6 Things You Should Always Do Before Washing Your Clothes

Doing laundry isn’t complicated, but a few simple habits before starting the washing machine can protect your clothes, improve cleaning results, and help your favorite garments last longer.

From checking pockets to protecting delicate fabrics, these 6 simple steps can prevent common laundry mistakes before they happen.

Why These Steps Matter

Small details can make a big difference in the wash. Zippers, hooks, loose items, and friction can damage fabrics, while overloaded or poorly prepared loads may not clean evenly.

Taking just a few minutes to prepare your clothes can help prevent snags, fading, stains, and unnecessary wear.

1. Zip Up Zippers

Open zippers can catch on other garments during the wash cycle, causing snags, loose threads, or small tears.

Before loading the washer:

• Zip jackets, jeans, hoodies, and other zippered garments completely.
• Check that zipper pulls are secure.
• Leave buttons unbuttoned, since fastening them can put extra stress on buttonholes.

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Taking a few seconds to close zippers can help protect both the garment and the rest of the load.

2. Turn Certain Clothes Inside Out

Turning some garments inside out reduces friction against their visible surfaces during washing.

This is especially useful for:

• Graphic T-shirts
• Printed clothing
• Dark-colored garments
• Jeans
• Activewear

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This simple habit can help reduce fading and protect printed designs from unnecessary wear.

3. Unroll Socks

Avoid putting socks into the washer while they’re rolled tightly together.

Before washing, unroll them so water and detergent can reach the entire fabric.

Unrolled socks can:

• Allow better water and detergent circulation
• Clean more thoroughly
• Dry more evenly

Pair them again after washing rather than before the wash cycle.

4. Fasten Bra Hooks

Bra hooks can catch on delicate fabrics, lace, or other garments during washing.

Before putting bras in the machine:

• Fasten the hooks.
• Place bras in a mesh laundry bag whenever possible.
• Use the wash cycle recommended on the care label.

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This provides extra protection for both your bras and the other clothes in the load.

5. Use Mesh Laundry Bags for Delicates

Mesh laundry bags are an easy way to protect small or delicate garments from excessive movement and tangling.

They’re particularly useful for:

• Lingerie
• Bras
• Lace garments
• Hosiery
• Small baby clothes

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Place the items inside the bag without overfilling it, then wash according to the garment’s care instructions.

6. Check Every Pocket

One forgotten item can turn an ordinary laundry load into a messy problem.

Before washing, check every pocket for:

• Tissues
• Coins
• Keys
• Pens or markers
• Lip balm
• Receipts
• Earbuds
• Other small electronics

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Removing these items can prevent stains, damaged clothing, and potential problems inside your washing machine.

Bonus Tips

A few additional habits can make laundry day even easier:

• Sort clothes by color and fabric type.
• Close Velcro fasteners so they don’t snag other garments.
• Read care labels before washing unfamiliar items.
• Avoid overloading the washing machine so clothes have enough room to move.
• Treat stains before washing whenever possible.
• Empty pockets before placing clothes in the laundry basket.

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Expected Results

Preparing your clothes properly before washing can help:

• Reduce snags and tears
• Protect prints and colors
• Clean garments more evenly
• Protect delicate fabrics
• Prevent accidental stains
• Extend the life of your clothing

Final Thoughts

Preparing laundry before starting the washing machine only takes a few extra minutes, but it can make a noticeable difference.

Zip zippers, turn suitable clothes inside out, unroll socks, fasten bra hooks, protect delicates with mesh bags, and check every pocket. These simple habits can prevent common laundry problems and help your clothes come out cleaner while staying in better condition for longer.