Doing laundry might seem like a no-brainer, but the truth is, even small mistakes can cause major problems. From damaging your favorite clothes to wearing down your washing machine, bad laundry habits can add up quickly. That’s why it’s important to not only know the right way to do laundry but also what not to do. Below are 15 things you should absolutely avoid when tackling your laundry—it could save your clothes, your appliances, and your sanity.

1. Don’t Mix Towels with Clothes
Towels are heavy, absorbent, and produce a ton of lint. When you wash them with regular clothing, that lint can cling to synthetic fabrics and make everything look fuzzy or worn out. Plus, towels take longer to dry, which can overdry your clothes if they’re all in the same load.

2. Don’t Overdo Fabric Softener
A little goes a long way. Using too much fabric softener may leave behind a filmy residue, especially on towels, reducing their absorbency. It can also gum up your washing machine over time and create maintenance issues.

3. Don’t Skip Turning Clothes Inside Out
Turning your clothes inside out before tossing them in the wash helps protect the fabric’s exterior from friction, fading, and pilling. This is especially helpful for darker clothing and graphic tees. It also helps reduce visible wear and tear.

4. Don’t Wash Everything in Cold Water
Cold water is energy-efficient, but it’s not always the most effective at removing heavy stains, oils, or bacteria. For whites, towels, or really dirty clothes, warm or hot water might be necessary for a proper clean.

5. Don’t Forget to Clean the Lint Trap
Every time you use the dryer, clean out the lint trap. It’s a small task that prevents major issues—like poor drying performance or even fire hazards. It takes two seconds and makes a huge difference.

6. Don’t Overload the Washer
Trying to cram in too many clothes at once can lead to poorly washed items, excess wear, and stress on the machine’s motor. Clothes need space to move around so water and detergent can circulate properly.

7. Don’t Use Too Much Detergent
More soap doesn’t mean cleaner clothes. Overdoing detergent can leave residue on fabrics and inside your washer. It can also irritate sensitive skin. Stick to the recommended amount on the label, adjusted for load size and soil level.

8. Don’t Leave Wet Clothes Sitting
Leaving wet laundry in the washer for too long leads to musty smells, mildew, and sometimes permanent staining. It can also warp the shape of certain fabrics. Try to transfer clothes to the dryer or hang them up right after the cycle ends.

9. Don’t Ignore Care Labels
Every item of clothing comes with a tag for a reason. Ignoring care instructions can lead to shrinkage, color fading, or even tearing. Take a second to read those labels before you wash something new—it’ll save you in the long run.

10. Don’t Use Hot Water on Delicate Items
Heat can ruin delicate fabrics like silk, wool, or lace. It can cause shrinkage, warping, or even breakdown of the material. Stick to cold or lukewarm water and use a gentle wash cycle for these pieces.

11. Don’t Forget to Pre-Treat Stains
If you toss stained clothes straight into the washer, odds are that stain will set. Always pre-treat by dabbing on a stain remover or rubbing a bit of detergent into the spot before washing. Let it sit for a few minutes to really work.

12. Don’t Use Regular Bleach on Colors
Regular chlorine bleach will strip color and can even cause patchy spots. For colored clothing, use a color-safe or oxygen-based bleach alternative. It’s gentler and helps keep your colors bright.

13. Don’t Dry Clothes on High Heat Unless Necessary
High heat in the dryer can shrink clothing, ruin elastic, and make fabric feel stiff. Use a low or medium heat setting—or better yet, air dry delicate or stretch-prone items to preserve their shape and softness.

14. Don’t Mix Lights and Darks
We’ve all been there—a white shirt that turned pink because of a rogue red sock. Mixing lights and darks is a sure way to cause color bleeding. Always sort laundry by color to keep whites white and colors vibrant.

15. Don’t Skip Washing Machine Maintenance
Even your washer needs a little TLC. Regularly clean the drum, check hoses for leaks, and run a cleaning cycle with vinegar or a washing machine cleaner to remove buildup and prevent odors. A well-maintained washer means better cleaning and fewer breakdowns.

Final Thoughts: Make Laundry Day Smarter, Not Harder
Laundry doesn’t have to be a chore that ruins your clothes or appliances—if you avoid these 15 common mistakes, you’re already ahead of the game. Be smart about your laundry routine: separate your loads, use the right settings, avoid product overload, and treat your washer with care. With a little attention to detail, you can keep your clothes looking new, save money, and make laundry day a whole lot easier.