Laundry day often comes with a set of rules handed down from generations or tips picked up from various sources over the years. Among these, a common belief is that washing clothes inside out is the best way to preserve their quality and appearance. Caring for our clothes appropriately not only extends their lifespan but also reflects personal grooming habits. However, despite the popularity of this belief, there’s more to know about the proper way to maintain our clothes. Washing them inside out is just a part of the larger care routine that can keep our wardrobes looking pristine and feel comfortable for a longer time.
Understanding the Benefits of Washing Clothes Inside Out
1. Protects Printed Designs and Graphics: Turning garments inside out before washing helps in reducing the wear and tear on any printed materials or graphics. This action prevents the direct friction that can cause cracking and peeling.
2. Preserves Color: Dark and brightly colored clothes tend to fade over time when washed and dried frequently. Washing them inside out lessens the exposure to detergents and agitation, helping to maintain their vibrant colors.
3. Reduces Pilling: Inside out washing is also beneficial for fabrics that are prone to pilling, as it minimizes the amount of lint that clothes collect and the roughness they might encounter during the wash.
4. Protects Delicate Fabrics: Delicates, like lingerie and lace, can be snagged by zippers, hooks, and other hardware on different items in the load. Washing these items inside out provides an extra layer of protection.
Additional Steps to Preserve Your Clothing
While turning your clothes inside out has its benefits, there are additional practices that should be followed to ensure the longevity of your garments.
1. Read the Labels: Always check the care tags on your clothing for specific washing instructions. These labels carry important information on water temperature, washing cycle type, and whether the item should be air-dried or can tolerate a dryer.
2. Use the Right Detergent: Opt for a mild detergent and consider using a specialized formula for darks or delicates when necessary. Bleach should rarely be used and only with appropriate fabrics.
3. Sort by Color and Fabric Type: Wash similar colors together to prevent color transfer. Additionally, avoid washing towels with garments and delicates with heavy-duty items to prevent abrasion.
4. Select the Proper Wash Cycle: Use gentle cycles for delicates and sturdy cycles for cottons or heavily soiled items. The correct cycle prevents unnecessary stress on the fibers of your clothes.
5. Zip Up Zippers and Fasten Buttons: This avoids snagging other items. However, remember not to button shirts all the way, as this can stress the buttons.
6. Do Not Overload the Washer: This allows clothes to move freely in the wash, promoting better cleaning and preventing stretching and tearing.
7. Air-dry When Possible: High heat from dryers can be harsh on many fabrics. Air-drying is gentle and energy-efficient, reducing shrinkage and wear.
Attending to your clothes with care makes a notable difference in their look and feel over time. Washing them inside out is indeed effective, particularly for protecting prints and preserving color. But this technique, combined with the right detergents, washing cycles, and drying methods, completes the care regimen that your wardrobe deserves. Remembering these points can help anyone’s clothes look better and last longer, saving money and resources in the long run.
