Always check the care labels on your clothing to ensure you wash them according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some garments may require special care such as hand washing or air drying.
Separate your laundry into different piles based on color, fabric type, and level of soiling. Washing similar items together can prevent color bleeding and ensure that delicate fabrics are treated with care.
Before loading clothes into the washing machine, check all pockets for items such as coins, keys, tissues, or other small objects that could damage your clothes or the washing machine.
If you notice any stains on your clothing, pre-treat them before washing. Use a stain remover or a solution of water and detergent to gently dab the stain and loosen it before washing.
Consider the water temperature needed for your laundry load. Hot water is effective for sanitizing and removing tough stains, while cold water is gentler on fabrics and can help prevent color fading.
Use the appropriate amount of detergent for your laundry load. Using too much detergent can leave residue on your clothes, while using too little may result in ineffective cleaning.
If you're using a dryer, make sure to clean out the lint trap before starting each load. A clogged lint trap can reduce the efficiency of your dryer and pose a fire hazard.