Flipping garments inside out before laundering can shield the fabric throughout the wash cycle and help them retain a like-new look for years. This guide outlines the advantages of doing so, so you can better protect your family’s clothing on laundry day. Always check the care labels on your garments before washing to avoid damage.
1. Lowers the Chance of Detergent Stains
Undissolved laundry detergent can leave marks on clothing. While these spots are usually not permanent, they can be frustrating. Washing items inside out reduces the likelihood that detergent residue will settle on the visible outer layer and affect their appearance. Always measure detergent according to the package instructions to use the correct amount per load.
2. Reduces Pilling
Although a washing machine does not create pilling on its own, it can worsen existing pills. Many machines rely on friction and agitation to remove soils and stains, which may accelerate pilling. Turning clothes inside out protects the outer surface from much of that agitation, helping to maintain a smooth appearance.
3. Protects Decorative Designs
Screen prints, rhinestones, and embroidery are especially vulnerable to the rigors of a wash cycle. When you wash clothes inside out, these decorative elements are shielded from friction, helping them look new for longer. Garments with more delicate embellishments may benefit from a mesh laundry bag, the Gentle Cycle, or both. Consult your laundry care tag for specific instructions.
4. Helps Prevent Color Fading
By turning clothes inside out, the inner surface takes the brunt of the agitation and color loss that occurs during washing. This shields the exterior dye on shirts and pants from friction and contact, reducing fading while still ensuring a thorough clean.
5. Helps Reduce Color Transfer
Dark or vividly dyed fabrics tend to bleed during the wash cycle. Agitation can loosen dyes, and hot water temperatures are typically known for causing color bleeding. Dye transfer occurs when loose or unstable dyes from one garment bleed onto another item in the load. It differs from color fading because it affects the other garments. Even if you turn clothes inside out, it is recommended to sort laundry by color to help prevent color bleeding.
6. Helps to Avoid Odor Retention
Garments that frequently come into contact with sweat and body odor—such as jerseys, baseball caps, sports bras, leggings, and sweat socks—may be tougher to clean because sweat, body oils, and odors can collect in the fabric. Washing clothes inside out, in addition to pretreating odors, may help improve cleaning of the dirtiest areas. Turning these items inside out before washing gives the laundry detergent direct access to those soil-heavy areas.
Certain items are commonly recommended to be turned inside out before laundering, including socks, baby clothing, decorated pieces, activewear, delicate materials, dark fabrics, coloured fabrics, and denim. Always review the care label on each garment before washing, and see the table below for further details on clothing types that may benefit from this practice.
Turning garments inside out is a straightforward method for reducing friction and fading, but it is only one component of a gentle laundry routine. Protecting sensitive fibers while still obtaining a thorough clean depends on selecting settings and technologies that clean effectively without placing unnecessary strain on your clothing.
Wash in cold water: Hot water can lead to fading, shrinking, and fiber breakdown over time. Cold water is gentler on delicate fabrics and helps preserve colors and elasticity while still lifting away everyday dirt.
Use mesh laundry bags: Placing small or intricate items (such as undergarments or hosiery) inside a zippered mesh bag adds an extra layer of protection against zippers, buttons, and friction from other garments in the load.
Choose a Delicates cycle: Slower agitation and reduced spin speeds help prevent stretching, snagging, and excess wear on sensitive fabrics like lace, silk, and lightweight knits.
Utilize UV washing technology: For fabrics that need a hygienic clean without relying on harsh chemicals or high water temperatures, certain washing machines feature built-in UV-C light technology. This UV light targets the DNA of bacteria during select cycles, adding extra bacteria-fighting power alongside standard detergent, water, and agitation. Because UV cleaning works with different wash temperatures—including cooler cycles—it helps reduce bacteria and freshen clothes while keeping fabric care in mind.
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