Should You Wash Your Clothes Inside Out?

by Andrew Watton | Jun 26, 2023 | Blog, General Cleaning, Laundry

Introduction: Should You Wash Your Clothes Inside Out?

You know the feeling – you’re about to throw a load of laundry into the washing machine, and you pause. Should I turn any of these clothes inside out first? A simple question, yet one that sparks a surprising amount of debate. Let’s dive into this clothing controversy and examine both sides of the argument.

The Clothing Controversy: Inside Out vs Right Side Out

The Case for Washing Inside Out

Protection of Clothing Material

One of the main reasons behind the inside-out washing advice is to protect the clothing material. The agitation from the washing machine can be tough on the exterior of your clothing. Washing garments inside out can help reduce the friction on the outer surface, thus preserving the original appearance.

Colour Preservation

When it comes to coloured clothing, especially darker shades, washing inside out is a recommendation you’ll often hear. This method helps reduce colour fading, maintaining the vibrancy of your outfits for longer periods.

Care for Prints and Embellishments

Do your clothes have decorative elements like prints, beads, or sequins? If yes, turning them inside out can safeguard these embellishments from potential damage during the washing process.

The Argument Against Washing Inside Out

The Effectiveness of Cleaning

However, some might argue that washing clothes inside out might not get them as clean as they could be. After all, the exterior of the garment is typically more exposed to dirt and stains.

The Question of Time and Effort

Another argument against washing clothes inside out is the added effort. Some might find the task of turning every piece of clothing inside out and then back to its original state after washing quite time-consuming.

When Not to Wash Clothes Inside Out

Not all clothing needs to be washed inside out. Clothes with heavy exterior soiling or without any delicate decorations can typically be washed the usual way and indeed would be better to wash the normal way.

Conclusion

In the end, the decision will be down to a balance between making sure you get effective cleaning, but also protecting colour/fabric/embellishments. In a typical wash there may only be a couple of items where it might be better to wash inside out. It would rarely be the case that most or all of a full wash would be washed inside out.

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