If cleanliness and organization are two mainstays on the perpetual list of household chores, keeping clothes in order is likely to be left behind. You work hard to maintain your home, which is why it is so important to work smart, especially when it comes to doing laundry. To help you do this, we have selected some of the best laundry procedures; even the most knowledgeable washerwomen will benefit from these innovative tips. Make them part of your routine and they'll cut down on your laundry time and leave your clothes looking like new. Good advice to get started? Take time to do prep work, that is, take a look at the labels on clothing that indicate how certain pieces should be cleaned.
While your washing machine will do most of the work to sort dirty items, some items will require more of your attention. Keep in mind that clothes made with more delicate fabrics, such as silk or linen, should not be thrown in the wash with other more durable garments (think cotton). Next, we explain how to better wash & fold all types of textiles, including special ones. The good news: You can avoid the hassle of getting items like these to the dry cleaner by hand washing them.
Clothing, however, occasionally requires that extra hassle, especially when it comes to pesky stains; Trying to eliminate odors can be just as challenging. Still, none of these discomforts need to cause a headache. With products like white vinegar in your corner, you can remove stubborn marks and odors without having to rely solely on bleach or other products that, unfortunately, can damage clothing. You will soon be able to hit the reset button on the rest of your laundry misconceptions; Use these helpful tips to design a laundry pickup & delivery routine you can trust.
Clothes ready for the washing machine
Before throwing items into the washing machine, remove pins or buckles, close zippers, close snaps and hooks, and secure velcro to prevent snags and abrasions. But do not fasten the buttons, as this can stress the buttons and buttonholes.
Then empty the pockets and turn them over, unfold the socks and unroll the cuffs. Tie the girdles and ropes to avoid tangling. Place delicate items like lingerie and fine knitwear in zippered mesh bags. Turn delicates, cotton sweaters, and T-shirts over to prevent pilling. Put the socks in a pillowcase or mesh bag so they don't come apart.
Washing pillows and duvets
Machine wash pillows every three to six months to remove bacteria and odors, and wash duvets only when needed, up to twice a year. (Each wash strips the feathers of their natural oils, causing them to lose their loft.) Dry both on the lowest setting, along with a clean tennis ball, to help evenly redistribute the feathers, and keep them uniform by fluffing them daily when make the bed. Between washes, air items, preferably outdoors on a clothesline, once or twice a year to keep them smelling fresh, and treat small stains with a mild dishwashing liquid and water.
Try DIY fabric softener
Residues from fabric softeners and their fragrances can aggravate allergies and sensitivities, and leave a build-up on moisture sensors or lint filters, blocking air flow. To remedy this, create your own: Add between a quarter cup and a cup of white vinegar to the final rinse cycle (never mix vinegar and chlorine bleach).
Blue her clothes
Once a laundry staple, blueing is an outdated product that was added to the wash or rinse cycle to give white garments a very subtle blue tint. Bluish makes some white fabrics that already have a bluish-white hue appear even brighter, cleaner, and white. Bluish was discontinued as fabric detergents became more effective, but even with improved formulas, white garments gradually start to look dirty after repeated washes. Chlorine bleach is an effective bleach, but it can weaken fabrics and fibers. Martha likes to wear Ms. Stewart's Bluing ($ 5.12, amazon.com), particularly on vintage bedding and lace.
Remove stains like an expert
The best way to fix a stain is to treat it before it sets. Quickly scoop up solids with an opaque edge and blot liquids with a clean white cloth from the outside in to prevent scattering. Treat stains before washing and always make sure they have been removed before putting items in the dryer; heat sets stains on fabric. Use our comprehensive stain first aid chart to treat specific types of stains.
Increase the effectiveness of your laundry detergent
Use a mild, non-toxic soap or detergent with each load of laundry and increase the cleaning power as needed by adding a half cup of borax. This natural mineral has antiseptic, antibacterial, water softening and bleaching properties and remove stains professionally like ClothesLyne Laundry Service.
Brighten Whites Sans Bleach
The first step in keeping the whites is to wash them separately in hot water. Smaller items like napkins, socks, and bedding can be bleached on the stove in a solution of hot water and lemon wedges. Fill a pot with water and a few lemon wedges, bring to a boil, turn off the heat and add the bedding. Soak for up to an hour and wash as usual.
Whites can also be rinsed with a half cup of borax or white vinegar mixed in a gallon of water during the wash cycle. For an added shine boost, hang clothing in the sun for natural discoloration.
Understand baby clothes 101
Common detergents are often too harsh for baby's sensitive skin. To avoid irritation, use the mildest soap available without unnecessary additives or chemicals. Some of these are less alkaline than regular soaps so they may not clean stains as well, but they will be safer for your baby. Avoid fabric softeners and always soak stains in cold water as soon as possible to prevent them from setting.
Keep up with napkin washing
Although you may be concerned about getting your good sheets out beyond the holiday celebrations, they actually benefit from occasional wear. After the meal, place napkins and other sheets in an ice-water bath; Martha always covers her sink with a sturdy bath towel before filling it with water. You can also leave the bedding in the water bath overnight.
Once the items have been soaked, lift the towel from the water, with the bedding still inside, and drain it in the sink. Next, fill the sink with very hot water and laundry detergent. (Martha likes to add a little non-chlorine bleach to the water to give it a soft shine.) Spray the remaining stains with a stain treatment and let them sit for a few minutes. Then add the bedding to the wash water, gently squeeze out the suds, and then drain the sink. Gently squeeze the excess water out of the bedding and rinse off the soap.
To dry, roll bedding in a large towel and pat to remove excess water. Place bedding on a rack, ideally in sunlight, until dry. Make like Martha and iron your napkins before putting them away. Lay a terry cloth towel on her ironing board and place a moistened napkin, back side up, on top. (If her napkins have a monogram, always iron on the back). As you work, fold the napkin in half, then in quarters, gently ironing it over the folds for a crisp, clean finish.
Know when to dry clean
Some garments need truly professional care. Do not risk washing very delicate fabrics yourself, especially if they include embellishments such as beads, fur, or sequins. Leather and suede should also be left to a professional. Heavily soiled garments, especially those with stubborn oil-based stains, should be taken to a dry cleaner, who can remove them with specialized solvents.
Keep clothes clean
Avoid unnecessary laundering with practical laundry service & maintenance tips. Apply toiletries (deodorant, perfume, hair products) before dressing to avoid contact with chemicals that could make a mess. Address stains as soon as possible with the appropriate steps, depending on the type of stain. Finally, at the end of the day, put on something more comfortable and hang read here up your clothes to allow wrinkles to loosen and the fabric to air out.