Tackling the washing machine might seem simple, but it’s a skill we often learn the hard way, after many shrunken t-shirts or linen pieces that have been sacrificed with the best intentions.

With so many tips and tricks floating around, it’s easy to fall for common laundry myths. From overwashing your denim to tumble drying your delicate underwear, these small mistakes can shorten the life span of your clothes. But don't worry, we're here to spill all the secrets to proper garment care!

We'll debunk six common clothing care mistakes you might be making (and how to fix them) so your favourite plus size pieces stay fresh, fabulous, and ready to wear on repeat.

Your Clothing Care Questions Answered:

• How Often Should You Wash Jeans?
• Can I Clean Faux Leather with Laundry Detergent?
• Machine-Washing Knitwear?
• Does Fabric Softener Ruin Activewear?
• Does Hot Water Damage Linens?
• Can You Iron Ruched Dresses?

Reading and Understanding the Care Labels

Every piece of clothing comes with a care label featuring written instructions and universally recognised washing symbols. Taking a moment to check this label before tossing your clothes in the wash ensures you're following the correct steps for that specific garment, helping it last longer and look its best.

Don't Wash Your Jeans Too Often

Your plus size denim jeans are a wardrobe staple, so it makes sense to wash them after every wear. However, over-washing your denim is one of the biggest mistakes you can make, as it can cause colour fading, loss of shape, and even damage to fabric quality.

Instead, aim to wash your jeans every 5 to 8 wears. Always turn them inside out, and use a cold machine wash. A good rule of thumb? Wash only when they're visibly dirty or start to smell. In between washes, spot-clean minor stains with a damp cloth and mild detergent, and let your jeans air out to help them maintain their shape.

Keep Laundry Detergents Away from Faux Leather

We get it, tossing your faux leather jacket into the washing machine sounds way easier than hand-cleaning. But hold up! Doing that could lead to peeling, cracking, discolouration, or even total ruin of your favourite jacket. So, skip both traditional dry cleaning and the washing machine, and opt for a more pared-back method.

Grab a soft, clean cloth and gently wipe down your faux leather or faux suede pieces with a mild soap-and-water mix. And whatever you do… step away from toxic chemicals like bleach and from the iron! They'll shrink, warp, or crack your beloved wardrobe staples faster than you can say “fashion emergency.”

Think Twice Before Machine-Washing Knitwear

We're here to answer the million-dollar question: Can you really machine-wash knitwear? The short answer is yes, but only on a gentle cycle to prevent damage or shrinking.

A common mistake is using warm water with a regular, or worse, a high-speed cycle. These settings are too harsh for knitwear, causing unwanted pilling and shrinkage due to excess water and movement.

Instead, turn your knitwear inside out and select a gentle cold cycle, which mimics the effect of hand-washing. Wash separately from other clothes and avoid heavy loads to reduce static cling. After washing, lay your knitwear on a drying rack, and store it folded on a shelf rather than hanging it to avoid stretching.

How Fabric Softeners Affect Your Activewear

Ever bought a new activewear set meant to motivate you at the gym, only for it to look and feel worn out after just a few washes? If you've been using fabric softener, that's likely where things went wrong. Fabric softener leaves a waxy residue that clogs the fibres, preventing your workout gear from properly absorbing sweat and moisture, and leaving behind lingering odours and grime.

Instead, to treat stains and sweat marks, turn your plus size activewear inside out, wash it on a gentle cold water cycle and skip the heavy detergents. If mesh laundry bags are available, use them to protect your activewear in the machine. Let your damp clothes air-dry completely before your next gym session, and your active pieces will stay fresh, functional, and looking like new.

Avoid Washing Your Linens with Hot Water

While hot water might seem like the key to a better clean, your curvy linen pieces would say otherwise. Excess heat can shrink the fabric and fade its colour, making your linens lose their charm too soon.

Treat any stains beforehand with a baking soda solution, and hand-wash with a mild detergent, avoiding harsh chemicals like bleach. Air-dry your linens outdoors whenever possible, but avoid direct sunlight, as it can weaken the fibres and cause yellowing or brittleness over time.

Best Ways to Remove Wrinkles from Ruched Dresses

Ruched dresses are made to celebrate your curves, with gathered fabric that adds both stretch and dimension. But with all those textured folds, a few wrinkles are bound to sneak in. Before you reach for the iron, it's worth rethinking your approach.

A clothes steamer is your best friend, gently easing out creases without putting direct heat or pressure on the fabric. If you must iron, use the lowest setting and carefully press between the ruched seams. With these tips, your plus size dress will look effortlessly polished, perfect for cocktail parties, weddings, or special dinner dates.

By avoiding these common washing mistakes, you'll prevent poorly cleaned clothes and be ready to care for your wardrobe properly! From giving linen the attention it deserves to preserving the shape of your go-to denim, these tips will help your favourite pieces last longer.

If you've parted ways with your favourites a little too soon, don't worry, You & All's latest arrivals have you covered. Discover the hottest plus size styles online or in-store today!