15 things you should NEVER do with your laundry

Here are 15 things you should NEVER do with your laundry—simple mistakes that can ruin clothes, cause odors, or waste time and money 🧺

Overload the washing machine
Clothes won’t get clean and the machine can be damaged.
Ignore care labels
Those tags matter—wrong settings can shrink, fade, or stretch clothes.
Use too much detergent
More soap = more residue, stiff fabric, and trapped odors.
Wash everything in hot water
Hot water can shrink clothes and set stains permanently.
Leave wet laundry sitting too long
This causes mildew and sour smells fast.
Dry stains before checking them
Heat locks stains in—always inspect before drying.
Mix heavy and light fabrics
Towels and jeans can damage delicate clothing.
Skip cleaning the washer
Dirty machines make clothes smell worse, not better.
Use fabric softener on everything
It ruins towels, athletic wear, and microfiber.
Wash zippers and buttons undone
They snag and damage other clothes.
Dry everything on high heat
This causes shrinkage and weakens fabric fibers.
Ignore pockets
Tissues, pens, and coins can destroy a load.
Wash delicates without protection
Bras and delicate items need mesh laundry bags.
Over-dry clothes
It leads to wrinkles, fading, and fabric wear.
Fold or store clothes while damp
This invites mold and bad smells.

When in doubt: cold water, gentle cycle, less detergent, and air-dry when possible.

If you want, I can turn this into a short viral post, printable checklist, or roommate-friendly guide.