10 laundry habits that ruin clothes (and your skin)

If your clothes feel itchy, stiff, or uncomfortable, it might not be the fabric—it’s the way they’re being washed. Laundry products and routines play a big role in how clothes feel against your skin, and small changes can make a big difference.

Using Too Much Detergent

More detergent doesn’t mean cleaner clothes.

When you use too much, residue gets trapped in fabric, leaving it stiff or irritating to sensitive skin. Stick to the recommended amount, or even less if you have a high-efficiency washer.

Skipping Extra Rinses

A single rinse doesn’t always remove all soap.

If clothes feel itchy, try running an extra rinse cycle. This helps clear leftover detergent, especially when using concentrated formulas.

Overloading the Washer

Cramming too much in leaves clothes half-washed.

Without enough room, water and soap can’t circulate properly, so residue stays behind. Washing smaller loads gives your clothes a cleaner, softer finish.

Using Fabric Softener Every Time

Fabric softeners leave a coating behind.

Over time, this buildup traps sweat and odors in the fabric. Using dryer balls or vinegar in the rinse cycle can soften clothes without the residue.

Not Cleaning the Washer

Mold and detergent buildup collect inside washers.

When you don’t clean it, that grime transfers to your clothes, leaving them itchy or musty. Running a cleaning cycle monthly keeps things fresh.

Skipping Proper Drying

Damp clothes are breeding grounds for bacteria.

When laundry isn’t fully dried, it can smell sour and feel irritating on your skin. Using the right dryer setting—or air drying in the sun—helps prevent this.

Using Too Much Fragrance

Scent boosters and heavy detergents can overwhelm sensitive skin.

Those lingering perfumes might smell nice but often leave clothes scratchy. Fragrance-free products are a safer option if irritation is a problem.

Ignoring Water Quality

Hard water leaves minerals in fabric.

Those minerals make clothes feel stiff and harder to rinse clean. A water softener or using a laundry booster like washing soda can help.

Not Sorting by Fabric

Throwing everything in together wears clothes out.

Delicate fabrics absorb chemicals differently than heavy fabrics. Washing like fabrics together helps them come out softer and less irritating.

Letting Laundry Sit Wet

Leaving clothes in the washer after a cycle causes mildew.

That mildew smell can also trigger skin irritation once clothes are worn. Moving laundry to the dryer right away prevents the problem.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.