How to load clothes in the machine so they do not felt

Short answer: Clothes felt when the fibres rub, twist and clump together in the drum. You avoid it by sorting, turning garments inside out, closing zips and filling the machine sensibly. Here is a simple walkthrough so your clothes keep their shape and stay soft.

Sort by fabric and colour, not only colour

Do not sort only by light and dark, but also by fabric and weight. Heavy items like sweats wear on light, thin ones when washed together. Divide the laundry into groups that behave alike in water. That gives fewer knots, less lint and a better result for everything.

Turn clothes inside out

When you turn clothes inside out, the outer surface takes as little damage as possible in the drum. That reduces pilling, the small balls that form through friction. It is especially useful for soft knits and cotton or bamboo clothing. Also pull the sleeves fully out so they do not lie inside each other.

Close zips and hook-and-loop fasteners first

Zips and hook-and-loop fasteners can catch on other clothes and pull threads. Close them before the clothes go into the machine, and make sure drawstrings and belts are not knotted. Small items like socks are best placed in a wash bag so they do not disappear or wind around other things.

Fill the drum, but not to the brim

The laundry has to move freely, otherwise it clumps and felts. If the machine is too empty, though, clothes are thrown around hard. Aim for about three quarters full, so there is room for a hand at the top. That balances movement and friction and spares the fabric.

Choose a gentle programme with a low spin

A gentle programme with a low spin speed exposes clothes to less friction. The same goes for a moderate temperature, which the care label usually allows. A hard spin presses the laundry together and raises the risk of knots. If you are unsure, always follow the label, since it has the final word.

Avoid mixing long and short items

Long items like sweatpants and long sleeves can wind around shorter pieces. Keep long and short items apart, or gather them in a wash bag so they do not twist together. This applies to socks too, which like to hide inside sleeves. If a load is large, it may be better to split it.

Take the clothes out straight away

When the programme ends, take the clothes out right away. Left in the damp drum, they crease and can pick up a stale smell. Shake each item out and hang it up or lay it flat to dry. That lets the fibres slide back and hold their shape.

Dry gently

The tumble dryer puts clothes under heavy strain, so air drying is often gentler. Hang trousers by the waistband and tops on a wide hanger, or lay them flat. Items that tolerate the dryer should run on low heat. Check the care label, and browse items such as the range for men.

Small habits keep clothes looking good longer

It is the small things that make the difference, and they do not ask much of you. Sort, turn, close and fill sensibly, and your clothes stay good-looking for longer. See more with us, such as bestsellers for men or socks for men, which last longer with the right wash.

Frequently asked questions

Why do clothes felt in the washing machine?

Clothes felt when the fibres rub against each other and clump together in the drum. It happens mostly when the machine is too full, the programme is harsh, or sleeves and legs wind around each other.

Does a wash bag help against felting?

Yes, especially for small and light items like socks. A wash bag keeps items apart so they do not wind around other clothes, and it limits the friction in the drum.

Should I always turn clothes inside out?

It is a good habit for soft and knitted clothes, because it protects the surface from friction. Always follow the care label, though, if it says something different.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.