How should clothes be washed? Everyone has a collection of clothes that range from everyday wear to special occasion outfits, and they require different care and cleaning methods.

However, sometimes we may feel confused and don’t know how to properly wash our clothes. This article will give you some helpful advice on how to do your laundry.

1. Classification cleaning:

First, it’s important to know the labels and materials of your clothing. Clothing labels often provide information on how to wash them.

There are some general symbols such as "machine wash", "hand wash", "dry clean" etc. which are important information to guide you. Make sure to wash according to the instructions on these labels to avoid damaging your clothing.

2. Temperature control:

Water temperature is one of the important factors that determine the cleaning effect. Typically, you can choose cold, warm, or hot water, depending on the type of clothing and the extent of the stain.

Cold water is suitable for sensitive clothing to avoid fading and shrinkage. Warm water is suitable for most everyday clothing, while hot water is suitable for bedding and woolen fabrics to kill bacteria and insect eggs.

3. Use the right laundry detergent:

It is important to choose a laundry detergent that is suitable for your type of clothing and type of washing machine. Laundry detergents are available in liquid and powder forms and are specially formulated for different types of clothing.

For example, high-efficiency laundry detergent, wool laundry detergent, baby laundry detergent, etc. Make sure you use your laundry detergent according to its instructions and don’t overdo it.

4. Avoid mixing colors:

It is important to wash different colors of clothing separately. Light and dark clothing should be washed separately to prevent staining. In addition, avoid washing woolen fabrics with rough clothing to prevent sweaters from being damaged by hairballs.

5. Remove stains:

Treating stains is a critical step in the cleaning process. Different types of stains require different treatments. Generally speaking, stains should be treated as early as possible, using appropriate cleaning agents and methods such as applying, dabbing, or soaking.

6. Gentle wash and rinse:

When using your washing machine, choose a gentle wash cycle to reduce wear and tear on your clothes. Rinsing is also very important, making sure all the detergent is fully rinsed out, otherwise, it may leave residue on the clothes.

7. Avoid tumble drying:

The dryer can cause shrinkage, fading, and wear on your clothing. It's best to line-dry your clothing if possible, but keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Proper storage techniques after washing your clothes are important to maintain the quality of your clothes and extend their lifespan. Here are some helpful storage suggestions:

1. Dry completely: Before storing your clothes, make sure they are completely dry. Wet clothes can easily become moldy, causing odors and bacterial growth. So, make sure the clothes are completely dry before storing them.

2. Fold or hang: Different types of clothing have different best storage methods. For example, heavy sweaters are best folded, while shirts, skirts, etc. can be hung. Use appropriate hangers to prevent garments from losing their shape.

3. Keep out of direct sunlight: Avoid storing clothing in direct sunlight, as sunlight may cause colors to fade. Choose storage closets or drawers to reduce sunlight exposure.

4. Well-ventilated storage space: Clothing is best stored in a well-ventilated area to prevent moisture and mold growth. Avoid piling clothes together to ensure air circulation.

5. Use insect repellent: If you are concerned about insect infestation in your clothing, you can use some insect repellent or mothballs in your storage space. This will help protect clothing from flying insects, borers, and moths.

6. Turn clothes regularly: Don’t let clothes sit in the same position for long periods of time. Turn or change storage locations regularly to evenly distribute the weight of clothing and reduce wrinkles.

Overall, proper laundry cleaning is key to protecting your clothing and extending its life. Following the directions on your laundry label, using the proper detergent and temperature, and treating stains carefully will help ensure your clothes maintain their quality during the wash cycle.

Also, remember that proper clothing storage ensures your clothes stay fresh, tidy, and durable, reducing the frequency of replacements, while also helping to maintain your investment and reduce your impact on the environment.