We’ve all been there. We’re in a hurry and need to do a load of laundry, but we don’t have enough time to wash everything. So we throw our clothes in the washing machine and let them soak for a while.
But what happens if you soak your clothes for too long? Well, it can lead to several problems, such as the growth of mold and mildew, causing unpleasant smells, and fabric damage.
This blog post will discuss the consequences of soaking your clothes for too long and how to avoid them!
What Happens If You Soak Your Clothes for Too Long?
The Growth of Mold and Mildew
First, mold and mildew can start to grow on your clothes. This is especially true if the water is warm or hot.
Unpleasant Smells
After a while, your clothes will develop an unpleasant smell because of bacteria and mold growth. Drying them again won’t remove the odor, so you’ll usually have to rewash them.
Damage Fibers
In theory, soaking too long can cause water to enter and damage the fibers. When that happens, your clothes can deteriorate, leading to holes and tears.
Soaking Your Clothes
The Purpose
Pre-soaking before washing is a common practice, especially for more delicate fabrics, to help to remove stains and dirt.
There are several ways to do this:
- With only water: Fill your washing machine, bucket, or tub with water and let the clothes submerge for 10 to 20 minutes.
- With a detergent or bleach: Submerge in a mixture of water, and your regular laundry detergent or bleach can help to remove stubborn stains.
How Long To Soak Your Clothes
The length of time depends on the fabric type, how dirty they are, the size of your load, and the water temperature.
- Generally, it would help if you aimed to soak for no longer than 30 minutes. This will help to avoid damage or other problems like mold and mildew growth.
- If you need to wash heavy stains or set in dirt, it’s generally recommended to soak for at least one hour. This will give you plenty of time to work on the stains and get your clothes looking fresh and clean again!
- When washing delicate fabrics like silk or wool, it’s best to limit the time to 20 minutes.
- Soaking overnight can also be applied only to heavy-duty clothing. Clothes are preferred with materials such as denim or canvas that can withstand higher temperatures and submerge for up to 12 hours.
What to Do if You Soak too Long
When this happens, the funky odor will not disappear no matter how much you dry it, so clothes usually have to be rewashed.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Rinse them out with clean water. If your clothes have been soaked in dirty water, they will need a good rinse with clean water before you can wash them. This will help remove any dirt or grime accumulated on the fabric.
- Wash them in your washing machine. Next, wash them in your machine. Be sure to use the appropriate detergent and cycle for the fabric you’re washing.
- Hang them up to dry. After washing your clothes, hang them up to dry or put them in the dryer in a low heat setting. And that’s it!
FAQs
How do you soak clothes?
To soak clothes, you first fill a sink or tub with enough water to submerge the clothing. Then, add a laundry detergent or solution and allow the clothing to sit for a designated amount before washing as usual.
Is it necessary to soak clothes before washing them?
It is unnecessary, but it can help remove stubborn stains or dirt.
Can you soak clothes overnight?
Yes, you can soak clothes overnight. But it can only be applied to heavy-duty clothing such as denim or canvas.
What types of stains benefit from soaking?
It can benefit tough stains such as grass, blood, and grease.
Can you soak different types of fabrics together?
It is generally not recommended to combine different fabrics as they may have different care instructions, and one fabric may bleed color onto another.
Is it okay to leave soaking clothes in the sink for an extended period?
It is not recommended to leave the submerged clothes sitting in the sink for an extended period as bacteria can begin to grow on damp clothing.
Are there any precautions to take when soaking clothes?
It is important to follow care instructions and pay attention to water temperature and type of solution used (i.e., some fabrics should not be soaked in hot water or with bleach).
