Laundry day can be a source of dread for many (and who can blame them?). Whether it’s a single load or a mountain of clothes, the prospect of standing by the washing machine and turning garments inside out might seem like an unnecessary chore. However, a conversation with a laundry specialist revealed that this seemingly insignificant step is crucial for maintaining your cherished wardrobe and ensuring its longevity. Intrigued to learn the reasons behind this? Look no further, as our expert shares the top seven items you should wash inside out to keep the fabric looking and feeling fresh for as long as possible.
- Meet Tom Ceconi, the President of Heritage Park Laundry.
It’s common knowledge that delicate garments should always be handled with care. Ceconi emphasizes that items crafted from wool, knits, and other fine materials should be washed inside out to prevent damage. “This is primarily to safeguard these items from potential harm during the washing process,” he explains. “I also advise washing these items in separate loads, with each item inside out in a mesh laundry bag. For instance, silk sheets can’t be washed inside out but should be kept secure in a mesh bag.”
For an added layer of protection for delicate fabrics, Ceconi recommends using enzyme-free gentle detergent, as laundry enzymes can gradually deteriorate the fibers over time.
For any clothing adorned with sequins, embellishments, or beads, Ceconi advises turning these items inside out to prevent damage during the wash. Items with lace, sequins, or other decorations can easily snag in the machine, so washing them inside out keeps the embellishments intact and away from other garments.
Have you ever noticed that your favorite athletic leggings have been worn down by the washing machine? It’s happened to me too. Ceconi suggests washing workout gear inside out to avoid this issue. “We recommend this for a couple of reasons. Firstly, these items accumulate dirt from sweat and deodorants on the inside, and secondly, these are performance fabrics that we want to protect from snags and damage inside the machine,” he states.
Have you ever seen your cherished graphic t-shirt start to look worn after years of use? To preserve the designs and prints, Ceconi recommends washing these shirts inside out. “Graphic t-shirts can crack and fade with rough washing, so to protect the design, always wash them inside out and skip the dryer,” he advises. Instead, air dry them with other clothes.
Denim is a classic that can become faded over time. To keep your favorite jeans looking as good as new, Ceconi suggests washing them inside out to protect the dye and fabric.
Similar to denim, colored garments should also be washed inside out to maintain their vibrancy. Colors can fade quickly with frequent washing and drying. Ceconi stresses that flipping these clothes inside out is essential for preserving the color of those items you don’t want to see fade.
Lastly, if the care label on your clothes suggests washing them inside out, Ceconi advises following these instructions to the letter. “Anything that the care guidelines recommend, you should adhere to,” he says. For instance, bathing suits are often advised to be washed inside out.”
