Why turn things inside out before washing?

Opinions vary on the advisability of turning clothes inside out before washing. Some believe it's necessary, others say it's best not to, and some don't care at all. Experienced homemakers know how turning clothes inside out during processing affects the durability and aesthetics of any item. Is it really necessary to wash clothes inside out?

Typical reasons

Turning items inside out before washing is essential. This should be done with each item of clothing before each wash, and don't be lazy about turning them back inside out after drying. There are a number of reasons for this.

During processing, especially automatic processing, items are subjected to prolonged, intense mechanical stress, which is what causes them to be washed. At the same time, this causes the finest fibers in the fabric to become deformed and separated; the fabric structure gradually deteriorates, and over time, items lose their original vibrancy and the expressiveness of their newness. Sometimes, even a few careless washes are enough to irreparably ruin an item.

Garment hardware presents a particular challenge to the quality of garments during washing. Stubborn zippers, hooks, buttons, and decorative elements can damage the fabric and lose their appearance and functionality. Even the most durable items (such as jeans) are best turned inside out before washing. The reasons are as follows:

• products are washed less often – the integrity of the fabric fibers and the color saturation on the front side are preserved longer;
• clothing fittings in this form have a lower risk of damaging the fabric of both the garment itself and other items in the machine;
• Buttons and fasteners retain their functionality and appearance better, and will show fewer scratches and paint chips; appliqués, rhinestones, stickers, and embroidery will retain their appeal longer;
• the intensity is significantly reduced formation of pellets;
• the risk of stains from washing powder on the front side is reduced;
• You won't have to turn wet items inside out to dry them gently to prevent them from fading in the sun – it's much easier to do this with dry clothes before washing.

Therefore, it's a good idea to turn items inside out before washing, regardless of the fabric's delicacy. Compared to leaving them in their original state, this will always provide more reliable protection from the unpleasant consequences of washing. These "consequences" tend to accumulate unnoticed over time, slowly but surely degrading the quality of any item. The washing method, in this case, is of secondary importance.

Arguments against turning clothes inside out

Not all housewives know the real reason for turning clothes inside out, believing it only makes washing more difficult. Naturally, all items become soiled from the outside, so it's logical to wash them this way. If the fabric isn't fully exposed to the friction necessary to remove the stain, the washing process may indeed be less effective than desired. With this in mind, the following tips will come in handy:

• It is always worth turning things inside out if they just need to be refreshed by washing and they are not heavily soiled;
• Items with stains or old/absorbed dirt should be soaked and/or pre-washed before machine washing; in such cases, they can be washed without turning inside out for the desired effect;
• In order to maintain the quality of items, it is necessary to minimize the number of washes on the front side, alternating them with washing on the inside;
• Very dirty clothes with metal fittings and decorative elements are best washed by hand and very carefully.

Please note: To make hand washing easier, items can be rinsed and spun in the washing machine.

When deciding whether to turn clothes inside out for washing, it's always worth considering the individual characteristics of each item. Never rush to throw all your items into the washing machine drum without sorting them. Proper care and gentle handling don't require much time or effort. Simply sorting through your items carefully and turning them inside out for washing will reward you with long-lasting service!

   

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