I’d never learned to do laundry growing up. My mom taught me basic things like putting the dirty clothes in the washer and machine washing them, but not anything about how to take care of laundry once it was “clean”. I basically relied on the “rules” I’d learned for a decade dating back to my college days. My laundry care routine took up most of my time at the laundry mat. I’d be hanging around waiting for a dryer when I really should be doing something else. I realized I had to find a better way!
I was frustrated that I couldn’t find any answers online…the internet was supposed to have all the answers, right? If you only search for hours… I’ve put together what I would consider useful information
“What should I wash this in?”
Clothes are made from a variety of fabrics and materials. The most common fibers are cotton, wool, polyester and nylon. They have different characteristics and react differently to different wash cycles.
For the most part, you can throw clothes into any wash cycle and get away with it. If you’re concerned, just pay attention to the care label and use the delicate cycle if necessary. However, some colors and dyes may be bleached out and certain materials can be weakened in harsh detergents, so it’s best to be mindful if you’re working with truly special clothes.
Mixing fabrics can sometimes cause problems. It’s best to hang dry clothes made of delicate fabrics so they don’t pick up lint in the dryer. And you should wash clothes made of delicate fabrics by themselves to avoid snags and pilling.
You may see stains on your clothes long after you’ve gotten them out of the machine. Specially formulated stain-removing products help get rid of them.
The Real Questions…And Answers
“What kind of machine should I buy?”
You should buy a machine that best suits your lifestyle.
If you are living on your own and need a machine that can handle small, medium and large loads, a front-loader is the way to go.
If you are living in an apartment or other small space, a top-loader is going to be your best, and most affordable, choice.
If you live in a house, a top-loader is usually the most affordable option. However, you can save space with a front-loader.
If you have a large family, a high-efficiency washer is the most economical option.
You should also consider the energy and water efficiency of the machine you choose. A solar-powered washer is the most environmentally friendly option.
“Can I just use cold water?”
Most fabric is fine to wash in cold water. The only fabrics that really need warm water are wool and clothes labeled “dry-clean only.”
“How often should I wash my clothes?”
Washing clothes too often can damage fabrics. The amount you wash also depends on the type of fabric you’re washing. But unless your clothes have a special care tag, you can wash them as often as you want. Just know that any time you put clothing in the wash, you’re running the risk of a stain.
“What do I do if a stain won’t come out?”
There are specially formulated laundry products that will help remove stains. In a pinch, you may be able to get the stain out by using a mild bleach solution, but it’s best to treat stains with laundry products designed to remove them.
“How do I get rid of odors in my clothes?”
Over time and with repeated washings, clothes can develop an odor, and sometimes it can be hard to get rid of.
You can freshen clothes by adding about four drops of a fabric softener to the rinse cycle or by adding it to a load of towels. You can also add a cup of baking soda to a load of towels to freshen them up.
Laundry detergent can sometimes help get rid of smells. Even unscented detergents can sometimes help remove some odors.
You should never put your clothes in the dryer with fabric softener sheets or fabric softener sheets should never be added to a wash cycle. Fabric softener sheets often contain chemicals that can cause fires.
If the smell persists, it may be time to retire the garment.
How to Avoid Laundry Problems
“My whites are dingy.”
Clean your machine. There’s a good chance that the problem is the residue from previous washings.
Make sure you’re using bleach correctly. The best way to do this is to use color-safe bleach for whites. If you use bleach and your
color is fading, it’s probably a good idea to send it out for professional cleaning.
Make sure you’re using a detergent that is designed for delicate fabrics. Make sure you’re using the appropriate water temperature. Make sure you’re not overloading the machine.
“My clothes are dingy.”
Again, clean your machine. Check the drum for stains.
Check that you’re not using too much detergent. If you’re using too much, it will leave residue on your clothes.
“My clothes are too stiff.”
If your clothes are too stiff, try using a mild detergent with no additives. Don’t use too much detergent.
Try rinsing your clothes in cold water.
“I am allergic to fragrances in my detergent.”
Try unscented detergents.
Try using a detergent that is not heavily perfumed.
Try using less detergent.
If detergent is drying your skin, stop using it.
“My towels come out dirty.”
Make sure you’re not using too much detergent. If you’re using too much, it will leave residue on your towels.
Make sure you’re using hot water. High-efficiency machines require that you use hot water.
Make sure your washer is not a top-loading washer. These washers don’t clean as well as front-loading washers.
“My towels are stiff.”
Try using a mild detergent with no additives. Don’t use too much detergent.
Try rinsing your clothes in cold water.
“My towels are not as absorbent as they used to be.”
Try using less detergent.
“My towels and sheets feel rough.”
They may have fabric softener residue, so try using less.
They may also be getting worn out.
“My towels change color.”
Some fabrics, especially those with special dyes and treatments, are prone to color bleeding.
You may have a water issue. Investigate your water quality. If you don’t like what you find, see “additives.”
“My clothes take forever to dry.”
Make sure you’re using the right size dryer. If your dryer is too small, it can cause clothes to overheat. If your dryer is too large, clothes don’t get heated enough.
Make sure you’re not overloading your dryer. Overloading your dryer can cause clothes to overheat.
Make sure you’re using the right cycle for the right item.
“My clothes are getting worn out faster.”
When clothes are over-dried or overdried, they can become stiffer, which can cause clothes to wear out faster.
You may have a water issue. Investigate your water quality. If you don’t like what you find, see “additives”
“My clothes are shrinking.”
If you’re drying your clothes on the highest heat setting, the heat can cause them to shrink.
You may have a water issue. Investigate your water quality. If you don’t like what you find, see “additives”
“My colors are fading.”
Overloading your dryer can cause clothes to overheat. Overheating the clothes can cause the colors to fade.
You may have a water issue. Investigate your water quality. If you don’t like what you find, see “additives”
“My pockets are ripping.”
Use thread that is appropriate for the fabric.
Be careful about filling the pockets too much.
“Clothes in the dryer are getting snagged.”
You may have a water issue. Investigate your water quality. If you don’t like what you find, see “additives”
“My clothes are getting worn out faster.”
When clothing is over-dried or overdried, it can become stiffer, which can cause clothes to wear out faster.
You may have a water issue. Investigate your water quality. If you don’t like what you find, see “additives”
“My towels aren’t as soft as they used to be.”
When clothes are over-dried or overdried, they can become stiffer, which can cause clothes to wear out faster.
You may have a water issue. Investigate your water quality. If you don’t like what you find, see “additives”
“My towels are not as absorbent as they used to be.”
When clothing is over-dried or overdried, they can
become stiffer, which can cause clothes to become less absorbent.
You may have a water issue. Investigate your water quality. If you don’t like what you find, see “additives”
“My towels smell bad.”
Always wash towels with other towels. This helps keep towels smelling fresh.
If you notice your towels have a distinct smell to them, it is likely that they are getting mildewed. You will need to wash them separately.
“My towels are linting onto my body.”
Always wash towels with other towels. This helps keep towels from linting onto your body.
If you notice your towels have a distinct smell to them, it is likely that they are getting mildewed. You will need to wash them separately.
“The dryer isn’t heating up.”
Be sure that the dryer door is closed.
Take out the lint filter and clean it.
Make sure the gas for the dryer is on.
“There is water in my dryer when I run it.”
Water in the dryer is usually caused by a clog in the drain. This clog is usually caused by a foreign object that has been thrown into the dryer.
“There is water in my dryer when I run it.”
Water in the dryer is usually caused by a clog in the drain. This clog is usually caused by a foreign object that has been thrown into the dryer.
“The dryer is getting too hot.”
Make sure the dryer is on a level surface.
Toss out the old lint from the dryer. This will keep the dryer running more efficiently.
Make sure the dryer is venting correctly.
Make sure that the dryer door is closed.
“Clothes are coming out wrinkled.”
Overloading your dryer can cause clothes to overheat. Overheating clothes can cause clothes to wrinkle.
Use the appropriate drying cycle. Follow the instructions on the manufacturer’s tag.
Make sure the dryer is venting correctly.
Make sure that the dryer door is completely closed.
“I have pulled a shirt out of the dryer and it’s shrunk.”
Overloading your dryer can cause clothes to overheat. Overheating the clothes can cause the clothes to shrink.
Use the appropriate drying cycle. Follow the instructions on the manufacturer’s tag.
Make sure the dryer is venting correctly.
Make sure that the dryer door is completely closed.
“There is a stain on my clothes.”
If the stain is fresh, rub it with soap or detergent. Let the clothes soak in cold water for a while. If the stain is still there, it is possible that it is too deep to be removed by soaking in cold water. You will need to soak the clothes in warm water and add detergent to the water. Be sure to rub the detergent into the stain. The detergent will help remove the stain, and the warm water will help with this process. If the stain is still there, you will need to purchase a stain removal that is made for the fabric of the garment. It is important to follow the directions on the bottle. Once the stain has been removed with the stain removal, be sure to put the garment in the wash.
“My clothes don’t smell as fresh as they used to.”
When clothing is over-dried or overdried, it can become stiffer, which
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world is changing
Best blog i have ever seen !
Cool blog, thanks for the contribution