Five washing machine routines that protect your clothes

Most people think about temperature, programme and detergent when starting the washing machine. Yet the real difference is often made in the two minutes beforehand – through small actions we tend to overlook in daily life. These very steps determine whether a shirt still looks good after ten washes or already appears worn, and whether denim ages softly or becomes dull and patchy.

Why the washing machine “eats” your clothes

Inside a washing machine, textiles are under constant strain: fabric is thrown against the metal drum, rubs against other garments, creases and catches threads. Open zips act like small files, protruding buttons snag, and forgotten tissues break apart into a snowfall of lint.

“Anyone who wants to protect their clothes must, in effect, secure them before the programme begins – using five simple routines.”

These routines do more than extend the life of shirts, trousers and jumpers. They also leave laundry smoother, reduce the amount of ironing needed and prevent the frustration of garments looking “old” after only a short time.

A fabric shield: turn clothes inside out before washing

The most important step is to turn garments inside out before putting them in the washing machine. It may sound insignificant, but it works like a protective barrier. The visible outer surface then mainly rubs against itself rather than directly against the drum and other textiles.

Printed T-shirts, delicate blouses and sweatshirts with large designs particularly benefit from this step. Prints are less likely to crack, glitter and foil details remain attached for longer, and embroidery does not fray as quickly.

“Those who consistently wash their tops, hoodies and blouses inside out visibly slow down wear – especially on prints and decorative details.”

A practical everyday rule is:

• T-shirts, jumpers, hoodies: always wash inside out
• Items with prints, sequins or embroidery: always wash inside out
• Fine knitwear and delicate fabrics: wash inside out and place in a laundry bag

This extra step takes only seconds, yet it can save considerable money and hassle over time.

Small details, major effect: fasten buttons and fully close zips

Why unfastened buttons cause problems

Open button plackets are a frequent source of trouble during the spin cycle: they tangle, pull at seams and distort collars and necklines. Shirts and blouses lose their shape noticeably sooner as a result.

Fastening buttons before washing gives the entire garment more stability. It holds its shape, the seams are put under less strain, and buttons are far less likely to be torn off.

Zips – the overlooked “biters” in the drum

Open zips are even more abrasive. Their teeth behave like tiny saw blades, scratching delicate blouses, catching tights and often leaving pale marks on dark fabrics.

“Always close the zip completely – from the waistband of trousers right up to the top of a jacket. Only then does it lie flat and become ‘safe’.”

This applies to:

• Jeans and fabric trousers
• Bedding with zips
• Jackets, hoodies and zip-up sweatshirts
• Pillowcases and covers

Consistently securing buttons and zips also reduces creasing. Laundry becomes less tangled because the garments are less likely to catch on one another.

Danger in your pockets: remove paper scraps, coins and more before washing

Perhaps the most irritating classic is a tissue left in a trouser pocket. After spinning, the entire load is covered in white fluff. This creates extra work and can eventually block the filter and drain pump.

Pockets can conceal other troublesome items too: coins, paper clips, keys, screws and even wireless earphones. They can damage not only clothing but also the washing machine itself.

“A 30-second pocket check before washing prevents damage to the drum, pump and favourite garments – ultimately saving real repair costs.”

A sensible routine before every wash:

• Turn all trouser and jacket pockets inside out
• Remove paper and sweets
• Take out coins, keys and small objects
• Rescue any earphones or USB sticks that may be inside

This check is especially worthwhile for children’s clothes and workwear, as small hard objects particularly often end up in these fabrics.

Jeans and dark colours: keeping colour fresh for longer

Denim is hard-wearing, but its colour and surface are sensitive. Jeans quickly develop lighter abrasion marks, especially at the knees, seat and creased areas. Washing them the right way round intensifies this effect.

For this reason, jeans should always be turned inside out. The inner side then takes most of the friction, while the outer surface keeps its even colour for longer.

“Jeans washed inside out lose colour more slowly and leave less abrasion on other textiles.”

Other dark or intensely coloured garments also benefit from this approach, including black T-shirts, dark shirts and coloured joggers. Combined with a colour detergent at a moderate temperature, their colour remains visibly more vibrant for longer.

Garment	Recommended approach
Jeans	inside out, zip closed, maximum 40 °C
Black T-shirts	inside out, gentle cycle, liquid colour detergent
Shirt	fasten buttons, gently smooth the collar
Fine knitwear	inside out, laundry bag, low spin speed

The main cause of heavy creasing: an overfilled drum

Many people want to save time and energy by cramming the washing machine to the brim. However, this is exactly what creates deep creases that are difficult to remove even with an iron. When textiles have barely any room to move, they are simply compressed during the spin cycle.

A rule of thumb from specialist retailers is that a hand’s width should still fit between the laundry and the drum wall. Following this “hand rule” leaves enough space for movement, water and detergent.

“A drum that is not overloaded means smoother laundry, fewer creases and gentler treatment of the fibres.”

Many modern machines automatically use less water when there is less laundry inside. Splitting a load can therefore use less energy than expected – while leaving clothes better cared for.

How to combine the five routines in everyday life

The individual tips can be turned into a straightforward sequence that takes barely more than two minutes before each wash:

• Sort clothing by colour and material
• Turn T-shirts, jumpers, jeans and printed garments inside out
• Fasten buttons and fully close zips
• Check and empty every pocket
• Fill the drum and use the hand rule to make sure there is still space

After consciously following this order a few times, it becomes a habit. Eventually, it happens automatically – much like brushing your teeth.

Why gentle washing also makes financial sense

Clothing is becoming more expensive and raw materials are becoming scarcer. Wearing textiles for longer saves money and also reduces personal consumption. Put simply, if a favourite jumper lasts twice as long, its cost per wear is halved.

A longer service life also protects the washing machine and tumble dryer. There are fewer foreign objects in the system, less overloading and less strain on the motor and bearings. Repairs and replacements can be postponed.

Mistakes many people still make – and can easily avoid

Common daily mistakes can be corrected quickly: washing shirts on a quick cycle with a high spin speed, mixing rough garments such as jeans with delicate laundry, or using a heavily perfumed universal detergent for everything. Paying attention to lower spin speeds for sensitive fabrics and using a dedicated colour detergent for coloured items provides further protection for the fibres.

Another important point is to remove laundry from the drum as soon as possible after the programme ends. If it sits damp for hours, creases become set and the familiar musty smell develops. Hanging it up straight away prevents both problems – and once again cuts down the time spent at the ironing board.