Everybody knows how much of a pain it can be to do the laundry during winter. There’s no opportunities to dry garments outside, and if you don’t have a tumble dryer, it can take days for them to dry naturally.
If you’re relying on the heat of your home to dry your items, the air can make things rough and scratchy – especially when it comes to bedding and towels. And it turns out that one common washing machine mistake could be making things a lot worse. Rachel Fraser, product specialist at home retailer Pillow Talk says that fixing this will help to keep your laundry ‘soft and fresh’
According to the expert, small missteps in winter laundry routines can quickly lead to musty bedding, rough towels, and even damage to fabrics.
She said: “During colder months, people often wash and dry more frequently but with less ventilation.
“Overusing detergent or fabric softener when drying indoors can leave a residue that traps moisture, reduces absorbency, and makes fabrics feel coarse. And when drying isn’t managed properly, it can also lead to lingering damp smells or even mould.”
Although it might be tempting to use extra detergent when clothes come out of the wash smelling damp, but this actually makes things worse, according to Rachel.
She warned: “Too much detergent can build up in fabrics and stop them from drying properly. Use the correct amount and run an extra rinse cycle if needed.”
When comes to towels, it’s recommended to ditch the fabric softener entirely in favour of one brilliant natural item – white vinegar. Just add half a cup to the rinse cycle once a month, and it will help to lift any crusty residue and keep them fluffy.
Finally, it’s really helpful to know exactly how to care for your clothes, sheets and towels, in order to avoid making any laundry mistakes which could potentially ruin them.
“Different materials need different care,” Rachel said. “Always check the label, wash delicate items like silk pillowcases in laundry bags, and avoid cramming too many bulky items like duvets or toppers into one load.”
