It's generally not recommended to mix different types of laundry together, especially if they are heavily soiled or used in different environments. Here's why:
Hygiene and cross-contamination: Cleaning cloths used for cleaning surfaces may carry bacteria, dirt, and residues from cleaning agents. Mixing them with socks and underwear could lead to cross-contamination and potentially spread germs to your personal clothing items.
Pet-related items: Dog towels may have pet hair, dander, and possible odors. Washing them with bedsheets or other clothing items could transfer pet residues and create an unpleasant smell on your clean bedding.
Barn clothes and good clothes: Barn clothes are likely to be dirtier and could contain stains, mud, or other debris from outdoor activities. Washing them with good clothes may result in stains transferring to your regular clothing, possibly ruining them.
The worst that can happen depends on the severity of the cross-contamination or transfer of residues. It could lead to unclean clothes, unwanted odors, stains, or potential skin issues if bacteria or allergens are transferred to personal clothing items.
To maintain good laundry practices:
Sort your laundry: Separate different types of laundry based on color, fabric type, and level of soiling. It's best to keep cleaning cloths, pet-related items, and heavily soiled clothes separate from regular clothing.
Use the right settings and detergent: Adjust your washing machine settings and use appropriate detergents based on the type of laundry you are washing. Heavily soiled items may require a different cycle and more detergent.
Regularly clean your washing machine: To prevent cross-contamination between different loads, clean your washing machine regularly as per the manufacturer's instructions.
Dry items properly: Make sure that all items are fully dry before storing them. Dampness can lead to mildew or musty odors.
By following these guidelines, you can maintain hygiene and extend the life of your clothing and laundry items.