Should You Wash Clothes Inside Out? Here’s What We’ve Learned from Years of Laundry

If you've ever asked yourself whether turning clothes inside out before tossing them in the wash is actually worth it—you’re not alone. A customer recently asked us this very question, and after years of running Coco Laundry here in Long Beach, we’ve got a few thoughts to share.

Spoiler: Yes, in many cases, washing inside out is totally worth the extra step—but it’s not always necessary.

Let’s break it down.

Why You Should Wash Clothes Inside Out

Turning clothes inside out before washing helps protect what you actually care about—the outside. Whether it's a band tee from your favorite concert, your Lululemon leggings, or your favorite pair of Levi's jeans, washing inside out shields the fabric’s surface from all the rubbing and friction that happens in the drum.

Our team at Coco Laundry has seen it over and over: inside-out washing helps preserve bright colors, keeps screen prints from cracking, and slows fading. We handle hundreds of loads of laundry a week, and it's a trick we use for many of our wash and fold customers to keep their clothes looking sharp.

When It’s a Smart Move

Here are a few examples of when washing inside out really helps:

• Graphic Tees & Printed Clothing
  Think of those soft, vintage-style band tees or anything with screen printing—turning them inside out helps reduce cracking and peeling.

• Dark or Bright Colors
  Washing these inside out helps preserve color vibrancy. Bright reds, deep navies, and black clothing can fade fast if left exposed to all that friction.

• Activewear & Performance Fabrics
  Brands like Nike, Gymshark, or Lululemon? Flip them inside out. The side that touches your skin collects sweat and oils, and washing them this way helps get the funk out while preserving the outer stretch and color.

• Delicates & Embellished Pieces
  Items with embroidery, beading, or lace benefit big time from this method. It reduces snags and keeps fine details looking clean and intact.

• Jeans
  Especially dark denim like Levi’s or Madewell jeans. It slows fading and helps protect the shape and texture of the fabric.

When It Doesn’t Make Sense

Not everything needs to be flipped inside out. In fact, there are a few cases when it’s better to leave things right-side out:

• Stained Clothing
  If you’ve got a ketchup spill or dirt from yard work, you want the stain facing out where it can get the most detergent action. Pre-treat it first, then wash it normally.

• Baby & Toddler Clothes
  Let’s be honest—those tiny clothes get messy. Food, diaper leaks, mystery goo… it’s best to keep them right-side out for better cleaning.

• Work or Yard Clothes
  Clothes used for labor (construction, gardening, painting) often need more direct cleaning. Leave them as-is and let your detergent do its job.

Our Go-To Laundry Method

At Coco Laundry, here’s how we typically wash everyday clothing (that’s not specialty fabric like wool or silk):

• Cold water for most loads

• Tide Free & Gentle or Seventh Generation for a solid, gentle clean

• White vinegar rinse to keep clothes soft and smelling fresh

• Low heat or air dry when possible to avoid shrinking and wear

Yes, we actually use these brands for our wash and fold customers—and they love the results.

Final Thoughts

Washing clothes inside out isn’t a magic fix, but it’s a simple habit that can go a long way in preserving your wardrobe. Especially for pieces you love or want to keep looking newer, longer, it’s worth the extra two seconds.

If laundry isn’t your thing, we’ve got you. At Coco Laundry, we handle it all—sorting, stain-treating, folding, and yes, even flipping things inside out when it makes sense. We proudly serve Downtown Long Beach and the surrounding areas with reliable wash and fold service that feels more like a treat than a chore.