Best Laundry Practices & Tips

Laundry can be a daunting chore, especially with busy schedules, multiple types of fabrics, and endless cleaning products. But with the right techniques, tools, and knowledge, you can make laundry day simpler, more efficient, and better for your clothes. This guide compiles the best laundry practices and tips for everyday cleaning, helping you keep your garments fresh, clean, and long-lasting.

1. Choose the Best Laundry Detergent

The first step to clean clothes starts with the right detergent. For college students, busy professionals, or families in New York, finding a detergent that is effective, gentle, and eco-friendly matters.

• Consider detergents with enzymes for removing stubborn stains.
• Use eco-friendly options to protect the environment—learn more in our blog Eco-Friendly Laundry in NYC: How to Wash Clothes Without Hurting the Planet
• Measure carefully: too much detergent can leave residue, while too little won’t clean effectively.

2. How to Remove Detergent Stains

Sometimes detergent leaves behind stains, especially on dark or delicate fabrics. To fix this:

• Rinse immediately with cold water.
• Use a gentle brush for stubborn residue.
• Wash again with proper detergent measurement.

Check out our full guide on How to Remove Detergent Stains from Clothes for step-by-step instructions.

3. Avoid Mixing Vinegar with Laundry Detergent

While vinegar is often used for cleaning and deodorizing, combining it with detergent can neutralize cleaning agents and reduce effectiveness.

• Use vinegar in a separate rinse cycle to soften fabrics.
• Avoid pouring vinegar directly into the detergent compartment.

Learn more about laundry chemistry in our post What Happens If You Use Vinegar and Laundry Detergent Together?

4. Winter Laundry Tips

Cold weather can make drying clothes a challenge. Keep them fresh during freezing months by:

• Drying indoors on a rack near heat sources.
• Avoiding overloading machines to ensure proper water removal.
• Using dryer balls to reduce drying time and keep fabrics soft.

For more tips, see Winter Laundry Tips: How to Keep Clothes Fresh in Freezing Weather.

5. Don’t Overload Your Washing Machine

Overloading your washing machine may seem like a time-saver, but it actually leaves clothes dirtier and strains your machine.

• Wash smaller loads for heavy fabrics like towels and jeans.
• Give enough space for water and detergent to circulate properly.

Learn why overloading is harmful in Why Overloading Your Washing Machine Leaves Clothes Dirtier.

6. Handle Wet Clothes Properly

Leaving wet clothes for too long can cause mildew, odor, and color bleeding.

• Remove clothes promptly from the washer.
• Hang or dry immediately.
• For delicate fabrics, lay flat to prevent stretching.

Our full guide is available here: How to Handle Wet Clothes Without Ruining Them.

7. Keep Towels Fluffy and Fresh

Towels tend to get stiff over time. Maintain softness and absorbency by:

• Avoiding fabric softeners that coat fibers.
• Drying completely in the dryer or hanging in a well-ventilated area.
• Washing every 3–4 uses to prevent odor and mildew buildup.

More tips here: How to Keep Your Towels Fluffy and Fresh

8. Remove Mildew from Clothes

Mildew can be tough to remove if not addressed quickly. Prevent and treat it by:

• Soaking affected garments in vinegar or baking soda solution.
• Washing with hot water if the fabric allows.
• Air-drying thoroughly in sunlight.

Check our detailed guide: How to Remove Mildew from Clothes and Prevent It from Coming Back

9. Wash Denim Properly

Jeans and denim need special care to prevent fading and wear:

• Wash inside-out.
• Use cold water and mild detergent.
• Limit washing frequency; spot clean when possible.

Read more in How Often to Wash Denim: A Complete Guide

10. Decoding Laundry Symbols

Understanding care tags helps avoid shrinking, fading, or damaging clothes. Common symbols indicate:

• Water temperature.
• Drying methods.
• Bleaching and ironing instructions.

Full guide: Decoding Laundry Symbols: Your Complete Guide to Reading Care Tags

11. Bedsheets, Towels, and Blankets

Large linens need careful handling:

• Wash in warm water with mild detergent.
• Avoid overloading.
• Dry completely before folding to prevent odors.

Learn the best methods here: The Best Way to Wash Bedsheets, Towels, and Blankets.

12. Wash Your Pillow Regularly

Pillows collect sweat, oils, and dust mites.

• Wash every 3–6 months depending on the type.
• Use mild detergent and gentle cycle.
• Dry completely to prevent mildew.

See our guide: How Often Should You Wash Your Pillow (and How to Do It Properly)

13. Activewear and Gym Clothes

Sweat-soaked fabrics require immediate attention:

• Wash soon after use.
• Avoid fabric softeners—they reduce moisture-wicking.
• Use cold water to prevent shrinkage.

Full article: How Often Should You Wash Your Gym Clothes?

14. Wash Underwear the Right Way

Underwear needs gentle care for hygiene and durability:

• Wash separately or in a mesh laundry bag.
• Use warm water for cotton; cold for delicate fabrics.
• Avoid bleach on colored fabrics.

Tips here: The Right Way to Wash Underwear: Laundry Tips You Should Know

15. Eco-Friendly Laundry Tips

Doing laundry with the environment in mind can save water, energy, and your fabrics:

• Use eco-friendly detergents.
• Wash full loads to save water.
• Consider air-drying when possible.

To save energy and water during laundry, consider washing with cold water and full loads — proven energy‑saving laundry tips from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Learn more: Eco-Friendly Laundry in NYC: How to Wash Clothes Without Hurting the Planet

FAQs

Q: How often should I wash my towels?

A: Every 3–4 uses, depending on moisture and odor.

Q: Is cold water washing as effective as hot water?

A: For most clothes, yes. Cold water saves energy and prevents fading.

Q: Can I use vinegar and detergent together?

A: No, use vinegar in a separate rinse cycle for best results.

Q: How can I prevent mildew on wet clothes?

A: Remove clothes promptly and dry thoroughly in a well-ventilated space.

Final Thoughts

Laundry doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following these best practices and tips, you can extend the life of your clothes, save time, and maintain hygiene.

From using the right detergent to washing delicate fabrics properly, handling mildew, and eco-friendly solutions, these tips cover everything you need to make laundry day easier and more efficient.

For New Yorkers who want the ultimate convenience, services like Clean Avenue Laundry offer pickup and delivery, dry cleaning, wash & fold, and eco-friendly solutions—saving you time and keeping your garments fresh and clean.

Schedule your laundry pickup today and experience a stress-free, professional laundry service.