Laundry can be a minefield, but a viral TikTok cleaning expert is offering guidance on how to avoid common mistakes. Ann Russell, who goes by ‘That English Cleaner Lady’ to her 3 million followers, has shared tips on what clothing items should be washed separately or avoided in the washing machine altogether.
Russell, who has a background as a cleaner, dispenses housekeeping advice on her social media channel. Her recommendations aim to prevent damage to garments and ensure proper cleaning.
Items to Avoid in the Washing Machine
Certain fabrics and garments are best kept out of the washing machine. Traditional or vintage suit jackets, for instance, should not be machine washed as their interfacing and padding can be ruined. Similarly, expensive dresses with embellishments like sequins, ruffles, or hand-painted panels are best left to professional cleaners. The delicate nature of these additions can be easily damaged by the agitation of a washing machine, potentially leading to distortion or fraying.
Velvet and leather are also items Russell advises never to wash. Leather, being a skin, can lose its natural oils when exposed to water, leading to stiffness and cracking. Prolonged dampness can even cause mold. Instead, spot cleaning with a damp cloth and using a leather conditioner is recommended. Velvet's delicate fibers can shrink or become damaged by the rough action of a washing machine; a mild soap and a damp cloth are suggested for minor cleaning, with dry cleaning for more significant issues.
Washing Specific Garments
Knitwear, particularly items made of acrylic, should ideally be washed separately. Russell suggests using the wool setting on washing machines for these items. However, garments made from animal hair will shrink and require washing in cold water.
Russell also warns against mixing heavily soiled items with lightly worn clothes. This can transfer dirt and bacteria. Heavily soiled items may also require a longer wash cycle, which could damage clothes that only need a quick freshen up.
Delicate fabrics should not be washed alongside items with zippers and buttons, such as jeans. The metal components can snag or pull on lighter materials, causing damage. It is also advised to close zippers completely on garments to prevent them from catching on other clothes during the wash cycle.
General Laundry Advice
A fundamental piece of advice from Russell is to always check the care label before washing any garment. She emphasizes that assuming similar items can be washed the same way can lead to mistakes. Understanding the manufacturer's recommendations and the fabric composition is key to avoiding disappointment after a laundry cycle.
