Do clothes last longer if washed inside out?

Author: Joan Collins  |  Last update: Monday, January 12, 2026

Turning your clothes inside out before washing them can help protect the fabric during the wash cycle to help keep your clothes looking new for a long time.

Is it better to wash your clothes inside out?

Better Cleaning: Washing clothes inside out can help ensure that dirt and sweat trapped in the fibers are more effectively removed, as the inner side is more directly exposed to water and detergent.

Why should we turn the clothes inside out in the washing machine?

Turning clothes inside out reduces the amount of friction on the outside with other items in the laundry. This reduces wear on the outside of the garment.

Does drying clothes inside out prevent fading?

If you're hanging clothes to dry in the summer, it's important to dry them inside out because it drastically reduces the chances of your clothes fading. When they are inside out, it will protect them from the sun's UV rays because the more sun exposure your clothes get, the more chances of colours fading.

Do clothes last longer if you wash them less?

Laundering less saves water, soap, energy and preserves the intended look of the garment for a longer period of time. Washing causes wear, shrinking, fading, piling (fuzz balls) and sometimes things get wonky or crooked because they were cut off grain.

How To Fix A Washing Machine Which Is Staining Cloth!

How to extend the lifespan of clothes?

10 Tips for Extending the Life of Your Favorite Garments
  1. Follow Care Labels for Proper Cleaning. ...
  2. Wash in Cold Water. ...
  3. Use a Mesh Laundry Bag for Delicates. ...
  4. Air Dry Whenever Possible. ...
  5. Address Stains Immediately. ...
  6. Turn Clothes Inside Out Before Washing. ...
  7. Use Fabric-Safe Detergents. ...
  8. Hand-Wash When Necessary.

How to wash clothes so they last longer?

Here are some suggestions on how to make clothes last longer:
  1. Pay close attention to the laundry symbols. ...
  2. Sort dirty laundry. ...
  3. Remove stain right away. ...
  4. Wash less. ...
  5. Don't Overload your Washing Machine. ...
  6. Select the right washing program. ...
  7. Avoid using too much detergent. ...
  8. Master the ironing process.

Should socks be washed inside out?

Yes, you should wash socks inside out in addition to pretreating the fabric as it can reduce odor retention. The interior of your socks can come into direct contact with dirt and sweat. Turning them inside out before washing allows the detergent to attack odors head on, which may provide you with a more thorough clean.

How to retain the black color of clothes?

Tip to keep black clothing from fading: washing
  1. Wash black clothing separately and sort by weight. ...
  2. Turn your dark clothing inside out before washing. ...
  3. Use a low temperature and short cycle. ...
  4. Choose the right detergent. ...
  5. Wash black clothing separately and sort by weight. ...
  6. Turn your dark clothing inside out before washing.

Should jackets be washed inside out?

All laundry – not just your special garments. Jackets should be washed inside out. Jeans should be washed inside out. And, underwear should be washed inside out.

Should jeans be washed inside out?

First, always make sure to turn your jeans inside out. This simple (but usually neglected) step protects the outer color from fading and minimizes direct contact with chemicals and detergents. This step is especially important for dark-wash and black jeans that are more prone to color loss or transfer.

Should clothes be aired before they are?

Shirts, trousers and dresses don't usually need to be washed every day they're used, but should be aired overnight before being worn the next day.

What's it called when clothes get little balls?

Known as fabric pills, these small fuzz or lint balls form on the surface of a fabric as a result of rubbing, machine-washing, and regular wear and tear. Pilling is not limited to clothing; you might also notice it on upholstered furniture, bedding, or rugs.

Is it OK to leave clothes unwashed?

With the perfect environment, and your dead skin cells and sweat as food, storing your dirty clothes for too long is only going to result in mouldy, bacteria-infested clothing that will eventually end up as a health hazard.

Should hoodies be washed inside out?

Yes, turning your hoodie inside out before washing helps protect the exterior from abrasion and colour fading... ...so it's a good idea to do so for better maintenance of your hoodie. Is it better to air dry or use a dryer for my hoodie? It's better to air dry your hoodie to maintain its softness and prevent shrinkage.

What is the best laundry detergent to prevent fading?

Woolite All Darks Laundry Detergent

To prevent your favorite black tops and jeans from fading to gray after just a few washes, wash them inside out in cold water with a color-preserving detergent like Woolite All Darks.

Why do my black clothes fade after washing?

Hot water washes: Using hot water can cause colours to fade. Harsh detergents: Aggressive detergents strip away colour. Agitation: Overly vigorous washing can lead to fading. Drying: High heat during drying can harm dark fabrics.

Is it better to wash dark clothes in hot or cold water?

Washing in Cold Water Can Help Reduce Fading & Color Bleeding. Hot water is more damaging to fabric fibers. Washing dark-colored fabric in cold water can help keep rich, deep colors looking their best.

How many times should you wear socks before washing?

Generally, your socks should be washed after being worn only once. Socks are constantly in direct contact with your feet. This leaves them vulnerable to bacteria and dirt. Wearing your socks multiple times will cause the dirt to really build up.

Why turn clothes inside out when washing?

By turning your clothes inside out, you're making sure that these finer details don't rub against the inside of the washing machine or other garments. This means they won't fade as quickly or get damaged as easily. Another advantage of washing clothes this way is that it helps keep your bright colours looking vibrant.

Where do missing socks go in the dryer?

In The Dryer Exhaust Vent

The dryer exhaust vent is where the hot air from the dryer is expelled. Socks don't usually get in there, but if there are openings in the dryer seals they can slip in and get stuck.

How to prolong the life of clothes?

Sustainable fashion hacks: Prolonging your wardrobe's lifespan
  1. 1 - Gentle washing. ...
  2. 2 - Turn your clothes inside out. ...
  3. 3 - Limit machine drying. ...
  4. 4 - Hand wash delicates. ...
  5. 5 - Proper storage. ...
  6. 6 - Spot cleaning. ...
  7. 7 - Avoid overwashing. ...
  8. 8 - Mend small issues promptly.

How often does the average person wash their clothes?

Depending on how you fill your washing machine, the sort of clothes you wear and how fresh you like your clothes, the average person does laundry anywhere between one to three times a week. While this may not seem like a lot, it adds up to between 50 and 150 laundry loads every year.

What is the best laundry detergent?

The Best Laundry Detergent
  • Top pick. Tide Ultra Oxi Powder Laundry Detergent. ...
  • Top pick. Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent. ...
  • Runner-up. Persil Original Liquid Detergent Everyday Clean. ...
  • Best for... Tide Pods Free & Gentle Laundry Detergent. ...
  • Best for... Dirty Labs Free & Clear Bio Laundry Detergent.

Previous article
Which Cottonelle toilet paper is best for septic systems?
Next article
Can mold be detected in urine?