The #1 dark clothes laundry mistake you didn’t know you were making

We’ve all been there: you pull your favourite black jeans or that trusty navy tee out of the washing machine, only to find them covered in mysterious white streaks and blotches. 

Instead of looking fresh and clean, your dark clothes seem even dirtier than when they went in. If you’ve ever muttered, ‘What on earth is going on with my laundry?’—you’re not alone. 

This laundry dilemma recently made waves online when a frustrated woman took to social media’s ‘Cleaning Tips’ thread, sharing a photo of her black leggings streaked with white marks. ‘Every time I wash my clothes, they look dirtier than before,’ she lamented. 

She’d tried everything—separating her darks, using the same detergent as her partner, even hand-washing after machine washing—but nothing seemed to work. 

The culprit, she wondered, might be her partner’s waxy deodorant build-up, but he wasn’t having the same issue. Desperate, she pleaded for advice on how to clean her washing machine and banish the marks for good.

The answer, as it turns out, is a classic case of ‘less is more’. The overwhelming consensus from fellow social media users? She was simply using too much laundry detergent.

The surprising truth about laundry detergent

It’s a mistake many of us make—after all, if a little detergent is good, more must be better, right? Not so, say the experts (and a legion of experienced home launderers online). 

Overloading your wash with powder or liquid detergent can actually backfire, especially with dark clothes. 

When there’s too much soap, your machine’s rinse cycle can’t wash it all away, leaving behind a residue that dries into those dreaded white streaks.

One user confessed, ‘This happens to me when my husband does laundry and just dumps the detergent in without measuring it. The rinse cycle can’t get all the detergent off and it leaves residue.’ 

Another chimed in, ‘All you need is two tablespoons. It works for me!’ In fact, some people use even less—just a single tablespoon for a regular load.

Why are dark clothes so susceptible?

Dark fabrics are like the canary in the coal mine for laundry mistakes. They show up every speck of lint, every stray hair, and—most annoyingly—every bit of leftover detergent. 

If you’re using too much soap, or if your machine is overloaded and clothes can’t move freely, the detergent can’t dissolve and rinse away properly. The result? Streaks, spots, and a whole lot of frustration.

Other common laundry pitfalls

While detergent overload is the main offender, it’s not the only one. Here are a few other mistakes that can leave your darks looking less than their best:

• Overloading the machine: Cramming too many clothes in at once means there’s not enough water or space for them to rinse clean.
• Not cleaning your washing machine: Built-up detergent, fabric softener, and grime can transfer back onto your clothes. Most modern machines have a cleaning cycle—run it monthly with a washing machine cleaner or a cup of white vinegar.
• Using cold water incorrectly: While most modern detergents are designed for cold water, some powders don’t dissolve as well, especially in very cold washes. If you notice residue, try dissolving powder in a little warm water before adding it to the machine.
• Pouring detergent directly onto clothes: Always use the detergent drawer or dilute the detergent in water first. Pouring it straight onto fabrics can cause staining and uneven distribution.

Every time I wash my clothes, they look dirtier than before.
by u/tentacle_bunny in CleaningTips

How much detergent do you really need?

Here’s the golden rule: less is more. Most of us use far more detergent than necessary, thanks in part to the generous recommendations on packaging (and, let’s be honest, a bit of wishful thinking). 

For a standard front-loader, two tablespoons of detergent is often plenty—sometimes even less for lightly soiled loads. If you’re using a high-efficiency (HE) machine, you need even less.

A good test: after your wash cycle finishes, open the door and check for suds. If you see any, you’ve used too much detergent. Clothes should feel clean, not tacky or soapy.

How to rescue your washing machine (and your clothes)

If you suspect detergent build-up, it’s time to give your machine a little TLC. Here’s how:

1. Run a cleaning cycle: Most machines have a dedicated cleaning cycle. Use a washing machine cleaner or a cup of white vinegar.
2. Wipe down seals and dispensers: Detergent and grime can accumulate in rubber seals and detergent drawers. Give them a good scrub.
3. Do a ‘rinse and spin’ with no clothes: This helps flush out any lingering soap.
4. Switch to liquid detergent or pods: These often dissolve better than powder, especially in cold water.

Bonus tips for keeping darks dark

Turn clothes inside out: This reduces friction and helps prevent fading and streaking.

Wash in cold water: It’s gentler on fabrics and helps preserve colour.

Use a gentle cycle: Less agitation means less wear and tear.

Avoid fabric softener: It can leave residue, especially on synthetics.

The bottom line

Laundry doesn’t have to be a mystery, and your dark clothes don’t have to come out looking worse for wear. The secret? Use less detergent, don’t overload your machine, and give your washer a regular clean. Your clothes—and your wallet—will thank you.

Have you ever had this problem with your laundry? Do you have any tried-and-true tips for keeping dark clothes looking their best? Share your stories and advice in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!

Also read: Are you making this laundry mistake? Cleaning expert reveals the easy fix!