When many people visit a laundromat, they often throw their clothes in the washer and go about their business. Unfortunately, not taking a few moments to set the machine up correctly can result in premature wear on your garments. The next time you’re visiting a self-service laundry facility, try using these washing and storing tips to keep your items in pristine condition.

Do:

Select the Right Setting

It’s doubtful your wardrobe is comprised entirely of items made from the same material. So, why would you wash them all alike? While synthetic fabrics — like polyester, rayon, and acetates — require a normal washer agitation cycle to remove soiling, they also need a slower spin cycle to reduce wear. You can often obtain this by changing the washer setting to the permanent-press cycle. If your items are even more fragile — such as silk or knit fabrics — opt for the delicate cycle for slow agitation and spin speeds.

Fold Stretchy Materials

Whenever you hang garments like T-shirts or sweaters, they will stretch out. Instead, fold them and place them in a drawer or storage rack. If you want to make it easier to see your items, fold them to stand upright instead of being stacked. You can do this by folding both edges of the garment towards the center to create a rectangle. Then fold the rectangle in half lengthways and repeat this motion one or two times.

Don’t:

Use Hot Water

Hot water used to be required to clean your laundry. Fortunately, today’s detergents have been modified to be more effective at lower temperatures. This is beneficial for the environment, as it costs more to use hot water; it also helps many fabrics — like cotton and wool — that are prone to shrinking when washed at high temperatures. Water above 75 degrees is also more prone to set stains rather than remove them.

Hang in Direct Sunlight

Whether you are hanging clothes to dry or putting them away, always take care to not leave them in direct sunlight. Doing so can fade the colors of your garments. This has also been known to occur when people leave the light in their closet on for long periods.

Getting clean laundry starts with an efficient washer. At Wash House Laundromat in Littleton, CO, they pride themselves on having an immaculate facility with top-of-the-line coin-operated machines. They also provide a wash and fold service to ensure that you have a clean wardrobe when life gets busy. For more information about their services, call them today at (720) 531-2178 or visit them online.