11 Laundry Rules That Are Meant to Be Broken

We've all been there: staring at a pile of laundry while a little voice tells us to never mix colors or always keep zippers zipped up. And while some laundry wisdom has stood the test of time, many of the age-old rules deserve a much-needed modern update. And with today's improved detergents, better washing machines and more durable fabrics, some of the strict laundry commandments you’ve been living by can finally be broken.

Fourth-generation dry cleaner and "The Laundry Book" author Zach Pozniak says laundry rules often feel outdated because our parents are the ones teaching us, and they were taught by their parents. "Laundry products and appliances have come a long way in the last decade, let alone the last fifty years," he points out.

And doing laundry doesn’t have to be boring. "With the right tools, it can be fun," laundry expert Patric Richardson, says. “Laundry is like cooking,” he added. "We don't use one knife for everything or one skillet. We select the right tools and we get great results."

Here are twelve traditional laundry rules you can feel free to bend — or just completely break — to make your life a little bit easier without sacrificing clean clothes.

While cold water is energy-efficient, some items really do need hot water, like your sweaty gym clothes, stinky bath towels and bedding. Hot water effectively kills bacteria and removes body oils better than cold water can. That’s why Pozniak says hot water "should be reserved for sanitization, very dirty clothes or stinky garments."

Modern dyes are more colorfast than ever. If your clothes aren't brand new and you're washing in cold water, it’s usually fine to mix lights and darks. Just keep new red items and raw or over-dyed denim separate. They’re notorious bleeders.

Sorting by weight and fabric type can matter more than sorting by color. Washing heavy items like towels with lightweight clothes can damage delicate fabrics, even if the colors match perfectly.

Most people use way too much detergent. Try using half the recommended amount. Your clothes will get just as clean as they would with a full cup, and you'll avoid detergent buildup that can make fabric feel stiff and dull. Two tablespoons of detergent is more than enough for a full load, Richardson says.

Denim actually benefits from being washed less. Spot clean your jeans when needed and wash them every 4-5 wears instead. This preserves the fit and color while reducing water waste. But it’s good to trust your gut. "You are the best decision maker for your clothes," Richardson says.

Many items labeled "dry clean only" can actually be hand-washed or machine-washed on delicate. Cashmere, wool and silk often do fine with gentle hand-washing in cold water. Another hack: Rubbing a bit of liquid detergent on a stain is an extremely effective stain remover, Pozniak says. Just make sure to wash it after.

Fabric softener can reduce the absorbency of towels and athletic wear, and it leaves a coating that can trap odors. Try using white vinegar instead. It softens clothes naturally and removes odors.

While zipping up your zippers will help prevent snags, this can create more wrinkles. Instead, zip up the zipper halfway. It’ll help you prevent snags and excessive wrinkling.

While hand-washing is ideal for bras, they can go in the machine if you use a mesh bag and wash them on the delicate cycle. Just hook them first to prevent tangling.

Care labels are often overly cautious to protect manufacturers. With some research and common sense, you can often safely deviate from the instructions, like washing "dry clean only" sweaters on delicate or drying "lay flat to dry" items on low heat. And always check a stain before tumble drying so it isn't set, Pozniak says.

While running full loads is generally efficient, waiting too long can lead to stains setting in and odors becoming difficult to remove. It's okay to run a smaller load when needed, especially for sweaty workout clothes or heavily soiled items. Modern washers often have settings for partial loads that use less water and energy.