Should You Wash Clothes Buttoned or Unbuttoned?

Author: Kate Amore, a curious laundry-doer

When it comes to laundry day, we often focus on sorting colors, choosing the right wash cycle, and deciding how many laundry sheets to throw in.

But there’s one detail that often gets overlooked: whether to leave your clothes buttoned or unbuttoned while washing them.

I have always been curious as to which method is better for cleanliness and longevity, so here’s what I found from my research both online, and in my laundry room.

Best Practices for Washing

Buttoned-Up Situations:

• Delicate Fabrics: For structured or delicate items like dress shirts, blouses, and blazers, it’s best to leave them buttoned.
• Formal Wear: Buttoning up suits or formal attire helps maintain their shape and structure.

Unbuttoned Situations:

• Casual Wear: For everyday t-shirts or casual dresses, unbuttoning can promote a more thorough wash.
• Heavily Soiled Items: If an item has noticeable stains or dirt, it’s wise to unbutton it to ensure those areas are properly cleaned.

The Difference Between Buttoning vs. Unbuttoning Clothes to Wash

Buttoning:

1. Preserving Shape and Structure

Leaving your clothes buttoned can help maintain their shape during the wash. This is especially true for items like dress shirts or blouses, which often have a structured fit.

Buttoning them up helps prevent stretching or distortion, ensuring they come out looking crisp and neat.

2. Minimizing Friction

When clothes are buttoned, they tend to rub against each other less during the wash cycle.

This can reduce wear and tear, leading to less pilling and fading over time.

If you have delicate fabrics or garments with embellishments, keeping them buttoned can protect these details from damage.

3. Preventing Cling and Snags

Buttoned garments are less likely to cling to each other or get snagged during the wash.

Unbuttoned items can tangle and twist, which might lead to frustration when it’s time to dry and fold them.

Keeping buttons fastened can help items stay neatly in place.

Unbuttoning:

1. Thorough Cleaning

Unbuttoning your clothes allows for better access to the fabric.

This can lead to a more thorough cleaning, especially in areas that tend to collect dirt or sweat, like under the collar or near the button placket. It also ensures that detergent can penetrate more effectively.

2. Preventing Stains

If your clothing tends to trap debris or food particles around the buttons, leaving them unbuttoned can help expose those areas for cleaning.

It’s also easier to spot and treat any stains that may be hiding beneath the buttons. I would recommend unbuttoning your children’s clothes!

3. Easier Drying

For items that may require air drying, unbuttoning can facilitate a faster drying process.

It allows air to circulate more freely around the fabric, reducing drying time and helping to prevent musty odors.

Tips for Washing Clothes Buttoned or Unbuttoned

• Inspect Before Washing: Always check for any loose buttons before washing. Repair them if necessary to avoid losing them in the wash.
• Use a Mesh Bag: For delicate items or those with embellishments, consider using a mesh laundry bag. This adds an extra layer of protection, whether buttoned or unbuttoned.
• Follow Care Labels: Always refer to the care labels on your clothing for specific washing instructions. They often provide valuable insights into the best practices for that particular item.

Conclusion

My research shows that the decision to leave your clothes buttoned or unbuttoned while washing ultimately depends on the type of garment and your cleaning goals.

Buttoning can help preserve shape and reduce wear, while unbuttoning can lead to a more thorough clean and quicker drying time.

By considering these factors and following best practices, you can keep your wardrobe looking fresh and prolong the life of your favorite pieces.

So, the next time laundry day rolls around, remember that those little details can make a big difference in how your clothes look and feel! Happy washing!