Introduction
Washing clothes is a task that needs to be handled carefully. This is because some clothes are made of delicate material, and exposing them directly to the washing machine can result in wear and tear that can reduce the life of clothes or even damage them beyond repair. Thankfully, we can use mesh laundry bags to protect these clothes during the cleaning process.
Mesh laundry bags are made of porous material like durable polyester that allows soap and water to pass through while shielding your delicate clothes from damage during the washing and drying cycle. They come in different sizes and can be fastened with zippers, plastic gator clips, rubber or drawstrings.
When Should You Use a Mesh Laundry Bag?
You should use a mesh laundry bag during your laundry routine when you want to launder delicate clothes, activewear or gym clothes, items with straps or embellishments, or when washing baby clothes.
Washing Delicate Clothes
Use a mesh laundry bag as a hack when washing delicate clothes made of silk, wool, nylon, or lace as they can stretch or snag in a washing machine. These items usually require dry cleaning or a hand wash. However, you can use a garment bag to clean these items and protect them from damage during the washing cycle.
People also put items such as undergarments, swimsuits, and hosiery in a washable laundry bag and use the delicate cycle on the machine while washing these garments.
Washing Activewear or Gym Clothes
Gym clothes or activewear are generally made of polyester or nylon which is durable. However, they might have zippers or string-based fasteners that can get caught in the agitator or drum of the washing machine during the cleaning cycle. Therefore, it is best to place this wash in a laundry bag before running the washing machine.
Washing Items with Straps or Embellishments
Clothes that have beads, sequins, or other decorative work done on them generally need to get a hand wash or be dry cleaned, which can be expensive. However, if the care label allows machine washing, make sure to place these items in a mesh bag to prevent them from catching on to other items or falling loose into the washing machine.
Bras and lingerie that are made of soft material are also prone to damage if placed in a washer. Fastening all hooks before placing them into a wash bag is better. This prevents them from attaching to the other clothes.
Washing Baby Clothes and Small Items
Baby clothes and small items like socks are likely to get lost during the washing process. It will save you a lot of time and frustration if you place these items in a mesh bag so that they are in one place during the washing cycle.
How Should You Choose a Mesh Laundry Bag
Some things need to be considered while you are on the lookout for a laundry bag. These include the type of material the bag is made of, the available sizes, the fastening that has been used, and whether the mesh bag offers a dryer-safe environment for the clothes.
Type of Material
Most mesh laundry bags are made of polyester or its variants. The decision is about whether you need a tight weave bag or an open mesh – a tighter weave will give more protection than an open mesh.
Type of Fastening
Mesh garment bags come with a variety of fastenings, such as zippers, drawstrings, plastic gator clips, and cinch locks. Drawstrings are liable to get tangled in the wash. Plastic gator clips or cinch locks can bounce and knock around on the inside of your washer. They create noise and may even break in a high-efficiency washer when it is put on high spin. Zippers are more reliable and secure, however, you have to ensure that it has a sleeve for the zipper head. This will reduce the chances of it snagging when put in the wash.
Sizes Available
Depending on the manufacturer that you choose, there are a variety of sizes available. It is recommended to buy mesh bags in several different sizes rather than go for a single large one to give you the flexibility to use the size that is relevant for the wash load and the number of clothes that you want to place in the mesh bag.
Dryer Safe
The best garment bags to choose from are the ones that are dryer-safe. This means that they are heat resistant and can withstand the pressure of a dryer while protecting the clothes.
Using a Mesh Laundry Bag: A Step-By-Step Guide
This section is a guide on how to best use a mesh laundry bag during washing time. You will need to do the following.
1. Sort and Load the Clothing Items
The first step is to sort out the clothes into categories such as whites, colored fabrics, and delicate items. You can then choose which items to place in the mesh bag.
2. Secure and Close the Mesh Bag
The next step is to make sure that all the delicate clothes have been placed in the mesh bag. Secure the mesh bag by closing the zipper, drawstring, or clip. Make sure that the bag has not been filled too tight and that it has been closed securely to prevent it from opening up during the washing and drying process.
3. Place It in the Washing Machine
This is the last step in the process. Load the clothes that don't require a mesh bag into the washing machine at the bottom. Then, place the mesh bag on top and start the washing cycle. Remember it is better to air dry rather than tumble dry your delicate clothes.
Protect Your Clothes With Rinse
If you have to wash delicate or baby clothes regularly, it is best practice to protect them during this process and ensure their longevity. Putting them in a mesh bag and using a soft detergent like Woolite will prevent color bleed and keep your clothes looking fresh after every wash.
However, if you do not have the time or want someone else to take care of keeping your clothes in top condition, try a professional laundry service that knows all about protecting your clothes while washing them, such as Rinse.
Check out our wash & fold, dry clean, and hang dry services that will save you the effort of dealing with your laundry every week. The best part? We come pick up and then deliver your clothes, right to your front door.
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