Laundry Mistakes You Didn’t Know You Were Making (And How to Fix Them)

Laundry might seem simple—throw it in, add detergent, press start—but there are small habits that can do major damage to your clothes over time. At Mulberrys Garment Care, we’ve seen it all, from faded colors and shrunken shirts to delicate fabrics ruined by heat or chemicals. The good news? Most of these mistakes are easy to fix with a few expert-approved tweaks.

Here are some of the most common laundry mistakes people make (without even realizing it)—and how to fix them.

1. Overloading the Washer

Cramming everything into one load might seem efficient, but it can actually prevent clothes from getting fully clean. When the drum is too full, water and detergent can’t circulate properly. That means lingering dirt and residue—and added wear on fabrics.

Fix it: Stick to 3/4 full for larger loads. Clothes should have enough room to move freely.

2. Using Too Much Detergent

More soap doesn’t mean cleaner clothes. In fact, too much detergent can leave residue behind, trap odors, and even damage fabrics over time—especially in high-efficiency machines.

Fix it: Measure your detergent carefully, and use the minimum amount recommended for the load size. Consider switching to eco-friendly detergents, like the ones we use at Mulberrys.

3. Washing Everything in Hot Water

Hot water can shrink, fade, or weaken fabrics, particularly natural fibers like cotton and linen. It can also set stains, making them harder to remove.

Fix it: Use cold or warm water for most loads. Save hot water for towels or heavily soiled items (and always read care labels).

4. Ignoring Care Labels

We get it—it’s easy to overlook that tiny tag. But skipping the care instructions is one of the fastest ways to damage your garments. Fabrics like silk, wool, and cashmere require special handling.

Fix it: Check the label before tossing anything in the washer or dryer. When in doubt, bring specialty items to a professional cleaner like Mulberrys.

5. Leaving Wet Clothes in the Machine

We’ve all forgotten a load in the washer—but letting wet clothes sit too long can lead to mildew, odor, and set-in wrinkles.

Fix it: Set a reminder to move clothes to the dryer (or drying rack) right away. If they’ve been sitting too long, rewash with a cup of white vinegar to help neutralize odor.

6. Not Sorting by Fabric Type

Sorting by color is common—but sorting by fabric type is just as important. Mixing heavy items like jeans with lightweight pieces can cause friction and damage.

Fix it: Wash heavy and delicate fabrics separately to protect both. It also helps your load dry more evenly.

7. Skipping Professional Cleaning When It Counts

Some stains, fabrics, and structured garments (like suits or coats) are better left to the professionals. DIY solutions can set stains or cause irreversible damage.

Fix it: Trust a professional cleaner when it matters. At Mulberrys, we use eco-friendly, non-toxic methods that are safe for your clothes, your skin, and the planet. Plus, with free pickup and delivery, taking care of your wardrobe has never been easier.

Need a Laundry Refresh? Let Us Help

Avoiding these common mistakes is the first step to making your clothes look better and last longer. But when life gets hectic—or your garments need extra care—Mulberrys is here to help.

📍 Serving Minneapolis–St. Paul, San Francisco Bay Area, and Washington D.C.