13 Garments That Should Always Go Into The Washing Machine Inside Out For A Better Clean

At first glance, doing your laundry might seem like a straightforward task: throw your dirtied items into the washing machine, add soap, run the cycle, and you're done. This could not be further from the truth, however, as anyone with laundry experience will tell you. There are all sorts of aspects of doing laundry that everyone gets wrong, including selecting the water temperature and cycle, and that's without any mention of sorting your clothing according to color. When it comes down to it, there are all sorts of tricks to get your laundry really clean — many of which you might go many years without ever realizing; one of these secrets is that certain garments need to be turned inside out for a proper clean. 

If this is your first time hearing that some laundry items need to be turned inside out, you might be initially shocked, but the reasoning behind this practice is quite practical. For some items, turning them inside out will help protect them, ensuring they remain in good condition for a long time, such as those with embellishments on the outside. Other pieces might, however, need to be turned inside out before washing to get them fully clean, like your baby's soiled onesie or your partner's stinky socks. Once you have mastered which items need to be turned inside out before washing them, you'll likely begin to experience cleaner laundry with little added effort.

Some clothing is prone to getting dirtier than others, holding onto odors and grime — chief among these offenders is athletic clothing. When you sweat during a difficult workout, the odors become lodged in the fibers under your armpits and other areas that get particularly sweaty. In order to get your clothes truly clean, go the extra mile and turn them inside out before washing them. This is also a good way to loosen deodorant stains that might get caked onto clothing.

Part of the washing process for your clothing involves agitation of the load and plenty of friction with other clothes. Turning your beloved graphic shirts inside out will help to protect the vibrancy of the print for longer. Be sure to also wash your graphic tees on cold, since this is easier on the fabric and print. Another way to preserve the appearance of your graphic tee over time is to skip the dryer — hang dry or use the lowest heat setting possible.

If you have articles of clothing that are brightly colored, one of the best things you can do before washing them is to turn them inside out. While all clothing is prone to fading over time, turning these items inside out is the overlooked laundry trick that keeps colors bright and protects them for longer than if you were to just throw them into the wash as is. 

There's no denying that babies are adorable — they are also messy, and some of their messes are more egregious than others — enter diaper blowouts. While you might not be able to work any miracles when it comes to removing stubborn stains, you do have a good shot at getting their outfit cleaner by turning it out before washing it. Allow the detergent to make the most contact with the mess to break it down, and resist the urge to use hot water; cold water is better at lifting stains.

Among the most delicate of garments are those made of silk. This smooth material is beautiful and offers many benefits, but it can also be easily damaged if you're not careful. While hand-washing silk items is the best practice, busy individuals might need to turn to a washing machine from time to time. In this case, be sure to turn your silk items inside out to protect their surfaces from scratches or other damage (it's also best to use a garment bag if you have one and select the most gentle cycle).

Your favorite wool sweater, dress, or turtleneck will last you for many years if you treat it the right way, so properly care for your wool clothing by turning it inside out in the washing machine. While wool is durable, it is also prone to pilling and damage while being tossed around in your laundry appliance. Turning it inside out will provide it with an extra layer of protection and keep it looking good for longer. If you don't own a large mesh bag, you should absolutely add one to your laundry arsenal.

Garments that are graced with an embellishment, such as a fancy stitching detail or sequins, can be damaged in the washing machine if the details snag on another piece of clothing. Turning your embellished items inside out will protect them from damage in the washing machine while still yielding a powerful clean. Wash on a delicate cycle to play things extra safe and use a mesh bag, too, if you have one.

If you wear dress shirts with any frequency, you know they need to be washed just as often as your other clothing. In order to keep them clean and looking good over time, you should unbutton the shirt entirely before turning it inside out. This will help guarantee that your washing machine can effectively remove stains — like body oils, sweat, and deodorant — without damaging your shirt in the process.

If you're not familiar with the proper way to wash your denim jeans or other denim items, you should know that it begins with turning them inside out. Jeans are durable and made to last a long time, but if you fail to properly prepare them for the wash, they could wear out significantly sooner (namely, the color could fade a lot faster). Also, remember that you might not need to wash your jeans as often as you think, unless they are getting really soiled.

Similar to athletic clothing that gets sweaty and grimy with time, leggings are designed to cling close to your body. Because of this, you should turn your leggings inside out before washing them to protect the appearance of the material as well as to ensure that they are getting fully clean while in the washing machine. It's also recommended to wash leggings on cold, since hotter temperatures are less forgiving when it comes to the elastic properties you rely on from these pants.

If you live in a frigid location and are in the habit of wearing snow pants, you know that this waterproof layer commonly gets wet and gross from melted snow. While washing them from time to time is imperative for keeping them clean and in good condition, you should turn them inside out to keep them in the best condition for the longest period. By simply turning snow pants inside out, you'll protect their water-resistant properties and help them keep you dry and warm.

Socks are another article of clothing that you should wash inside out in order to get them cleaner. Since they are responsible for keeping your feet dry and clean, they are also often the stinkiest laundry you need to keep smelling fresh. In order to achieve this goal, turn them inside out before tossing them into the washing machine, and you'll be sure to have the freshest pair possible.

Humble though they may be, undergarments have a vital role to play. You need them as clean as possible, and turning them inside out before washing them is the best way to get them this fresh. Just like workout leggings and socks, underwear gets up close and personal; ensuring the detergent and water can clean the areas that come in contact with your skin will guarantee your laundry is fresh, you stay healthy, and your underwear lasts longer.