How to Get Cleaner Clothes: 7 Laundry Tips for Whiter Whites and Better Results

Laundry might seem like a simple chore, but doing it right can make a big difference—especially if you’re tired of dingy whites, lingering odors, or clothes that don’t feel as clean as they should. Just flown the nest and need some beginner laundry tips? Or maybe you've been doing laundry for years but your whites need a comeback? Either way, a few smart tricks can help your clothes look, feel, and smell fresher.

And if your washer isn’t cooperating, our DIY washer repair help section can walk you through fixes for common problems, from draining issues to spin cycle trouble.

Sort, Load, and Set It Right

Getting cleaner clothes starts before the cycle begins. Sorting your laundry the right way and choosing the right wash settings can help prevent fading, fabric damage, and stubborn stains that didn’t quite come out.

Sort by More Than Just Color

Most people know to separate lights and darks, but sorting by fabric type is just as important. Washing towels with T-shirts or jeans with delicates leads to uneven cleaning—and often, unnecessary wear and tear.

Use this simple sort system:

• Whites and lights – sheets, tees, socks, underwear

• Darks and brights – jeans, hoodies, colored shirts

• Heavy fabrics – towels, denim, jackets

• Delicates and synthetics – athletic wear, lingerie, lace

Each fabric group benefits from different water temperatures, spin speeds, and wash times. Keeping them separate helps clothes last longer and come out cleaner.

Choose the Best Cycle for the Load

Your washer's cycle settings aren’t just for show. Using the right one helps your machine work more effectively and keeps clothes from shrinking, stretching, or fading.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Normal/Cotton – for most everyday clothes

• Delicate/Gentle – for lighter fabrics like lace, rayon, or athletic gear

• Bulky/Heavy Duty – for towels, blankets, or anything that holds water

• Whites – adds an extra rinse and/or hot water for better brightness

• Cold wash or colors – protects color vibrancy and prevents bleeding

Sorting smart and setting the right cycle is one of the easiest ways to get cleaner clothes without causing extra wear—and without having to run a second wash.

Don’t Let Stains Set In

Letting a stain sit too long is a classic beginner laundry mistake—and one even seasoned pros sometimes make. The truth is, the longer a stain stays in the fabric, the more it sets and the harder it becomes to remove—especially on white clothes.

Quick action makes all the difference, and with a few simple habits, you can stop stains in their tracks before they turn permanent.

Tackle Stains Right Away

Act fast when you notice a spill or spot. The sooner you treat it, the more likely it’ll come out completely.

Tips for better stain removal:

• Blot—don’t rub. Press gently with a clean towel or cloth to lift the stain without spreading it.

• Use cold water first. For most stains like juice or mud, rinsing with cold water helps prevent the stain from setting.

• Try warm water for greasy spots. Oil-based stains like salad dressing or lipstick respond better to warm water.

• Always pretreat. Apply a stain remover or laundry detergent directly to the spot and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before washing.

Not sure how to handle specific fabrics or types of stains? Check out our full guide on how to pretreat laundry stains for stain-by-stain and fabric-specific tips that really work.

Choose the Right Detergent (and the Right Amount)

When it comes to getting cleaner clothes, more detergent is not better. Overdoing it with soap can leave a filmy residue on your laundry—and in your washer. That leftover buildup can actually hold onto dirt, dull your fabrics, and even cause that mystery odor you can’t seem to wash away.

Use What Works—Not What Foams

Smart detergent tips:

• Measure every time. Use the dosing line on the cap or scoop—not just a guess.

• Cut back with soft water. Softer water means fewer suds are needed to clean effectively.

• Use HE detergent in high-efficiency washers. It’s designed to produce fewer suds and rinse out more thoroughly.

Load Detergent the Right Way

For top-load washers without a detergent dispenser, always add detergent first so it dissolves properly in the water before clothes go in. Pouring it on top of the load can leave streaks or clumps, especially with powders or pods.

Too much detergent can also lead to over-sudsing, which stresses out your machine. That buildup can affect performance—and even damage your washer’s internal parts over time. For more on preventing soap-related problems and keeping your washer in top shape, check out our guide: 6 washing machine tips: how to clean a washer and keep it running strong.

Wash Whites With Care

If your white socks look more like “light gray” and your tees have lost their spark, you’re not alone. Figuring out how to get white clothes white again takes more than just tossing them into your usual load and hoping for the best.

Brighten Without the Bleach Overload

Try this routine for brighter whites:

• Sort whites into their own load. Washing them with colors (even lights) can lead to gradual graying.

• Check the label and go warmer. Warm or hot water works better for whites—just make sure the fabric can handle it.

• Use a laundry booster. Oxygen bleach or baking soda are safer brighteners that work without damaging fabric.

• Line-dry in sunlight. The UV rays act as a natural bleach—and it’s free.

If you’ve been relying on chlorine bleach to do all the heavy lifting, know that it can backfire. Over time, bleach can actually yellow fabrics and weaken fibers, especially in synthetics and blends. Instead, combine good sorting, a little laundry science, and a booster to revive dingy whites without the drama.

Don’t Overload the Washer

Stuffing the washer to the brim might seem like a time-saver, but it’s one of the fastest ways to end up with half-clean clothes—and an overworked appliance. A too-full drum means clothes can’t move freely, detergent doesn’t rinse out, and the spin cycle may not work properly.

Give Your Laundry (and Washer) Some Breathing Room

Keep loads balanced by:

• Leaving 4–6 inches of space between the top of the drum and your laundry.

• Grouping fabrics by weight—heavy items like jeans or towels can throw off the spin if mixed with lightweight shirts.

• Washing bulky items solo—comforters, blankets, and sleeping bags do best on their own.

An overloaded washer can also strain components like the suspension or drive motor. If you’re noticing excessive vibration, shaking, or loud noise, it might just be an unbalanced load—or a sign that something more serious needs attention.

Use the Right Water Temperature

Water temperature matters more than you might think—it affects how well stains lift, whether colors bleed, and how much wear your clothes take over time. Using the right setting can help you get cleaner clothes while protecting your laundry from shrinkage or fading.

Match Water Temp to the Load

• Hot: Great for white socks, towels, and bedding—especially if you’re tackling allergens or heavy soil. Only use it if the fabric label says it’s safe.

• Warm: Best for everyday loads. It balances cleaning power and fabric care, making it a reliable default.

• Cold: Ideal for darks, bright colors, and delicate fabrics. It helps prevent fading and shrinkage, and saves energy too.

A Few Pro Tips

Check detergent labels. Some detergents are formulated to work best in cold water, but others need warmth to dissolve fully.

When in doubt, go warm. It’s the most forgiving temperature for most laundry tasks.

For stubborn odors or oily stains, warm or hot water works better than cold.

Water temp can make or break your wash quality—and if you're new to doing laundry, it's one of the easiest settings to get right from the start.

Clean Your Washing Machine

If your clean laundry still smells... not-so-clean, your washer might be to blame. Detergent residue, fabric softener buildup, and leftover moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and that unmistakable musty odor. A regular washer cleaning routine keeps your clothes fresh and your machine running efficiently.

Keep Your Washer Fresh With These Habits

• Run a self-clean cycle or a hot wash with washing machine cleaner once a month.

• Wipe down the rubber door seal (especially on front-loaders) to remove lint and moisture.

• Rinse and dry detergent and fabric softener dispenser trays to prevent buildup.

• Always leave the door or lid open after each load to let the drum dry out completely.

Front-load washers are especially prone to moisture issues, but top-load models aren’t immune either.

Need more help with smelly washers? Here’s how to keep your washer odor free, and what to do if yours already smells funky. Want a deeper cleaning routine? Follow our full guide on how to clean a washer and keep it running strong.

FAQs

Q: How often should I clean my washing machine?

A: Clean it once a month, or more often if you run several loads per week.

Q: What’s the best way to get clothes cleaner without damaging them?

A: Use the right detergent and cycle for each load, don’t overload, and pre-treat stains as needed.

Q: Can I mix fabrics like towels and shirts in the same load?

A: It’s best to wash heavy fabrics separately—they can damage lightweight clothes and lead to uneven washing.

Q: My clothes still smell after washing. What can I do?

A: Try washing with less detergent, cleaning your washer, and drying clothes promptly to prevent mildew.

Q: Do I really need to leave the washer door open after every load?

A: Yep. It helps air out the drum and prevents mildew. Think of it as letting your washer breathe.

Cleaner laundry starts with a few simple habits—sort well, treat stains early, and don’t overload your washer. The better care you take of your clothes and your machine, the better everything looks, smells, and lasts.

If your washer isn’t working like it should, our DIY washer repair help section has expert troubleshooting tips, repair guides, and step-by-step videos to get you back on track.