Turn your clothes inside out before washing? Here’s the reason an expert insists you should!
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Ah, laundry day. It's as inevitable as the sunrise, and for many of us over 60, it's a ritual we've perfected over the years.
But even the most seasoned laundry veterans might be surprised to learn that a simple flip can make a world of difference.
That's right, we're talking about washing your clothes inside out. It's not just a quirky habit–it's a game-changer for garment care.
Let's unravel the mystery. Why turn your clothes inside out before tossing them into the machine?
Forrest Webber, a cleaning guru from Bear Brothers Cleaning in Huntsville, Alabama, sheds light on this clever practice.
It turns out, the inside-out method is a knight in shining armor for your wardrobe's longevity.
When you wash clothes as they are, the exterior—the part everyone sees—bears the brunt of the machine's friction. This can lead to color fading, pilling, and general wear. But flip them inside out, and voilà!

The inner fabric takes the hit, preserving the outside's color and appearance. It's like giving your clothes a protective shield.
But wait, there's more. The inside of your clothes is where all the action happens. Sweat, body oils, dead skin cells—they all accumulate on the inside.
Washing clothes inside out ensures these unpleasantries are thoroughly cleaned away, keeping embroidery and designs intact.
Tom Ceconi, president of Heritage Park Laundry Essentials, chimes in with a dose of reality. Even the priciest cotton will eventually fade and soften.
That's just the nature of the fabric beast. However, if you're not ready to embrace the vintage look just yet, inside-out washing is your best bet to slow down the fading process.
So, what should you be flipping inside out? Here's a quick checklist:
Source: ExpertVillage Leaf Group / Youtube.
Your workout gear, in particular, is a prime candidate for inside-out washing. The performance fabric may be designed to wick away sweat, but it's the inside that soaks up the bulk of the moisture and odors.
And for those vibrant or dark hues you love, turning them inside out is a must to maintain their vivacity.
Now, before you start flipping everything in your closet, let's pump the brakes. There are times when inside-out isn't the way to go.
Stains, for instance, need direct treatment. If you've got a spot on your shirt, pre-treat it and wash the item right-side out to give the stain the boot.
You might be interested: Are detergent pods a ticking time bomb in your home? Expert reveals shocking truth!
Here's a list of items you might not want to turn inside out:
Plus, they take longer to dry, which could lead to shrinking your clothes if they're lumped together in the dryer.
Slash your bills! 5 easy ways to dry your laundry faster—No extra heat or cost required!
Turning your clothes inside out before washing isn't just a quirky tip—it's a smart strategy endorsed by experts. It protects colors, cleans effectively, and extends the life of your garments.
And while there are exceptions, they're just that—exceptions. For the most part, an inside-out approach to laundry can lead to outside-in satisfaction with your fresh, well-cared-for wardrobe.
Also read: Neglect this washing machine part and pay the price—Clean it now before it's too late!
Have you been washing your clothes inside out? Did you notice a difference in how they wear over time? Or maybe you have a laundry tip or question of your own? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
But even the most seasoned laundry veterans might be surprised to learn that a simple flip can make a world of difference.
That's right, we're talking about washing your clothes inside out. It's not just a quirky habit–it's a game-changer for garment care.
Let's unravel the mystery. Why turn your clothes inside out before tossing them into the machine?
Forrest Webber, a cleaning guru from Bear Brothers Cleaning in Huntsville, Alabama, sheds light on this clever practice.
It turns out, the inside-out method is a knight in shining armor for your wardrobe's longevity.
When you wash clothes as they are, the exterior—the part everyone sees—bears the brunt of the machine's friction. This can lead to color fading, pilling, and general wear. But flip them inside out, and voilà!

Washing clothes inside out can help maintain their colour and protect delicate details such as embroidery or screen prints from wear during the cleaning process. Image source: Dan Gold / Unsplash.
The inner fabric takes the hit, preserving the outside's color and appearance. It's like giving your clothes a protective shield.
But wait, there's more. The inside of your clothes is where all the action happens. Sweat, body oils, dead skin cells—they all accumulate on the inside.
Washing clothes inside out ensures these unpleasantries are thoroughly cleaned away, keeping embroidery and designs intact.
Tom Ceconi, president of Heritage Park Laundry Essentials, chimes in with a dose of reality. Even the priciest cotton will eventually fade and soften.
That's just the nature of the fabric beast. However, if you're not ready to embrace the vintage look just yet, inside-out washing is your best bet to slow down the fading process.
So, what should you be flipping inside out? Here's a quick checklist:
- Jeans
- Athletic wear
- Cotton shirts
- Bright colors
- Dark colors
- Delicate materials
- Stain-free items
Source: ExpertVillage Leaf Group / Youtube.
Your workout gear, in particular, is a prime candidate for inside-out washing. The performance fabric may be designed to wick away sweat, but it's the inside that soaks up the bulk of the moisture and odors.
And for those vibrant or dark hues you love, turning them inside out is a must to maintain their vivacity.
Now, before you start flipping everything in your closet, let's pump the brakes. There are times when inside-out isn't the way to go.
Stains, for instance, need direct treatment. If you've got a spot on your shirt, pre-treat it and wash the item right-side out to give the stain the boot.
You might be interested: Are detergent pods a ticking time bomb in your home? Expert reveals shocking truth!
Here's a list of items you might not want to turn inside out:
- Children's clothing smeared with today's lunch
- Garments dirtied by gardening or other outdoor work
- Sports uniforms caked with field grime
Plus, they take longer to dry, which could lead to shrinking your clothes if they're lumped together in the dryer.
Slash your bills! 5 easy ways to dry your laundry faster—No extra heat or cost required!
Turning your clothes inside out before washing isn't just a quirky tip—it's a smart strategy endorsed by experts. It protects colors, cleans effectively, and extends the life of your garments.
And while there are exceptions, they're just that—exceptions. For the most part, an inside-out approach to laundry can lead to outside-in satisfaction with your fresh, well-cared-for wardrobe.
Also read: Neglect this washing machine part and pay the price—Clean it now before it's too late!
Key Takeaways
- Washing clothes inside out can help maintain their colour and protect delicate details such as embroidery or screen prints from wear during the cleaning process.
- Expert advice suggests that turning clothes inside out is particularly beneficial for items like jeans, athletic wear, cotton shirts, and clothes in bright or dark colors, as it can reduce fading and wear.
- Stained clothes should not necessarily be washed inside out, as doing so might be less effective in removing the stains. It's recommended to pre-treat stains and potentially wash these items correctly oriented to ensure thorough cleaning.
- Towels should be washed separately from other clothes and linens because they are heavier, can cause damage to delicate fabrics during washing, and have different drying times which could lead to shrinking of other items.
Have you been washing your clothes inside out? Did you notice a difference in how they wear over time? Or maybe you have a laundry tip or question of your own? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!