What should you do with the laundry before putting it in the washing machine?

Before you put the laundry in the washing machine, there are several steps you should follow to ensure that the clothes get properly clean and are not damaged during the washing process. Here is a checklist:

Checklist before washing clothes in the washing machine:

1. Sort the laundry:
   
   Color: Separate white, light, and dark clothes to avoid color transfer.
   Material: Divide the clothes by material type (e.g., cotton, synthetics, delicate fabrics) as they may have different washing needs.
   Degree of soiling: Wash heavily soiled clothes separately from lightly soiled items.
   
   
   

2. Check washing labels:
   
   Read the care and washing instructions on the garments to follow specific directions regarding temperature, washing program, and drying.
   
   
   

3. Pre-treat stains:
   
   Treat any stains with a stain remover before you put the garment in the machine.

   
   

1. Close zippers and buttons:
   
   Close zippers and fasten buttons to prevent them from snagging or damaging other garments. If possible, try to turn zippers and buttons inwards, i.e., turn the garment so that the outside comes inside; then buttons and zippers cannot damage other garments in the machine.
   
   
   

2. Turn clothes inside out:
   
   Turn delicate garments and clothes with prints or embroidery inside out to protect them during washing.
   
   
   

3. Empty pockets:
   
   Check all pockets and remove items such as coins, keys, or papers to avoid damage to both clothes and the machine.
   
   
   

4. Use laundry bags:
   
   Place delicate garments, small items (like socks), and underwear in laundry bags to protect them.
   
   Synthetic clothes such as fleece should be washed in a laundry bag that collects microplastics to prevent these from entering the water and ending up in nature.
   
   
   

5. Measure the correct amount of detergent:
   
   Follow the dosing instructions on the detergent packaging based on the amount of laundry and how dirty it is. Overdosing can lead to detergent residue on the clothes.
   
   
   

6. Check the weight capacity:
   
   Make sure not to overload the washing machine. Overfilled machines do not wash as effectively and can damage both clothes and the machine.
   
   
   
   

By following these steps, you prepare your laundry in the best possible way, which helps to extend the life of your clothes and improve the washing result.