The biggest mistakes people make when doing the laundry

You separate your whites and darks and select the ideal program for each load, but is it possible you’re missing a trick or two when it comes to your laundry routine? Could you be saving more on your energy bills? Reducing wear and tear on your clothes? Or reducing your time and effort in the whole process? Read on for a hit list of the biggest laundry mistakes, plus expert advice on how to ace washing day.

Mistake #1: Overstuffing The Washing Machine

‘The more the merrier’ does not apply when it comes to washing! Sure, a full load is great for energy efficiency, but your washing machine is not a Christmas turkey and shouldn’t be stuffed to the brim. Besides a dodgy wash, cramming in your entire wardrobe leaves everything in a wrinkled mess. And, the time you saved doing fewer loads will likely be spent on ironing instead (the greater of two evils).

“Aim for full but reasonable-size loads but, if you find yourself constantly squeezing in those extra garments, it might be time to upgrade to a bigger machine,” says Peter Simic, The Good Guys Buyer – Laundry. “Top load machines generally offer a larger capacity and faster wash cycles. For a family of four, aim for a 6-7kg capacity to keep laundry days running smoothly.” 

Shop Washing Machines

With room for extra-large loads (and the ability to pause mid-cycle to add more items), the Bosch 10kg Front Load Washer is a favourite with larger households.

The Fisher & Paykel 7kg Top Load Washer boasts six wash cycle settings and is the go-to for fast cycles and full loads.

The Westinghouse 8kg Front Load Washer neutralises common household allergens and bacteria, which is great for sniffly noses and sensitive skin.

Mistake #2: Leaving A Finished Load In The Washing Machine

Not even clean clothes are immune to the beginnings of mould, which can plague your machine in those post-wash hours. To avoid the pain of rewashing, aim to remove a clean load before the eight-hour mark. Smart washers like the LG Signature TWINWash connect to your phone to remind you when a load is done. Otherwise, the Miele 8kg Heat Pump Dryer will make short work of drying damp clothes while scenting laundry with essential oils.

Mistake #3: Using Too Much Detergent

Don’t be tempted to douse your laundry in detergent – a surplus of suds can do more harm than good, leaving clothes scratchy and stiff. Always aim for the smallest recommended dose, or invest in a machine with clever auto dosing technology. Sensors will assess the load and measure the perfect amount of detergent for you. That means less guesswork, less wastage, and the perfect wash every time!

Shop Auto Dosing Washing Machines

The Solt 8kg Front Load Washer will sense and dispense, while the self-cleaning function removes residue to keep everything in top condition.

Auto dosing from the Haier 10kg Front Loader Washer will save detergent wastage, while the Eco wash option adds energy and water savings to the list!

Mistake #4: Overwashing And Overdrying Clothes

We’re all guilty of picking our favourite pre-set wash cycle then never touching the dial again. But selecting a suitable wash program can help prolong the life of your clothes.

“Selecting the right wash cycle is important to ensure your clothes look better for longer,” Peter Simic says.  “Better still, upgrade to a washing machine with auto sensor technology that will choose the right program for you.”

When it comes to drying, heat pump dryers are renowned for their outstanding garment care and energy efficiency. They dry at lower temperatures – great for clothes; and recycle and reheat the warm air without blasting it into the laundry – great for the environment, your walls and your wallet!

“Selecting the right wash cycle is important to ensure your clothes look better for longer. Better still, upgrade to a washing machine with auto sensor technology that will choose the right program for you.”

Shop Auto Sensor Laundry Appliances

The washer: Featuring 14 cycle programs, the Bosch 9kg Front Load Washer also offers SpeedPerfect and EcoPerfect functions for, dare we say, the perfect wash.

The dryer: The Samsung 8kg Heat Pump Dryer not only protects your clothes but, as the Goldilocks of dryers, can sense when your laundry isn’t too damp, isn’t overdried, but is just right.

The combo: From washing and drying to auto dosing and Wifi connectivity, the Miele 8kg-4kg Combo Washer Dryer is your one appliance wonder.

#5 Washing Clothes That Don’t Need It

Worn, but not worn enough? For clothes that fall somewhere between dirty and clean, washing isn’t the only option. Airing or steaming will remove odours and can give barely-worn garments a new lease of life. This is a speciality of the Fisher & Paykel 10kg Front Load Washer which has a dedicated Steam Refresh cycle.

Ready to put these tips into practice? Visit us in store or online for a huge range of the latest washers and dryers.