Laundry may seem like one of those routine household chores that you do on autopilot. Toss in some clothes, add detergent, press a few buttons, and walk away, right? But the truth is, doing laundry the wrong way can cause major problems. From damaging your favorite outfits to overworking your appliances and even wasting energy or money, small laundry mistakes can lead to big consequences. That’s why it’s just as important to know what not to do as it is to know the right steps. Here are 15 common laundry mistakes that many people make—along with practical tips to help you avoid them so your clothes stay fresh and your washer and dryer run smoothly.

1. Don’t Wash Towels with Regular Clothes
Towels may seem harmless, but they’re bulky, lint-prone, and soak up a ton of water. When you mix towels with clothing—especially synthetic fabrics—you risk lint transferring onto your clothes, leaving them looking dull or fuzzy. Plus, towels take longer to dry and can cause lighter garments to overdry and shrink if they’re thrown in together.

2. Skip the Fabric Softener Overload
Yes, fabric softener can make your laundry feel silky and smell amazing. But going overboard can do more harm than good. Excessive use leads to waxy buildup on your clothes, reducing the absorbency of towels and leaving garments feeling greasy. It can also clog your washing machine’s dispensers, impacting performance.

3. Always Turn Clothes Inside Out
It might seem like a small detail, but washing clothes inside out protects the exterior from friction, pilling, and fading—especially for dark or bright-colored items. This simple habit helps keep your clothes looking newer for longer.

4. Be Smart About Water Temperature
While cold water is great for conserving energy and protecting delicate fabrics, it doesn’t always get the job done. Heavily soiled clothes or whites may benefit from warm or hot water to properly lift dirt and kill bacteria. Just be sure to check labels to avoid shrinking delicate items.

5. Clean the Lint Trap Every Time
This one’s non-negotiable. A clogged lint trap reduces your dryer’s efficiency, increases drying time, and—most importantly—poses a serious fire hazard. Make it a habit to clean the lint filter before or after every drying cycle.

6. Don’t Overstuff the Washer
Stuffing too many clothes into your washing machine might save you time, but it’s a shortcut that backfires. Overloading prevents proper cleaning, strains your appliance’s motor, and wears out your garments faster. Give your clothes room to move freely.

7. Detergent: Less Is More
Too much detergent doesn’t mean cleaner clothes—it means more residue. Excess soap can build up on both fabrics and machine parts, leaving clothes feeling stiff and irritating sensitive skin. Use the recommended amount for your load size and soil level.

8. Never Leave Wet Laundry Sitting in the Washer
Forgetting wet clothes in the washer is a fast track to mildew and musty odors. It also increases the risk of colors bleeding and fabrics becoming stretched out or wrinkled. Always transfer clothes to the dryer or hang them up as soon as the wash cycle ends.

9. Don’t Ignore the Labels
Care tags are there for a reason. Ignoring washing instructions can shrink wool sweaters, fade bright colors, or destroy delicates. Take a moment to check the label before throwing something in the wash—it can save your clothes from disaster.

10. No Hot Water for Delicates
Delicate items like silk, lingerie, or wool need gentle treatment. Washing them in hot water can cause shrinkage, stretching, or permanent damage. Stick to cold or lukewarm water with a mild detergent and use your machine’s delicate cycle (or wash by hand).

11. Don’t Skip Pre-Treating Stains
Washing alone won’t always lift tough stains. If you see a spot, act fast: apply a stain remover or rub in a bit of detergent, and let it sit for a few minutes before laundering. This simple step can mean the difference between a clean shirt and a ruined one.

12. Keep Bleach Away from Colors
Bleach may be powerful, but it’s not color-friendly. Using regular bleach on colored fabrics can result in faded patches or even holes. If you need a boost for colors, try color-safe bleach or oxygen-based alternatives instead.

13. Avoid High Heat in the Dryer
Cranking up the heat might dry clothes faster, but it also wears them out. High heat can shrink fabrics, set wrinkles, and degrade elasticity over time. Choose a lower heat setting or air-dry your more delicate or valuable garments.

14. Separate Lights from Darks—Every Time
Mixing whites and darks is just asking for trouble. Dark dyes can bleed and ruin lighter fabrics, especially if washed in warm or hot water. Sort your laundry to preserve both brightness and bold colors.

15. Don’t Forget About Machine Maintenance
Your washer needs love too. Regularly clean the drum, check hoses for signs of wear, and run a maintenance cycle with white vinegar or washing machine cleaner to flush out detergent and grime buildup. A well-maintained machine means cleaner clothes and fewer repair bills.

Final Thoughts: Smarter Laundry, Longer-Lasting Clothes
Laundry doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be done right. By avoiding these common missteps, you’ll not only extend the life of your clothing but also ensure your appliances run more efficiently. Think of it as an investment in your wardrobe and your home. Take the time to treat your laundry routine with a little care, and it’ll definitely pay off in the long run.