How do you wash your clothes? You wash, you dry, you iron or fold, and then you do it all over again. But are you washing your clothes the right way? Here are 12 laundry tips you might not know and the best way to wash clothes.
Use Aluminum Foil
If you’re out of dryer sheets, throw a ball of aluminum foil in your dyer. The aluminum will fight static buildup and help keep your clothing separated.
Freeze Your Jeans
If you like to wear your jeans more than once between washings, stick them in the freezer between wears. The frigid air will kill bacteria that can cause odor.
Check the Temperature
Use cold water for dark colors that tend to bleed and for delicate fabrics that are prone to shrinking. Cold water is also an eco-friendly choice that will save you money on your energy bill. Warm water is best for man-made fibers and jeans. Use hot water for whites, cloth diapers, bedding and towels.
Unshrink Clothes
Did your favorite T-shirt shrink? Soak the shrunken clothing item in lukewarm water with a splash of baby shampoo. This will allow the fibers to relax, allowing you to stretch it back out.
Use Less Detergent
Using too much detergent can cause your clothes to remain dirty since too much detergent causes an abundance of suds that can trap soil on your clothing. Instead, try using half the recommended amount of detergent and adjust from there.
Use a Salad Spinner
If you have some articles of clothing you don’t want to put in the dryer, use a salad spinner to remove excess water. Then hang them on a rack to dry.
Choose Detergents Wisely
There are several recipes online for making your own laundry detergent which can save you money. Store-bought detergents should be chosen carefully. If you have kids and need to fight tough stains, choose a detergent with a strong cleaning and stain-fighting ingredient such as OxiClean or bleach. For those with sensitive skin or sensitivities to fragrance, look for a formula that’s unscented and free of dyes.
Wash Bright Colors With Salt
You can use salt to prevent colors from fading. Just toss a teaspoon of salt in with your dark clothes to help make the color last longer. Washing colored clothing inside out can also help maintain color.
Sweaters Should Skip the Dryer
Skip the dryer when laundering winter sweaters. Instead, drying them flat will help them maintain their shape.
Save Drying Time
When you’re running short on drying time, throw a dry towel in with the load. The towel will help absorb some of the moisture and help your clothes dry quicker.
Reduce Wrinkles
To reduce wrinkles and the need to iron, use a dryer sheet and set your dyer to the lowest setting possible. As soon as the clothes are dry, remove them from the dryer and fold or hang to keep them crisp.
Top-Loading or Front-Loading?
If you’re in the market for a new washing machine, the options can be overwhelming. Top-loading machines with an agitator often cost less and have a faster run-time than top-loading machines without an agitator (known as a high-efficiency machine). High-efficiency machines are better at cleaning and use less water than agitator models. Front-loading machines are more expensive, but do a better job at cleaning than top-loading and are gentler on clothing. However, front-loaders can take longer to complete a cycle than top-loaders. Do some research to find which model will work best for your needs.
