The dirty laundry basket never seems to be empty. 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 10 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 dryer. 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. Coldwater 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 them 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 that 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 strong cleaning and stain-fighting ingredients 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.
- Reduce Wrinkles
To reduce wrinkles and the need to iron, use a dryer sheet and set your dryer to the lowest setting possible. As soon as the clothes are dry, remove them from the dryer and fold or hang them to keep them crisp.