It may be time to research different laundry tips if you are wondering how to wash clothes properly or eliminate a pesty food stain. There are several ways to avoid laundry odor or keep your white clothes looking as bright as when you bought them. Explore the different tricks to doing laundry and stay updated on the various home remedies you can use to eliminate stains and prevent wear and tear.
Looking at the growing laundry pile can be overwhelming when figuring out the best way to wash clothes. If you are stuck on choosing a suitable detergent or are anxious about your sweaters shrinking in the washer, we have a few tips and tricks for doing laundry that may quell your fears.
Laundry doesn’t have to be complicated. From washing specific colors and removing stains, brightening your whites and deodorizing fabric, there are many ways to wash your clothes that are hassle-free and effective.
Doing laundry can be daunting, but thankfully there are several tips out there to help you keep track of your fabrics and keep your clothes looking and smelling fresh. Here are six tips and tricks to doing laundry that will help minimize the wear, tear and fading of your favorite wardrobe items.
Over time, it may be difficult to keep white clothes as clean and shining as they were when you bought them. To keep your whites white, try soaking the clothes in a solution made of water and bicarbonate of soda, or soak the items in hot water with dissolved aspirin tablets.
Vinegar has also been known to assist in cleaning white clothes. Add some white vinegar to the rinse cycle to lighten your laundry. Of course, there is also the option to use traditional laundry bleach or Borax to ensure your clothes turn out whiter than they did before.
With smaller items like hand towels, socks or face cloths, consider using a pot of hot water and lemon slices to whiten the articles more easily.
Some black or dark-colored items in your wardrobe may tend to fade over time as the dye is exposed to water. Consider these two washing hacks for black clothes and dark items to keep your colors fresh.
Add some brewed coffee or tea to the rinse cycle if you plan to wash some black items. This may naturally stain the clothes and keep them darker. Consider adding salt to the rinse cycle for other dark colors like purples or blues.
Denim jeans or jackets may require specific care to ensure they don’t fade as quickly. Soak jeans in salt water or a mixture of water and white vinegar to enhance the color. Before washing, turn the jeans inside out to prevent fraying and fading, and always wash them in colder temperatures. Hot water may speed up the fading process.
Clothing may collect odors depending on your activities during the day. Someone who is active, plays sports or works out at the gym may find their clothes taking on unpleasant odors. Likewise, leaving clothes to sit in the laundry basket may create a funky smell over time.
To deodorize your clothes to keep them smelling fresh, consider these tips:
It is vital to treat stains before they set into the fabric. Otherwise, it may be more challenging to get them out. You can blot liquid stains with a clean cloth using a small amount of dish soap. However, avoid using dish soap on delicate fabrics like silk or cashmere, and clean the area from the outside in to prevent the stain from spreading.
Try spot testing a small area of the material if you are unsure whether or not it will be damaged. Food stains respond well to dish soap, such as sauces, fruits or grease. Put the items in the washer as soon as possible to ensure that the color doesn’t set into the fabric.
Delicate fabrics may need a different kind of bleach or detergent to eliminate stains. Try oxygen bleach, which can be safer than chlorine bleach and can also be used on colored items. White cotton or linens often turn yellow over time, so consider soaking the clothes in a mixture of salt, baking soda and water or boil the clothes in water for an hour.
Clothes made from natural fibers like wool, silk or linen can be hand washed, especially if the label says they should be cleaned on a delicate setting or taken to the dry cleaner. You can take a few steps to ensure you hand wash an item correctly without damaging the fabric.
Put the delicates into lukewarm water mixed with mild detergent and swish it for a few minutes. After draining the soapy water, rinse the items until it is clear and squeeze out the extra water. Be sure to handle the fabric gently, and reshape the clothing using a flat towel. You can roll up the material to press out the rest of the water and then repeat the process with a dry towel.
Consider using an indoor drying rack to ensure your delicates aren’t harmed by excess heat or sunlight. If you are worried about your items getting damaged by the water, ensure you don’t hold your fabrics under the sink or running water for too long. Try using a colander to assist you in draining the soap and extra water.
Before washing your clothes, follow these few tips to ensure that your items don’t wear or tear during the rinse cycle. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
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