Common washing machine product that should be avoided

Washing towels
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


There are multiple products available claiming to clean and rejuvenate your garments, however, experts have now warned against some of these. An expert at Which? has taken to TikTok to reveal some misconceptions about washing practices, including one popular product she avoids.

"I would never use fabric softener", the expert explains, "it can leave a layer of residue on your clothes, reduces the absorption of towels, plus it can irritate sensitive skin."

This view is echoed by Kathryn Kellogg, founder and blogger at Going Zero Waste, who stated: "Fabric softener isn't needed in your wash. It doesn't wash or clean your clothes, so it's better left out entirely. It's not going to remove stains or lingering odours.

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"Fabric softener is supposed to soften your fabrics, but it doesn't necessarily do that over time. It helps with wrinkles and static, but there are more eco friendly fabric softener alternatives."

The team at Which? also revealed a few household laundry blunders, cautioning against excessive usage of detergent as it too can leave deposits upon clothing, reports the Express.

The expert added: "I would never use powders for dark or bright colours, as this can make the duller, instead stick to capsules or liquids and save the powder for whites."

They continued with another piece of advice suggesting washing items of clothing at varying temperatures.

"Most people wash all their clothes at 40 but that can actually be quite hard on delicate items," they point out, adding "modern detergents generally wash well at lower temperatures, so why not try a 20 or a 30?"

Lowering the temperature is more environmentally friendly and will also reduce your energy bills. They have also advised avoiding overwashing your jeans and jumpers, only cleaning them when they're really dirty.

Their final piece of advice is to be sure to clean your machine if your clothes are coming out smelly.