Are Mesh Bags A Smart Laundry Hack Or Just A Waste Of Time?

Over the years, a lot of advancements have been made when it comes to how we do our laundry. Not only have washing machines improved over the years, but now there are more fabrics that can stand up to being machine-washed as well. But there are plenty of pieces that still need special care to be washed at home, which is why using a mesh laundry bag is more than just a hack; it's a vital tool in your arsenal.

Mesh laundry bags, which can sometimes be referred to as lingerie bags, are great for protecting delicate materials like silk, nylon, and lace. These mesh bags will protect any embellishments on the fabric and help preserve the shape of your clothing because they stop items from wrapping around an agitator or other pieces in the wash. While many women might use these bags to wash just their lingerie, they can actually be used for a wider array of clothing and linens. Once you close your items into the bag, the mesh acts as a barrier between your delicate fabrics and the other items in your washing machine. At the same time, the mesh allows water and detergent to get into the bag to clean the cloths.

What you should know about agitator washing machines is that they can cause issues during laundry because they have a tendency to get rough on your clothing. The way an agitator works is that it twists in the machine so your clothes rub together, loosening any dirt and particles on the fabrics. But as that component twists and turns, more delicate fabrics can actually get damaged from the movement. The roughness of the agitator can lead to stretching, holes, and more wear-and-tear in the long run when these more dainty pieces are left to wash loose in the machine.

However, it's not just agitator machines that can cause issues with your clothing. Although front loading washers are more gentle, there are things in your laundry load that can still lead to problems for your delicates, like buttons and zippers. Without the mesh barrier, these fasteners can catch on finer material and rip or tear the fabric.

Instead of just throwing all of your clothes into the machine and hoping for the best, a mesh laundry bag can help to extend the life of your more delicate fabrics. And it's easy to find these mesh laundry bags, as they are available at stores like Dollar Tree, Five Below, Target, and more. They also come in a variety of sizes, letting you wash everything from small lingerie to silk sheets, and sweaters. And the best part? You can easily repurpose these mesh laundry bags around the house, too.