Ethermac Exchange-You're Doing Your Laundry All Wrong: Your Most Common Laundry Problems, Solved

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You might be making these common laundry mistakes without even realizing it! Fixing these little laundry blunders can lead to cleaner clothes, fresher sheets, and towels that actually look new.

Picture this: a closet bursting with spotless clothes, linens that smell amazing, and towels that are free from those weird stains and bleached spots. It's all possible, if you follow these tips from Michelle Piombino, Principal Scientist at Henkel for Purex Laundry, and shop our favorite laundry products below. 

We chatted with the laundry expert about the most common laundry missteps and, more importantly, how to fix them.

We learned the ideal temperature for washing your lights and darks, the best ways to treat coffee, wine, and grease stains, and—perhaps most crucially—why pre-treating is the key to success before starting that wash cycle.

“Pre-treating stains is essential for removing tough spots. The sooner you do it, the better,” Piombino explains. "Apply a small amount of stain-fighting detergent directly to the stain, let it sit for at least 10 minutes, and gently rub it in before tossing the item into the wash.”

How to Choose the Right Laundry Temperature for Your Clothes

“When choosing the right water temperature, always check the care label on your clothing," says Piombino. “The symbols will indicate whether to use cold, warm, or hot water.”

She suggests washing whites in warm or hot water, especially cotton items, and keeping them separate from colored clothes to prevent color transfer. Meanwhile, cold water is ideal for preserving the richness and vibrancy of dark colors.

How to Remove the Most Common Stains

If you're like most people, your laundry often includes stubborn stains—from coffee and wine to grease. Luckily, Piombino offers expert advice to help you tackle these common challenges and restore your clothes to their best condition.

How to Remove Coffee Stains

“If you can address the stain while it’s fresh, gently blot it with a damp cloth to lift some of the coffee before it sets,” Piombino advises. "Avoid rubbing, as that could push the stain deeper into the fabric. For a fresh stain, rinse with water immediately to remove as much coffee as possible.”

She has tailored advice depending on how you take your coffee. “For black coffee, pre-treat the stain with an oxygen-based cleaner, which contains hydrogen peroxide that breaks down the stain. Let it sit for five minutes before washing.”

“For coffee with milk, use an enzyme-based stain remover to target the milk proteins,” she adds. "After pre-treating, wash with a stain-fighting detergent.” 

We've handpicked some of the best detergent and stain remover options to upgrade your laundry routine below.

How to Remove Red Wine Stains

“Red wine stains need immediate attention to avoid permanent damage,” Piombino advises. If you're out and about, club soda can help treat the stain until you get home.

“To fully treat the stain, pre-treat with an oxi-based cleaner or stain-fighting detergent,” she says. "Ensure the entire stain is covered, let it sit for at least five minutes, then wash. Check that the stain is gone before drying, as heat can set it permanently.”

How to Remove Grease Stains

Grease stains can be tricky, but even if you're out of laundry detergent, there’s hope. “You can use dishwashing detergent or laundry detergent to pre-treat grease stains,” says Piombino. “Enzyme-based detergents are especially effective for breaking down protein-based stains.”

Allow the detergent to sit on the stain for five minutes before washing.

“After the wash, inspect the area to see if the stain is completely gone. If not, repeat the process before drying,” she advises.

Why Does Bleach Turn White Clothes Yellow?

"Bleach can actually cause white clothes to yellow if used incorrectly,” Piombino explains.

"Always follow the bleach instructions and the care label on the garment. Using too much bleach can lead to discoloration, so measure carefully.”

Why Sheets Turn Yellow and How to Prevent It

If you share your bed, you've probably noticed that one side of the sheets—often your partner’s—tends to turn yellow faster. According to Piombino, this might be a sign that your laundry schedule needs to be bumped up.

“Sweat and body oils build up over time and can cause sheets to yellow if they aren't washed frequently enough,” she says. “To keep sheets fresh, we recommend washing them at least once a week, or more often depending on your habits.”

Shop our favorite laundry products below

Shop must-have scented and unscented detergent options. Plus, a bunch of ways to help remove stains, brighten clothing, and some eco-friendly laundry picks.