MYTH: Adding more detergent will make your clothes cleaner.
FACT: Too much soap will actually cause a residue to build up on your clothes trapping dirt and grime.
MYTH: Hot washes clean better than cold washes.
FACT: Yes, hot water can kill bacteria more effectively, however most fabrics can’t handle the heat. Using the correct wash cycle and the perfect amount of detergent will actually contribute more effectively to cleaner clothes.
MYTH: Heat from dryers shrinks clothes.
FACT: It is actually the refrigerator causing your clothes to shrink! Jokes aside, it is actually the tumbling motions that cause clothes to shrink and this can occur in the washer too. Heat actually helps stretch fabrics by relaxing the fibers.
MYTH: Fabric softener is always necessary.
FACT: Fabric softener works by making the fibers in the clothing stand on end therefore feeling softer. However, softener leaves a residue on the clothing to make this possible and therefore reduces absorbency. Therefore, items like towels should never be washed with fabric softener. Instead, choose vinegar which kills odor and bacteria and helps remove any extra buildup of other soaps.
MYTH: Load the clothes into the washer, then add detergent.
FACT: If you are using a front load washer like those found at Big Loads and powdered detergent or pods, you should actually be adding the soap to the drum first, then adding your clothes. Only liquid detergents should be added to soap dispensers since powdered detergent can turn into a rock and never enter the machine. By adding the soap to the drum first the soap can dissolve into the water quicker and start working faster.
MYTH: Laundry should be separated by color.
FACT: While separating by color has its perks, unless you have enough to fill a washer it is actually more important to separate by material or washing instructions. Towels, rags, and fleece fabrics should be laundered together regardless of color. Bulky garments such as jeans and towels should be laundered separate from delicate items including knit sweaters, undergarments, or fine cotton garments.
MYTH: Always use dryer sheets to reduce static cling.
FACT: Yes, dryer sheets are used to neutralize static and help fluff and soften your clothes, however this is done by depositing a coating onto the fabrics as they dry. This residue can decrease absorbency of towels and affect the moisture wicking qualities of fleece and athletic gear.
MYTH: You don’t need to clean your washing machine.
FACT: Just because your clothes come out clean does not mean your washer is clean too! Dirt and grime that is washed away from your clothes can slowly make its way into the rubber gasket, remain in the drum, or into the drain. Skipping cleaning day for your machine can actually cause bad odors to build up and cause mechanical problems with the machine. Make sure to clean out your washer at least once a month. Since machines are used much more frequently at Big Loads, we clean our washers much more frequently.
MYTH: You can save money at the laundromat by filling the washer or dryer to max capacity.
FACT: Your clothes will not clean properly if they do not have room to tumble and agitate. Leave a hand’s width of space at the top of the washer to ensure enough space for clothes to move so dirt and grime can be released from fibers. Dryers also need room for clothes to tumble therefore increase air flow around and between clothes to help them dry faster. Aim to fill dryers only about half full to decrease time spent in the dryer.
MYTH: You need to wash everything after wearing it once.
FACT: While some items do need to be washed after every wear, some items are actually meant to be worn more than once before laundering. Washing these items too frequently will cause them to wear out quicker. If there is visible soiling or there is a lot of sweat then they need to be washed, but jeans can usually be worn five times before laundering and shirts such as blouses or hoodies can often be worn at least twice.
MYTH: The sock monster is real!
FACT: Socks go missing all the time, but there is no monster stealing them. They are likely escaping the basket during transport, staying behind in the washer or dryer drum after laundering, hiding in the washer seal, or clinging to larger items including getting stuck in pant legs or shirt sleeves.
