Learn how to protect your clothes and keep them looking brand-new with these 9 easy laundry tips. These effective hacks will save you time, money, and nerves.
1. Wash Inside Out
This is a must — along with using cold water — for dark-dyed fabrics like denim. If you’re really concerned about fading, hand-wash those slacks! Lastly, skip the dryer and air-dry flat. This tip goes for black pants and any shirts or dresses with beading and embellishments, too.
2. Treat And Wash Stains Right Away
If you let stains linger, you may end up washing the same garment multiple times or ruining it altogether. If you’re using a stain treatment product, make sure it’s made for clothing and the fabric you are treating. Better yet, you probably have everyday items on hand to treat the 12 most common stains.
3. Don’t Use Chlorine Bleach
Treat your clothing and the environment with care by avoiding using chlorine bleach when possible. It will break down fabric fibers over time and there are plenty of natural brightening alternatives such as vinegar, lemon, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide.
4. Air-Dry When Possible
Obviously, not everyone has unlimited space to air-dry all of our clothes. Even so, it is a good idea to be choosy about what goes in the dryer. In addition to dark pants, denim, and embellished clothing, you’ll also want to avoid tossing elasticized items like bras and bathing suits in the dryer so they don’t lose their stretch.
5. Use Mesh Bags
Lingerie bags, mesh bags, or even a simple pillowcase are all perfect for keeping socks, undergarments, and tights from getting roughed up by the rest of the wash. Plus, you get the added bonus of keeping socks together for easy matching. A pillowcase is also a great option for overalls, so they don’t damage other clothes or chip your dryer.
6. Don’t Overwash
You don’t really need to wash every item after each wear. Plus, by washing less you save precious water, energy, and detergent resources, while also preserving your clothes.
The common rule for washing denim is every four to five years. The natural fibers of wool clothing resist stains, odors and make you less likely to sweat, keeping them wearable longer. In general, check your clothes before you toss them in the hamper for signs of soil or smells. If they’re good, wear them again before washing them.
7. Button, Zip And Snap Before You Wash
Take a few extra moments before you throw everything in the hamper or wash to zip, button, and snap up your clothes. This prevents closures from catching on other clothing and keeps buttons from pulling or loosening.
8. Unshrink Cotton With Baby Shampoo
Cotton is perhaps the easiest mistake to fix due to its easily manipulative qualities. All you need is baby shampoo.
Place your clothes inside your sink or bowl and fill it with lukewarm water.
Add 2 tablespoons of your shampoo or conditioner.
Let it soak for 30 minutes.
Place the clothing flat on a towel and roll it up so that it’s damp. Then, carefully unroll your garment and lay it flat to dry.
9. The Delicate Cycle Isn’t Just For Delicates!
Try using the delicate cycle for loads that are light and not heavily soiled. A delicate cycle uses cold water and will tumble and spin clothes around less than a regular cycle. Always check washing instructions on your garments the first time you wash them so you can choose the appropriate cycle. You may be surprised to learn that many recommend washing on delicate or gentle.
10. Consider A Washer Without An Agitator
If you’re in the market for a new washer, consider a front-loading or top-loading washer without an agitator. While some swear the agitator gets clothes the cleanest, it can also be harsher on fabrics because it twists them.
Many newer washers don’t have agitators and instead rely on impellers for washing, which is gentler on clothes. Washers that use impellers are usually high-efficiency and have the added bonus of more space for larger items like blankets.
Whether you try all of these tips or just a few, you’re sure to keep your clothes looking newer for longer. You may even save some money, too!