The One Laundry Mistake Almost Everybody Makes—And Why It’s a Bigger Problem Than You Probably Think

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# 🧺 The One Laundry Mistake Almost Everybody Makes—And Why It’s a Bigger Problem Than You Probably Think

Laundry: it’s one of those weekly (or daily) chores we do almost automatically. Toss clothes in, add detergent, press a few buttons—and done. But here’s the surprising truth: **most people make one common laundry mistake**, and it could be **damaging your clothes**, your **washing machine**, and even your **health** more than you realize.

What is it?

> **Using too much laundry detergent.**

Yes—something that seems harmless (or even helpful!) is one of the biggest laundry pitfalls in households everywhere.

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## 🧴 Why More Detergent ≠ Cleaner Clothes

Many of us assume that **using extra detergent means extra clean**—especially for really dirty or smelly laundry. But the truth is the opposite. Using too much detergent can lead to a host of hidden issues, such as:

* **Residue buildup on clothes**
* **Musty-smelling laundry**, even after washing
* **Skin irritation or allergic reactions**
* **Damage to your washing machine**
* **Higher water and energy usage**

Rather than rinsing clean, your laundry ends up carrying **leftover soap**, which attracts more dirt and bacteria.

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## 👕 How It Affects Your Clothes

Excess detergent doesn’t just rinse away like you’d hope. It can:

* Leave a **filmy coating** on fabric fibers
* Cause colors to **fade faster**
* Make towels and athletic wear feel **stiff or sticky**
* Trap odors, leading to that dreaded “clean-but-still-smells” problem