1. Hot weather increases sweat and odor
Higher temperatures lead to increased perspiration, causing clothing to absorb more moisture and body oils. To combat lingering odors, experts recommend choosing detergents with odor-fighting properties and washing active clothing immediately after use. For more summer laundry tips, visit goodhousekeeping.com.
2. Use cold water to prevent color fading
Hot water can speed up the breakdown of dye, especially on bright summer clothes. Experts recommend washing clothes in cold water to preserve color and prevent shrinkage while saving energy. The washing machine temperature guide below explains more: wash.com.
3. Treat stains quickly—especially sunscreen and grass
Warm weather increases outdoor activities, leading to sunscreen, grass, and picnic stains that can wear off quickly. To effectively remove these stains:
Act early: Treat stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting.
Pretreatment Stains: Apply stain remover or liquid detergent directly to the affected area and allow to soak.
Wash properly: Wash the garment according to the fabric care instructions, using the hottest water for the material.
Repeat if necessary: If the stain persists, repeat the pretreatment and washing steps before drying.
For more detailed instructions on handling tough summer stains, see clktrethetking.com.
4. Sunlight is a powerful natural disinfectant
Line drying in direct sunlight not only saves energy but also naturally disinfects clothes, killing many bacteria and viruses. However, prolonged UV exposure can fade some fabrics, so turn dark ones inside out. More on the benefits of sun drying at thespruce.com.
5. Avoid overloading your washing machine
With extra loads of laundry for the summer, it’s tempting to fill the washing machine’s capacity. However, overloading leads to improper cleaning and can damage the machine. Wash smaller loads for superior results. Review Energystar and their guide to avoiding this critical issue.
6. Keep protective clothing ventilated
Wet towels and bathing suits in closed sticks can quickly become moldy or moldy in the heat. Choose ventilated laundry baskets or leave the lids open to promote air flow until you wash them. For more information on preventing mold and mildew in your home, visit mayoclinic.org.
7. Wash and rotate summer bedding often
On hot, humid nights, sweat and allergens can build up on sheets and pillowcases. Dermatologists recommend washing bedding at least once a week during the summer to maintain cleanliness and comfort. For more information on how often to wash your sheets, see healthline.com.
8. Set your dryer to ‘Low Heat’ or ‘Fluff Air’
Using a dryer in heat can over-dry fabrics, making them stiff or damaged. Choose lower heat settings or air cycle, especially with synthetic and delicate items. The “Air Fluff” setting, also known as “No Heat” or “Air Dry”, folds clothes with air at room temperature, gently removing fluff and fluff, ideal for delicate fabrics and items that cannot withstand heat. For safe drying temperatures, see nytimes.com
9. Use mesh bags for swimwear and delicates
Mesh laundry bags protect swimwear and delicate summer items from stretching or tangling in the wash. Always check the garment’s care label for specific instructions. For more information on washing sensitive products, see cleaninginstitute.org.
10. Clean the washer and dryer regularly
Wet, warm conditions during the summer can promote mold growth in washing machines and lint build-up in dryers. To maintain optimal performance and prevent odors:
Washing machine:
Lint Trap: Empty the lint trap after each use to prevent fire hazards and ensure efficient drying.
Dryer Duct: Clean the dryer duct at least once a year to remove lint build-up and reduce the risk of fire.
For more detailed instructions on cleaning your washing machines, see cdc.gov.
11. Don’t let wet clothes sit
Leaving wet clothes in the washing machine—even for a few hours—can cause bacteria growth and a sour smell in hot weather. Remove loads as soon as the cycle is finished and dry immediately. Learn why speed matters rd.com.
12. Use less detergent in soft summer water
During the summer, heavy rainfall or seasonal changes often result in softer municipal water, which can affect your laundry routine. Soft water allows detergents to work more effectively, so it’s a good idea to reduce the amount of detergent you use to prevent residue build-up on clothes and in the washing machine. In general, when washing in soft water, you can use about half the amount of detergent recommended compared to hard water (homesteady.com). For a more accurate setting, consider using a water hardness to detergent dosage calculator, which takes into account water hardness, load size, floor level and detergent type to recommend the optimal amount of detergent. By adjusting your detergent usage according to water hardness, you can achieve cleaner laundry while extending the life of your washing machine.
13. Protect from allergic agents with warm water
If you are concerned about allergies or allergies, washing your sheets, clothing and pillowcases in hot water (if the fabric allows) can be beneficial. This practice helps eliminate dust mites and reduces pollen build-up. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation recommends washing at temperatures of 130°F (54.4°C) or higher to effectively kill dust mites and remove allergens. For more information, visit their guidelines at aafa.org.
14. Refresh clothes with quick wash cycles
Frequent changes of clothing during the summer often result in lightly worn items that do not need a full wash. Many modern washing machines offer quick or express wash settings, allowing you to clean small loads efficiently, saving time, water and energy. For example, Whirlpool’s Quick Wash cycle can clean regular-sized loads in just 25 minutes ( whirlpool.com).
For a visual demonstration of the quick wash cycle, you can watch this video: Learn more about the Quick Cycle option at Select Whirlpool® Washers
15. Properly store off-season clothing
Before removing bulky winter clothing, it is essential to wash and dry the items thoroughly to prevent mold or pests during the wet months. Use sealed containers and add cedar balls for extra protection. For more detailed advice on safe storage, see customersreports.org.
