more laundry than a "delicate" or "synthetic" cycle. Sheets and towels, which are heavier, should also be avoided.

Other mistakes to absolutely avoid

Overpacking isn’t the only common mistake. Here are some others to avoid to help preserve your clothes longer:

• Adding too much detergent: this clogs the laundry and the machine.
• Ignore the labels: some fabrics do not support spinning or must be washed cold.
• Always use hot water: it damages the fibers and causes the colors to fade.
• Mixing incompatible fabrics: for example, denim and fine lingerie should not share the same cycle.

Simple steps for a more sustainable wardrobe

Taking care of your clothes starts with proper and thoughtful care. It’s not just about making your favorite pieces last longer, but also about limiting your environmental impact: every piece of clothing damaged too soon means potentially buying a new one.

Here are some simple steps to take:

• Wash less often what is not stained
• Turn clothes inside out before washing
• Use nets for delicate textiles
• Prefer air drying to tumble drying

Taking care of your clothes doesn’t require extraordinary effort, but it does require attention to everyday gestures. Overloading your washing machine may seem trivial, but it’s a mistake that quickly damages fabrics, dulls colors, and shortens the lifespan of your wardrobe. By following a few simple rules—filling the drum moderately, choosing the right cycles, and using the correct amount of detergent—you can protect your clothes, save money, and contribute to more responsible consumption. A small gesture with a big, lasting impact.