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These 5 laundry mistakes make clothes fade faster in summer

Mon, August 10, 2026 - 12:29
3 min
How to keep your clothes fresh without damaging the fabric
These 5 laundry mistakes make clothes fade faster in summer What mistakes damage your clothes (photo: Magnific)

When summer temperatures break records, people sweat more often and, as a result, change their clothes more frequently. Because of this, washing machines are running almost nonstop. This can significantly damage your clothes.

RBC-Ukraine explains which mistakes lead to clothes wearing out quickly.

Full wash instead of a refresh

Clothes worn for just a few hours are often put in the washing machine for a long cycle, even when there are no stains on them. This is one of the main reasons fabrics wear out quickly and lose their color.

If a garment has simply lost its freshness, experts recommend using the steam-refresh functions available on modern washing machines. Short steam programs can help remove unpleasant odors and smooth out wrinkles in less than 30 minutes without a full wash.

Drying in direct sunlight

Many people hang wet clothes on a balcony or in the garden under the scorching sun so they can dry faster. However, ultraviolet light is one of the biggest enemies of vibrant colors. Black clothes fade quickly, dark shades lose their depth, while pastel colors can start to look washed out. It is recommended to dry clothes in the shade or at least turn them inside out.

Using too much detergent

More powder or more capsules does not mean better results. This is a very common myth. Excess detergent is not completely rinsed out and leaves residue on fabrics, making them stiff. In addition, detergent residue can irritate the skin in hot weather. Detergents should be measured strictly according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Ignoring care labels

In summer, wardrobes are largely made up of linen, viscose and lightweight cotton. Each of these fabrics has its own requirements, so washing them all together on the same cycle is highly inadvisable.

It is worth remembering that the temperature indicated on the label is usually the maximum recommended temperature. Washing delicate fabrics at 30 degrees instead of 40 can help preserve their color, shape and structure for much longer.

Leaving damp clothes in the laundry basket

Putting sweaty clothes in the laundry basket after a long day and leaving them there for several days is a very bad habit. High temperatures and humidity encourage bacteria to multiply faster, while stains and unpleasant odors become deeply embedded in the fibers. Such clothes should be washed or refreshed as soon as possible.

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