Various Old Washing Habits That Are Time For Us To Leave

JAKARTA - Washing is no longer just a routine activity, but rather a part of a lifestyle that combines efficiency, environmental awareness, and today's household technology. However, even though washing machines and detergents continue to evolve, many of you still rely on ancient rules in the washing process. Starting from strictly separating colors to always using hot water for white washing.

In this article, you will explore the ten washing habits that used to be considered good, but now they are no longer relevant according to experts. It's time to open a new sheet in the way you take care of clothes and linen is smarter, more environmentally friendly, and maintain quality.

Launching Better Homes & Gardens, Thursday, November 13, here are some old habits in washing that we should leave:

Separating the wash by color strictly

In the past, separating laundry items based on color was absolute. But now, because of the effective advances in washing machine and detergent technology at low temperatures, separating by color is not always necessary. Instead, what is more important is separating by fabric or heavy stuff.

White must always be washed with hot water

A very popular old rule: 'white and bright' with hot, dark water with cold water'. But now, modern machinery and detergents allow for washing with cold water effectively even for white clothes. Hot water should only be used in special conditions, for example after someone is sick or when facing serious stains.

Boiling clothes to make it clean more optimally

This old method can actually damage the fabric, the color can fade, the seam connection can be loose, the elasticity of the cloth can decrease. So, boiling clothes for sterilization is no longer recommended.

Observing the 'water' washing sequence first, detergent then, then clothing'

Modern washing machines change many things, including the washing sequence. Now what is common is entering detergents first, then clothes, and water will enter automatically. It's better to check the washing machine guide than to rely on the old rules.

All clothes must be washed carefully in a "reversible" condition

It is true that turning clothes before washing can help maintain color quality and decoration in clothing, but not all items require this step. Focus especially on dark clothes or light colors and those with special decorations.

Always use the full cover of the detergent dose

Filling the cover of the detergent's dose to full without considering the washing load is a bad habit that can be dangerous, both for machines and for clothes. Always adjust the dose to your instructions and washload.

Relying on chlorine bleach to whiten white clothes

Chlorine bleaching is indeed effective, but has side effects such as weakening the fabric and can react with certain stains that instead make it yellow. Alternatives that are more cloth-friendly include oxygen bleaching, baking soda, or the laundry bluing' method.

Using fabric softeners in each wash

Fabric softeners are not an absolute necessity for all washing. For children's clothing, sports clothes or towels, the use of softeners without consideration can have a bad impact on the performance of the fabric. Checking the clothing care label is a wise step.

All clothes must be dried using a dryer

Dryery is fast and practical, but drying often with high heat can cause shrinkage and weaken fabric fibers. Many clothes will last longer if they are dried naturally (line dry) when possible.

Economy and silk must always be cleaned dryly (dry-clean)

So far it has been believed thatETs and silk can only be cleaned through dry cleaning. Even though these two types of cloth can be washed manually at home with the right treatment, so they can save costs and are more environmentally friendly.

Undergoing a long-standing washing routine may feel comfortable because they are used to it, but in reality many of these habits are no longer relevant in the era of intelligent washing machines, innovative detergents, and modern fabrics that are widely used today.

By recognizing these outdated habits and replacing them with a more efficient approach, we not only keep clothes for a longer time, but also support the use of energy that is wiser and reduces environmental wear from the laundry process. Let's start changing the way to wash in a more contemporary and intelligent style.