If the CEO of a company that has sold jeans for nearly 150 years says he doesn’t wash—or even freeze—his denim, then it makes sense that we all follow suit, right? Not so fast.

Chip Bergh, who’s served as president and CEO of Levi Strauss & Co. since 2011, delivered a shocker a few years ago when he announced that the 10-year-old jeans he was wearing had never been washed. So what gives—does your denim really need soap and water? Does the old wives’ tale of freezing jeans actually work? We talked with a few experts to find out and learn how to wash jeans so your favorite pair lasts a long time—because once you finally find the perfect pair, you really do want it to last forever.

How often should you wash jeans?

Contrary to Bergh’s opinion, jeans need washing to eliminate odors and bacteria, says Veronica Black, fashion director at personal styling service Dailylook. (Just think about all the places you sit during the day—and don’t even get us started on the subway germs!)

Black recommends washing jeans every two or three wears, but you can actually even double that—to four or five wears between washes—and be okay. Whatever you do, don’t overwash them, as that will seriously cut into their longevity. (Here’s how often you should wash everything in your closet.)

If you have a pair of skinny jeans that are sagging after a wear or two but not yet ready to be washed, spray them with water mixed with ten drops of lavender essential oil and throw them in the dryer for ten minutes to help them shrink up again, Black says.

If you buy a new pair of jeans that comes rigid—i.e., without any special wash or treatment—it’s imperative to wash them to remove the starch in the fabric. “Starch and friction cause holes, and holes will limit the life of your jeans,” says Matt Eddmenson, co-founder of Nashville-based jeans shop Imogene + Willie.

If your jeans aren’t rigid, it’s fine to wait a while before washing them for the first time. “You want the jean to have the chance to grow a little, relax, and get comfortable,” Eddmenson says. Once you notice yourself tugging your jeans up after walking around, that’s a good indication it’s time for a wash—thank goodness you already know how to do laundry and can even decipher some laundry symbols.

How to wash jeans

The golden rule here is to always use cold water. Use your washer’s delicate cycle to protect the fibers in your denim and turn your jeans inside out first. As far as detergents go, avoid products with harsh chemicals.

“I love using The Laundress or Mrs. Meyer’s liquid detergent, as I’ve found both of these put less wear and tear on my clothes,” Black says. Skip fabric softener, which can add unnecessary chemicals to your jeans and break down the fabric over time.

How to dry jeans

Step away from the dryer. If you want your jeans to last a long time, always allow them to air dry in a well-ventilated space, Black says. If you want to shrink them a little, wait until they are barely damp before tossing them in the dryer briefly to finish the drying process.

Can you dry clean jeans?

Depending on the fabric blend and how expensive they were—and if they’re fussier than a typical pair of jeans you can just throw on—there are times you might want to take your high-end pair to the dry cleaner.

“I have a denim-linen pair of high-waisted, wide-legged jeans, and the only person who gets the front crease perfect is my dry cleaner,” Black says. You may also want to consider taking white or colored jeans to the dry cleaner, Eddmenson says, to help prevent fading and discoloration.

Freezing jeans: Yay or nay?

The experts agree with the Levi’s CEO on this one: Freezing jeans doesn’t do anything. “This has been a long-standing myth, that the freezer will magically ‘clean’ your jeans,” Black says. She notes that this method was originally used on raw denim, and that the jeans most women wear today have a mix of materials to create stretch—so save your freezer space for ice cream.

Source: https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/how-to-wash-jeans-long-lasting

By: Kelsey Ogletree

Doing laundry is most likely not your favorite chore.  Sometimes you may want to just throw it all into the wash quickly and toss it all in the dryer together after the spin cycle.  However, doing so, you risk ruining your clothing over time.  Before you do your next load of laundry, read our top ten ways to ruin your clothing.

#10. Rub spills into your garment instead of blotting: When you first spill something on your garment, resist the urge to wipe it off. Instead, Blot gently — never rub; and don’t ever blot with hot water.

#9. Let stains sit overnight: The sooner you act on spills and potential stains the better. Once they are “set in” to the fabric, it will be difficult to lift them entirely out of the fibers.

#8. Don’t empty your pockets before you put your items in the wash: Pockets with pens, lipstick and coins can leave laundry streaked, stained or torn. If you are sending your clothes to us, rest assured we check all your pockets and place any objects found in a plastic bag for you – change and all.

#7. Don’t follow the instructions on your laundry detergent for the proper amount or measure. Just guess: Detergents contain ingredients that remove and keep the soil in the wash water. If too little detergent is used, the quantity of these ingredients in the wash water will be too small, resulting in laundry that may not be as white or as bright as it should be. Using too much is wasteful and may result in insufficient rinsing, leaving detergent residues on fabrics.

#6. Over dry your clothes in the dryer: The dryer is what does most damage to clothes causing shrinkage, warping elastic, and the tumbling action is very rough. The best way to dry your clothes is to put all garments (except line-dried dedicates) in the dryer at low temperature. If laundry is not dried in a single low-temperature drying cycle, line dry the rest, or lay them out on a drying rack. ALWAYS clean out the lint trap after every cycle!

#5. Don’t wear an apron when cooking: Wearing an apron is functional and designed to keep your clothes clean. Oil, grease, sauce – you name it – can splatter your clothing and be difficult to stain remove. It’s best to protect your garments from the start rather than risk staining them.

#4. Don’t use hosiery bags for your delicate items: Hosiery bags are not just to protect nylons. Place your other soft washable items that could snag or stretch as they tumble along side your other garments in a hosiery bag to protect them too. Made of durable nylon mesh, items inside still get clean while preventing snags or tears from the buttons, clasps and zippers that may be on other items in the wash.

#3. Store your off season items in plastic or a damp space: This will encourage mildew or mold to grow and this cannot be removed. The mildew and mold may spread to surrounding clothing and they all will smell bad.

#2. Don’t read care labels. Wash all items exactly the same: Many, many times we’ve stressed to read the care label on your clothing. Not caring for garments in the way the manufacturer suggests is a sure fire way to ruin your clothes.

#1. Don’t bring your clothes to Classic Cleaners: Okay, we had to say it. We are experts in how to carefully wash and dry everything in your wardrobe. Classic Cleaners is one of the most technologically advanced dry cleaning and laundry companies in the Midwest. We employ individuals who excel in stain removal, alterations, best practices, technology and service.

source: https://classiccleaners.net/the-top-10-ways-to-ruin-your-clothes/

by: S.O.

The average American household does 400 loads every year. Since the beginning of automated washing machines,  powdered detergent (and then liquid detergent) have always been used to get clothes clean.

Then, in early 2012, concentrated liquid laundry packets came on the market and changed the way many of us do laundry.  Smaller, easier and more convenient, these little concentrated laundry detergent packets can pack quite the cleaning punch.  But are you getting the most out of your laundry packets?

There is actually a little learning curve when it comes to safely and effectively using this relatively new detergent technology and so today I want to share some best practices when it comes to using concentrated laundry packets.

Advantages of Laundry Packets:
Laundry packets contain concentrated laundry detergent, so one packet per load is what you need most of the time. Packets typically contain a detergent in a water soluble film wrapper. (Although you can now also find single use scent boosters, detergent boosters and stain removers as well.) They deliver great cleaning power in a pre-measured, mess free, easy to use package.

Since they are highly concentrated, they are much smaller and lighter than the equivalent amount of liquid or powdered detergent. A typical liquid laundry bottle weighs 7 pounds, while a package of concentrated laundry packets only weighs 3.5 pounds for the same number of loads.

This concentrated size and lighter weight is a big advantage when it comes to storage and transportation. People who need to transport their laundry and detergent long distances can really appreciate this weight and space savings. Apartment dwellers for example, whom might otherwise have to lug a hefty container to the local laundromat can instead carry a container less than half that size.

Finally, concentrated laundry packets are also much faster to measure and use. Consumer Reports estimates an average consumer can save as much as a full hour of time over the course of year vs. pouring and measuring liquid detergents and pretreats. Consumers also tend to conserve detergent when using laundry packets. There is less risk of spillage, over-pouring too.

Proper Storage and Care of Laundry Packets:
Liquid laundry packets can be harmful if swallowed or get in the eyes, so they should ALWAYS be stored high and out of reach of pets and children, preferably in a locked cabinet. NEVER store laundry packets on open shelves, on the floor, or on top of washers and dryers. Keeping laundry packets out of view of children reduces their temptation to interact with them and can greatly reduce the risk of accidental exposure.

• Packets should always be kept in their original containers with their labels intact. The lids should be closed and secured when not in use. Get in the habit of snapping the lid shut every time you take a packet out.
• Avoid storing packets in areas of high humidity, which can cause them to stick to together or even break open. Packets should always be handled with dry hands. Never attempt to “rinse” off a packet.
• NEVER allow children to handle packets, even if they are “helping” with laundry. Packets should only be used by adults.
• Do not reuse laundry packet containers and packaging for storage or crafting.
• Do keep poison controls number on hand, and consider adding it to your cell phone.
• You want to place your detergent packet(s) at bottom of washer, directly to the drum, and then add your clothes on top of it. Don’t add packets on top of clothes since they are less likely to come in contact with enough water to completely dissolve them. This can result in streaks and deposits on your clothes.
• Avoid putting laundry packets into detergent dispensers, since you risk clogging the dispensers and flooding your machine.
  Don’t use pods in detergent dispenser.
• Do not cut, tear, or open packets; they are designed to dissolve in water.

If you are having a problem with your laundry packets not dissolving it could be because your water is too hard, too cold or your agitator is broken. It also could be because you have added too many clothes to your machine.

Save yourself some work and time washing those 400 loads of laundry every year, with the use of laundry packets! Getting laundry clean with concentrated detergent packets quickly and easily as well as safely is not difficult if you use and store them properly. Most consumers that run into problems with their laundry packets are not following the manufacturer’s instructions or guidelines. Making sure you store them high and out of view of children also is important if you want to have a safe and accident free laundry room.

Source: https://www.thekimsixfix.com/2017/07/how-to-use-and-store-laundry-detergent.html

One truth universally acknowledged is that regardless of your level of hand-eye coordination, makeup spills and smudges are bound to happen. And when they do, you’re left wondering how to get makeup out of clothes, ideally without making the stain look worse. We’ve got eight genius solutions for getting makeup stains out of your clothes fast and easy.

1. Use a Makeup Wipe
Makeup wipes don’t just work on your face–they can actually help get makeup off your clothes. It’s an old backstage trick you can occasionally spot at fashion shows when makeup artists realize they’ve smeared something on themselves while trying to protect the models’ clothes. It’s sneaky and it works. Just grab one and gently blot or rub until the offending makeup stain is lifted away.

A couple of things to remember: This is most effective on a fresh spill that hasn’t had time to dry or set. And you’ve got to spot-test anything that you aren’t sure is colorfast or that might water-spot like silk on an area that doesn’t show before going to town on it—you don’t want to ruin anything delicate. But on things like cotton? Makeup wipes are basically a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser for makeup on clothes.

2. Rubbing Alcohol
Soak a cotton ball or the tip of a washcloth in rubbing alcohol and then rub it over the makeup stain. Rubbing alcohol is particularly effective at removing lipstick stains, since alcohol can break down oily and waxy stains.

3. Shaving Cream
Who knew shaving cream can lift a stain? Apply a squirt or two the stain and let it sit for ten minutes. During that time, the cream will dissolve the stain. After ten minutes, wipe off the shaving cream with cold water.

4. A Blow Dryer
If you use any kind of loose powder on your face, you know how frustrating it can be if you spill it on your clothes (especially if it’s light powder on dark fabric). Any attempt to wipe it away is met with a smeared mess that’s even more noticeable than the original dots of powder were. So what do you? Grab a blow dryer. Blast the powder off the fabric and you’re good to go.

5. Hairspray
Who knew? Hairspray can actually help you get rid of a tricky lipstick stain. Apply hairspray to the stain and let it dry. Let the hairspray dry and follow up with a wet wipe. Note: this only works if the hairspray contains alcohol. Alcohol-free hairsprays will do nothing for a makeup stain.

6. Ice, Ice Baby
Applying ice cubes is another way to get makeup out of clothes. Grab a cube and rub it vigorously on stain. Ice (and cold water) works to lift a stain, while using hot water during a spot treatment can actually spread the stain. Avoid hot water at all costs when trying to spot treat a minor makeup stain. Save the hot water for when you toss in the washer.

7. Soap and Water
If all you have on hand is soap and water, you can still try to get a makeup stain out. Just don’t grab a paper towel or napkin. Instead, dab cold water on the stain and the teensiest spot of soap. Then, rub the fabric against itself and allow the friction to lift the stain. This is better than using a paper product, as it can flake off and leave the fabric smeared with little white bits, potentially make the stained area look even worse until you’re able to give it a proper washing.

8. Detergent Pens and Detergent Wipes
Designed for treating stains on the go, detergent pens like Tide to Go can provide a quick fix. For the best result, make sure to blot off any excess gunk off your fabric before taking applying the pen to it. When you press the tip into the clothing, the detergent solution will come out. Rub the tip of the detergent pen against the fabric until the stain starts to come off. Then, wipe off any extra solution. Detergent pens are reusable and safe to apply to most fabrics, including those labeled “dry clean only.”

Similarly, detergent wipes like Shout Wipe and Go are also great for throwing in your purse or backpack. They work just like detergent pens, except the stain removing solution is soaked in a wipe rather than delivered through a pen. They’re always great to have on hand when you need an immediate solution for how to remove liquid foundation from clothes quickly (and all other makeup stains).

source: https://www.glamour.com/story/the-one-genius-thing-thatll-ge

The Life Hackery weblog lists 50 things you can do with tennis balls, including throwing them in the dryer to speed up and fluff up the laundry:

Throw a few tennis balls into the dryer when you are drying comforters, fluffy coats, pillows, or anything else that could use a good fluffing. […] Tennis balls can also help any laundry load dry faster—just throw two or three in the dryer and your clothes will be done quicker.

Makes sense that the balls could help the drying process by knocking around your clothes, but further investigation reveals dissent from the laundry expert ranks about this tip.

The Laundry Alternative web site notes:

Some manufacturers recommend putting new tennis balls in the dryer to keep the down from clumping. However, the Soap and Detergent Association does not recommend this practice. The neon dye on the tennis ball could transfer to the down-filled item, or the tennis ball might not be able to withstand the heat. To avoid clumping, it is safer to periodically remove the item and shake vigorously. Adding clean, dry towels to the dryer load can also help.

If you are worried about the dye from the tennis balls there are many different options you can choose from. Wool drier balls are the more popular option since you can easily apply essential oils to them.

Source: https://lifehacker.com/speed-up-laundry-with-tennis-balls-372163

Sitting in your laundry room or around the corner at the laundromat is a magical machine that can clean more than just your sheets, towels and clothes–the washing machine.

Source: https://www.thespruce.com/surprising-things-to-clean-in-the-washer-4150523

Written By: Mary Marlowe Leverette

First, read the clothing label. Items with tags that say “dry clean only” should go to a professional dry cleaner. Machine- or hand-washing may damage the fabric, color, or fit of the garment. A care label that says “dry clean” means that dry cleaning is recommended and you might be able to wash the garment at home. Before you wash the item, check that the fabric is colorfast. Dab a little water on an inconspicuous spot. If any dye comes off, take it to be dry-cleaned; the color is likely to run and damage the garment.

Clothing that is lined (such as jackets or coats), pleated skirts, and garments made of fabric that shrinks or is not colorfast should be professionally cleaned. Professional cleaning will help maintain the correct garment shape and fit. Cleaners have techniques suited to the varying requirements of lined and pleated garments and are capable of handling fabrics’ special care needs.

Garments made of taffeta, silk, wool, velvet, acetate, and fabric blends that include rayon, silk, and wool should be professionally dry-cleaned unless the care label says differently. Garments made of suede or leather also should be dry-cleaned. Their special fibers, textures, and shaping do not fare well with at-home care.

Editor’s Tip: If you decide to hand-wash garments with special detailing, including beading and sequins, check first to see that the embellishments are sewn on and that they are colorfast. Otherwise, you might damage the details. Test each type of detailing with a wet cotton swab to see if the color runs. If you have any doubts about the safety of wet-washing, take the garments to a dry cleaner.

When to Dry-Clean
Stained clothes should be taken to the dry cleaner as soon as possible to avoid setting stains and odors. A stain that’s a couple of days old will have a better chance of being successfully removed than one that’s more than a week old. Don’t pretreat stains at home. The solvents used by dry cleaners are made to treat specific stains and may be better at tackling the problem.

Dry cleaning in moderation will help lengthen the life of garments. You can wear wool sweaters and skirts up to six times before having them cleaned. A wool suit should be cleaned once or twice a year.

How to Prepare Clothes for Dry Cleaning
Remove everything from the pockets of all of your clothing. Items such as gum and makeup can damage your clothing as well as other customers’ clothing that is in the same load.

Make stains easy to find by putting pins or tape on or near the stain. Prepare a list of stain origins if you can. Such a list will eliminate guesswork when it comes to identifying a stain and deciding on a stain-removal process.

Dry-clean the separates of an outfit, such as a suit, at the same time. This will keep your pieces from fading at different rates.

Explain to the dry cleaner what specific services you want, and mention other concerns you may have, such as loose buttons or broken zippers.

How to Store Dry-Cleaned Clothing
Once your dry-cleaned items are home, take your garments out of the plastic bags in which they are stored after dry cleaning. Keeping clothes in the bag can cause mildew to form, turn whites yellow, or discolor colored garments.

Replace the wire hangers from the cleaner with plastic ones. Wire hangers can rust and stain clothing.

Leave any paper that has been stuffed into sleeves. This helps the garment keep its shape until you are ready to wear it.

Use of Home Dry-Cleaning Products
At-home dry-cleaning kits are a less expensive option that can be used as a supplement to dry cleaning. A product such as Dryel can help remove odors and wrinkles but not stains. The kits are used with a standard dryer and work by steaming the clothing. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions when using these products.

Source: https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/laundry-linens/clothes/dry-cleaning-basics/

Uses for lemons in the laundry

The fragrant citrus smell of lemons is welcome in the kitchen when you are baking, cooking or making a batch of fresh-squeezed lemonade. But did you know that fresh smell is a great addition to the laundry room? Lemons have the power to make your clothes cleaner and brighter.

Lemons as a stain fighter

If you are wondering how to get a stain out of a white shirt, reach for a lemon. A lemon’s citric acid breaks down stains. Try soaking stains in one-third cup lemon juice diluted in two-thirds cup water before washing. It’s important to note that because lemons are a natural bleach alternative, they can harm certain fabrics and colors.

If you or a family member happens to get a rust stain on a white shirt, lemons—not bleach—can get the stain out. We’ve found a couple options you may want to try:

• Bring a pot of water to a boil. In the meantime, wet the stain with lemon juice. Hold the stain over the steam to loosen the rust.
• Or, soak the stain with lemon juice, and sprinkle it with cream of tartar or salt. Rub the solution into the stain until you notice it is gone.

Lemons as a bleach alternative

Your white shirts look dull thanks to the many wash cycles they’ve been through. And now you’d like to know how to make whites whiter. Instead of reaching for smelly bleach, start juicing a bunch of lemons!

Adding one-quarter to one-half cup of lemon juice in place of bleach to your wash cycle will whiten clothing (it’s best to use lemon juice on cottons and polyester only). If your whites still are not bright enough, try mixing one-half cup of lemon juice to a gallon of hot water. Soak your whites in this mixture at least one hour or overnight, and then launder as usual.

With these tips, not only will your clothes look brighter, but they—and your house—will smell fresh!

source: https://speedqueen.com/lemons-in-your-laundry/

Electric blankets are a favorite winter accessory, but make sure you’re using one safely with expert tips from Mr. Electric.

Electric blankets are a savior for those who just can’t seem to get warm on cold winter nights. With electrical wires sewn between fabric panels, it can heat up an entire bed quickly and evenly. Talk about a cozy night!

While electric blankets have greatly improved in style and efficiency over the years, there’s still one thing that remains a concern: safety. As with any electrical product, safety risks are a part of owning an electric blanket, but you can enjoy your heated bed without worry as long as you follow a few simple precautions.

The experts at Mr. Electric provided us with advice on how to enjoy electric blankets the safe way. Mr. Electric is a part of the Neighborly company and is an electrical services provider for residential and commercial properties. Check out the top electric blanket dos and don’ts below.

Do: Place the Blanket Over You
It’s important to sleep under your electric blanket, not on top of it. The blanket is threaded with internal coils, which could get damaged if too much weight is placed on them. Also make sure that there aren’t any pillows, books, or stuffed animals piled on top of the blanket while in use—their weight could block the heat from escaping under the blanket.

Don’t: Fall Asleep with Your Blanket On
Aside from waking up in a pool of sweat, falling asleep with your electric blanket on is unsafe because it could overheat. This is especially dangerous to infants or people with disabilities, who can’t control the heating source themselves. Some electric blankets are rated for safe overnight use, but do so with caution.

Do: Turn the Blanket Off After Use
Like a personal space heater, an electrical blanket is not something that should be on all the time. While this might seem obvious, turn it off when it’s not in use. You should also check to see if your model has an auto turn-off feature if it overheats; most do not have this.

Don’t: Thread the Cord Between Mattresses
Mr. Electric experts warn to never place the cord to your electric blanket between your bed’s mattress and box spring. The cord could potentially heat up and cause a devastating fire.

Do: Keep Pets Away
We love our pets as much as anybody, but for their own safety and yours, they shouldn’t be allowed on your electric blanket. Sharp claws or teeth could dig through the surface of the blanket and damage the internal wires.

Don’t: Wash Your Blanket
While this may seem unsanitary, it’s very important. You should never wash, iron, or dry-clean an electrical blanket. The internal wires could be damaged in a washing machine or by the heat of an iron.

By Hannah Bruneman

Source: https://www.bhg.com/news/electric-blanket-safety-tips/

If you don’t have a washer and dryer in your apartment or house, you may have to go to a self-service laundromat to wash clothes. The process of doing so is unfamiliar to many people. However, once you get used to going to a laundromat every week, it will be a pleasant experience.

A Guide for First Time Self-Service Laundromat Users

1. Avoid Busy Times

Weekday evenings and Saturdays and Sundays tend to be the busiest times at laundromats. If you go in this window, you might have to wait a while for an available washer or dryer. If possible, go to a self-service laundromat in the middle of the afternoon on a weekday to avoid a crowd.

2. Bring Rolls of Quarters

Although you can always get quarters at the change machine in a laundry facility, it’ll take extra time. By bringing rolls of quarters with you, you can expedite the laundry process.

3. Make Sure the Washer & Dryer Are Clean

The tops of washers and dryers can sometimes be dirty. That’s why you should check the surfaces before putting your clothes on them. You don’t want freshly washed clothes to get sticky detergent residue or other gunk on them. If you notice that the washer or dryer is unclean, wipe it down with an old rag or towel.

4. Don’t Leave Your Clothes Unattended

Sitting and waiting for your laundry to wash and dry may be a little boring, but you should resist the urge to leave the laundromat. If you don’t make it back in time, another person might put your clothes on top of a table so that he or she can use the machine.

Source: https://nearsay.com/c/513710/432083/4-tips-for-first-time-self-service-laundromat-users

Written By: Lithonia, DeKalb

Should you wash sheets and towels together? Does it matter if you do? The simple answer is no, you should not wash your dirty sheets and towels together in the same load of laundry. While you can wash them together and the world will not end, it is definitely not the best way to do things.

It’s best not to wash sheets and towels together, but why?

Here a couple of reasons to convince you!

SHEETS AND TOWELS HAVE VERY DIFFERENT WEIGHTS OF FABRIC.

Towels are a hearty, all-cotton terry cloth and sheets are a thinner percale cotton or blend. Towels are sturdy and made to take abuse. Sheets are more delicate and are made to feel gentle on the skin. Items that are such different fabric weights will not wash the same nor will they dry in the same length of time. Sheets dry in 30 minutes or less while towels can take up to an hour, depending on how well your washer spins out the excess water.

TOWELS CAN GET BALLED UP INSIDE THE SHEETS.

The sheer design of sheets causes other items to ball up inside. An item that is stuck inside a sheet is not going to be washed as well and is certainly not going to dry efficiently in the dryer. Even when I dry only sheets in the dryer, I stop the dryer mid-way through and remove the pillow cases and pillow protectors from the balled up fitted sheet. I take everything out and fluff them, and then restart the dryer. Towels only make this balling up problem worse!

THE NITTY GRITTY ON WASHING SHEETS AND TOWELS

So just to make sure we’re clear: Your dirty clothes, your sheets, and your towels should all be in separate loads. After you’ve sorted your laundry, you should have a pile of dirty clothes, a pile of sheets, and a pile of towels. If you take the time to make different loads, your clothes will be much cleaner and will dry much more efficiently in the dryer.

So make sure you sort your clothes before just throwing them all in the machine.

You’ll love your results.

Source: https://www.mamaslaundrytalk.com/follow-up-to-washing-sheets-and-towels/

Curtains are a great way to really complete the look of a room in your home. They can add a sense of personality and lift up the atmosphere of your home without spending a fortune on redecorating. Most people tend to forget about their curtains when cleaning other home interior accessories, such as carpets. Little did you know, curtains can cause serious harm to your health if left unattended for long periods of time.

In this article we’re going to share 4 hidden dangers of having dirty curtains and why you should take time to clean your curtains at least once a month.

1. CURTAINS ACCUMULATE ALLERGENS AND DUST MITES
Many people overlook curtains when it comes to cleaning. Curtains withstand heat, cold, dirt, direct sunlight and act as a shield for your house. Curtain fabrics can often attract a lot of allergens and dust. These are the two main causes of allergic reactions such as sneezing, coughing or runny noses. Due to their small size, they are easily carried by wind and accumulate on curtains after some time, especially curtains that are made from cotton. Some curtains are worse offenders when it comes to dust accumulation, particularly those made from thicker fabrics and multiple curtain layers in one. Allergens and dust mites are trapped between the layers and thus increase the chances of you getting allergy symptoms. In a casual survey taken by HealthyWomen, 67 percent reported taking medication to help control allergy symptoms. Removing the allergens hidden in your curtains can already help relieve your allergy symptoms a lot without the help of meds.

2. FACILITATES THE CREATION OF MOLDS AND MILDEWS
Molds and mildews are linked to a number of allergies and respiratory diseases. They produce spores which if inhaled can lead to allergic reactions and other health problems. This is especially harmful to kids, pregnant women, elderly people and also those who have asthma or other breathing issues. Molds and mildews love settling in surfaces that are moist such as shower curtains. In the bathrooms it’s very difficult to notice them as they are usually covered by soap filth and grimes after some time. That is the reason why it is very important to clean all curtains that are in moist locations at least once or twice per week particularly shower curtains.

3. GERMS
Germs are one of the main causes of disease in both humans and pets. What most people don’t know is that they love attaching themselves to curtains (mainly those that are hung in dark areas). Due to their small size, you won’t be able to see them at all. The only way to to be sure that your house in general and curtains are free from germs is by having your drapes cleaned more often.

4. DUST AND TOXINS
Curtains in all homes can collect dust and toxins quickly. Mainly if the curtain material is thick and dark in color. Does one of your family members at home suffer from regular asthma attacks or bronchitis? If your answer is yes, then the cause is probably hiding in your curtains. For that reason, it is necessary to keep the curtains clean.

CONCLUSION: IT IS IMPORTANT TO CLEAN YOUR CURTAINS PERIODICALLY
Your drapes may play an important role in enhancing the overall ambiance of your home. Proper maintenance of curtains becomes absolutely essential if you want to have a healthy indoor environment for yourself and your family. If you’re looking for a professional curtain cleaning service in The Hague, Wassenaar, Rijswijk, Voorburg, Leidschendam, Wateringen, Voorschoten, Leiden, Rotterdam or Delft it’s highly important that you always choose a trustworthy and reliable curtain cleaning service provider to do the job. We can assure you that with Mr. Timesaver you’re in the best hands. Mr. Timesaver’s curtain cleaning services will never fall short both in terms of quality and affordability.

Source: https://mrtimesaver.nl/unknown-dangers-dirty-curtains/

Mold can easily grow on clothes and fabric if you have too much moisture in your home. Clothes made of cotton or other organic materials make great food sources for mold and mildew to live on.

Products to Remove Mold from Clothes
There are quite a few solutions you can wash moldy clothes in to get rid of the mold. Some good ones include:

• Bleach
• Borax
• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Mold killing detergent

Tips for Removing Mold from Clothes
There are a few general tips when it comes to removing mold from clothes. One is that it’s best to wash your clothes in hot water. Hot water kills mold more effectively than cold water and better removes mold spores and allergens too. Of course make sure you don’t use water so hot that it can damage your clothing.

When you’re washing your clothes with a mold killing solution it’s best to wash them through at least two full cycles. Then after your clothes have been washed hang them on the line in the sun. The heat from the sun and the sun’s ultraviolet light help to kill mold. The sun has a natural bleaching effect that can also help to fade mold stains.

How to Remove Mold from Clothes with Bleach
Washing clothes in a solution of bleach and water can kill mold. Bleach can also fade away stains left on clothes by mold.

Before you use bleach make sure to check your clothes for any “do not bleach” warnings. You might also want to do a spot test on your clothes after you’ve mixed the bleach and water solution just to make sure they won’t fade.

Another option, instead of mixing your own bleach and water solution, is to wash your clothes with a bleaching detergent such as Clorox or Oxiclean.

How to wash your clothes with bleach:

• Start by putting your clothes into the washing machine and adding laundry detergent.
• Once the washing machine has filled up with water add about a cup of bleach (or whatever amount the label on the bleach says to use).
• Let your washing machine run like normal.
• If you notice the colors fading at any stage remove your clothes and rinse them well.

Alternatively you can soak your clothes in bleach:

• Use a concentration of about half a cup of bleach per gallon of water, or whatever ratio it says on the bleach’s label.
• Let the clothes soak in the solution for a few hours, making sure the colors do not fade.
• After soaking the clothes wash them in your washing machine with laundry detergent like you usually would.

How to Remove Mold from Clothes with Borax
Borax is a natural mold killer which does not emit toxic fumes. To kill mold on clothes with borax you can either purchase borax laundry detergent or add borax powder yourself to your washing. Mix the borax with hot water before adding it to your washing to make sure it is completely dissolved.

How to wash clothes using borax:

• Add your clothes to the washing machine along with laundry detergent.
• Dissolve half a cup of borax in very hot water.
• Once the washing machine has filled up add the borax that you dissolved in hot water.
• Let the washing machine run through like normal.

How to Remove Mold from Clothes with Vinegar
Vinegar kills 82% of mold species and can usually kill the mold growing on clothes. Vinegar will also remove the moldy smell from the clothes.

How to wash your clothes with vinegar:

• To kill mold on your clothes using vinegar, put your clothes in the washing machine along with detergent and let the machine fill with water.
• Then add about a cup or two of vinegar to your washing.
• Let the washing machine run through its cycle as normal.

Alternatively, soak clothes in vinegar:

• Let your clothes soak in a solution of one cup of white vinegar in a bucket of water for about an hour.
• After soaking, wash the clothes with laundry detergent in your washing machine to wash away the mold and vinegar.
• You might need to repeat the process to remove all the traces of mold and any moldy smell from your clothes.

How to Prevent Mold on Clothes
If you have mold growing on your clothes it’s probably because you left them in a damp pile for a few days or more. Every time you wash your clothes you should hang them on the line or dry them in the drier as soon as you can. Clothes that have been washed and then left wet for a day or more are at risk of mold starting to grow on them.

The same applies for clothes that have gotten sweaty or wet from you wearing them. Don’t throw wet clothes in the hamper where they’ll sit for days until you do the washing. Hang sweaty clothes somewhere where they can air out first. Do the same for wet swimming gear. Towels should also be hung up to dry after they’ve been used. If you have sweaty shoes you might also want to let them air outside on the doorstep or some other place before putting them away.

Not only might mold grow on wet clothes but moisture from the clothing can really increase the humidity in your home which can lead to mold growth in your house. Another related tip is to vent the clothes drier outside or at least ventilate the room where the drier is so that the moisture from drying clothes doesn’t get released into the air in your house.

For more ways to prevent mold growing in your home visit Prevent Mold.

Symptoms and Effects of Mold on Clothes
If you find mold on your clothes you should remove it as soon as possible. One reason to clean away mold and a sign that you might have mold on your clothes is the symptoms it can cause. If you’re wearing clothes with mold on them you may feel itchiness where the mold is contacting your skin and develop a rash. The clothing might also make you sneeze when you wear it.

Another reason to remove mold from clothes quickly is the damage it can do to your clothing. Mold digests whatever material it’s growing on so long term mold growth will destroy clothing. As mold grows larger it will also leave a greater stain on your clothing which can be difficult to remove and the clothes will smell.

Finally, mold on clothes releases mold spores into the air of your home which can promote mold growing inside. Additionally a build up of spores in your home’s air can cause you to suffer allergic symptoms while you are inside your house such as sneezing and sore eyes.

Source: https://moldpedia.com/remove-mold-mildew-clothes-fabric

Have you ever wondered what is the difference between dry cleaning & laundering?   We understand that many people confuse the two services or believe that they are one and the same. In fact, dry cleaning and laundering are not the same, they are actually quite different ways of washing your clothes or linens to keep them fresh and like new. There are positive and negative aspects of both drying cleaning and laundering and one option may be better for a specific piece of clothing or linen than the other.

​Basic Difference
Ultimately, the most basic difference between dry cleaning and laundering is the fact that dry cleaning does not use water and laundering does. Most dry cleaning services use a chemical solvent to remove stains; while laundering is more like washing your clothes – this service uses soaps and detergents and it tends to be more gentle on your clothing.

Dry Cleaning
​Dry cleaning offers the following advantages and disadvantages:

• The best option for removing stains with oil or grease
• Will help to increase the longevity of your clothing and linens
• Bleeding, shrinking and shape distortion are very unlikely
• Uses harsh chemicals
• Chemicals used may leave an odor on your clothing or linens
• Tends to be the more expensive option

Laundering

For different reasons, laundering also offers advantages and disadvantages, like the following:

• There are no harsh or harmful chemicals used
• No strong chemical odor left on your linens or clothing
• Less expensive option
• More energy efficient
• May not entirely remove a deep or dark stain
• There is a possibility of shrinking clothing

Which Is The Better Option?

​In reality, it really comes down to your preference and the clothing or linen item that you need to be washed. If the item has a deep oil-based stained, our team would recommend a high-end dry cleaning service. However, if you want your everyday work clothing washed, we would suggest a laundering service if the clothing is free of dark or deep stains.

Source: https://www.atouchofclassvalet.com/blog/difference-between-dry-cleaning-laundering-blog

Rust stains are some of the most difficult stains to remove from fabrics and even concrete patios. It takes time and patience and, unfortunately, removal is sometimes impossible. But you should give these tips a try before giving up!

Is It Really a Rust Stain?
Some rust-colored stains are not caused by rust. Caramelized sugar and benzoyl peroxide (acne medicine) stains look like rust. Do a bit of investigating before treating the stains.

Rust Stains on Washable Clothes
Commercial rust removers found in grocery stores and online are effective and safe for most fabrics. Check the product’s ingredients label; the vital ingredient in these removers necessary for success is an acid; usually oxalic or hydrofluoric acid.

The acid combines with the iron and loosens it from the fabric, then holds it in suspension in the wash water to be flushed away. The removers are extremely toxic and poisonous if ingested, can burn skin, and damage appliance finishes. Use them carefully following the manufacturers’ directions, and rinse the clothes thoroughly. Any acid remaining in the fibers deteriorates fabrics so add a second rinse.

For a much less toxic treatment, go natural. Lemon juice and salt will often give great results. Sprinkle salt on the rust stain, squeeze fresh lemon juice onto the salt, and then spread the garment in the sun to dry. The ultraviolet rays of the sun will help speed the reaction. You should have no problems with white or ecru-colored fabrics. But for darker colored fabrics that may not be colorfast, test first on a seam or inconspicuous spot to see if fading or bleaching occurs.

A paste can also be made by combining one teaspoon of cream of tartar, one teaspoon baking soda, and a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. Apply the paste to the stain and allow it to work for 30 minutes before rinsing away. Wash the fabric as usual.

Rust stains cannot be removed by normal laundering and using chlorine bleach will make them permanent. If the stains remain after treating, repeat the steps. Do not put the rust-stained clothing in the dryer because high heat will set the stains.

Rust Stains and Dry Clean Only Clothes
If the garment is labeled as dry clean only, point out and identify the stain to your professional cleaner. Home removal methods will not work and may damage the fabric. Leave the removal to an expert.

How to Remove Rust Stains from Carpet and Upholstery
Rust stains usually appear on a carpet when metal furniture legs or decorative items get damp and leave a stain. Immediately remove the rusting item from the carpet and do not put it back until all of the rust on the item is removed and the carpeted area is completely dry.

Use a dull knife to scrape away and loosen any visible rust from the carpet fibers. Then use a good vacuum to remove the loose particles.

In a small bowl, mix two tablespoons of dishwashing soap and one tablespoon of household ammonia in two cups of warm water. Dip a clean white cloth into the solution and saturate the rust stained area. Let this sit for at least five minutes. Blot with a clean dry white rag. Move to a clean area of the cloth as the rust stain is transferred from the carpet.

If any rust stain remains, make a thick paste of table salt and lemon juice (about one-fourth cup table salt and one teaspoon lemon juice). Apply the paste to the stain and let the mixture sit on the stain for at least two hours or until dry. Vacuum to remove salt and lift carpet fibers. Repeat the steps if necessary.

If rust is transferred to upholstery, use the same cleaning solutions and techniques recommended for carpet. Take care not to oversaturate the fabric because excess moisture in the cushion or padding can cause problems. Consult a professional upholstery cleaning company if the upholstery is silk or vintage or for more stain removal tips.

What Causes Rust Stains on Clothes?
If the stain really is rust, it is often important to track down the source of the problem and prevent the stains from happening again.

Rust stains from corroded metal furniture, locks, walls, or cars are easy to track down. But rust stains can also seem to appear frequently on laundry for no reason. This could be happening due to two problems:

• A water source loaded with iron bacteria causes ugly discoloration and stains on kitchen and bathroom fixtures, dishes, and laundry.
• Rusty water heaters, pipes or water storage containers usually cause sporadic rust stains.

If the problem comes from iron bacteria, there ways to treat the water. Rusty pipes and water heaters should be replaced and the staining will often disappear.

Written by: By Mary Marlowe Leverette

Source: https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-remove-rust-stains-2147064

Store shelves are packed with brightly colored bottles and boxes and bags of laundry detergents all claiming to get your dirty clothes white, bright and smelling great. How do you ever decide which product is best for you? Price? Advertising claims? The one your mother used? It can be very confusing.

Define Your Laundry Needs
One of the first ways to save money on laundry detergent is to assess the state of your normal laundry loads. If your laundry is only lightly soiled from normal wear in an office setting, you probably don’t need a heavy-duty detergent like Tide or Persilthat are formulated to remove the toughest soils. A less expensive brand should take care of the soil.

You do need a heavy-duty detergent with enzymes to remove heavier soil. It may pay to have two products on hand for different types of laundry.

Unless directed by a pediatrician, you do not need a special “baby laundry” detergent. Any fragrance-free and dye-free detergent can be used. They are less expensive, gentle on baby’s skin, and can be used for the entire family.

Use Less Detergent
As detergents have evolved through the years, you now find 2X, 3X or even 6X concentrated formulas. The old routine of filling the lid cap to the brim is wasting hundreds of dollars during the year. Washers have also evolved. Today’s high-efficiency front-load and top-load washers use much less water than a standard top load washer. You should never use more than two teaspoons of high-efficiency (HE) detergent in a high-efficiency washer.

First, read the product label. Determine how much detergent is actually recommended for a full load of laundry. Next, try your best to read the measuring lines inside the cap. It is often quite difficult. Once you find them, use a permanent marker to highlight the different amounts.

The next step is to pour the correct amount for a normal load into the cap. Next, pour the detergent into a glass measuring cup. This will help you see exactly how much is recommended. Now, pour half of that amount back into the bottle or box. You are now left with the correct amount of laundry detergent. I suggest that you find a glass cup or an old jar and mark it with this new amount. Use it to measure the detergent each time. It will prevent overdosing.

Using too much detergent is hard on your washer and can leave residue on clotheseven after rinsing. Having lots of suds does not mean the clothes are getting cleaner. More suds means more of a chance for dirt to redeposit on clothes.

One last tip, NEVER pour detergent directly from the bottle into the washer. It is too easy to overuse.

Make Your Own Detergent
Making your own laundry detergent is much easier these days than when women stirred and stirred tallow to make soap or worked with ashes to make lye soap. With a quick trip to a discount store or wholesale club, you can make your own detergent for just pennies per load. Most laundry detergent “recipes” include baking soda, borax or washing soda, and pure soap.

Homemade laundry detergent can be used in both standard washers and in high-efficiency (HE) washers. You’ll save even more money if you skip the fabric softeners and use distilled white vinegar instead.

Calculate the Cost Per Load
You will be amazed at the difference in cost per load between detergents. If you choose single dose packs over bulk packaging, you will be paying a higher price for the convenience. Only you can determine what is more important to you, the ease of use or cost.

When calculating the detergent cost per load, do not look at package weight or size of the bottle or box. You must calculate the per load cost by dividing the price by the number of loads specified on the packaging. This will give you a cost per load for detergent. Then, remember that you can use one-half the amount recommended, so your cost was just cut in half.

This only works on bulk liquid or powder formulas. Single-use packs cannot be divided in half so take that into consideration before you grab the “easy to use” products.

Watch for Sales and Use Coupons
When you find laundry detergent on sale, it is a great time to stock up if you have storage space. Laundry detergents store well and have long expiration dates.

By following laundry detergent brands on Facebook and Twitter or visiting the brand’s website, you can get coupons and free offers that will save you money.

Source: https://www.thespruce.com/save-money-on-laundry-detergent-2146798

Using bleach in the laundry room aids detergents in the removal of soil and stains. There are two types of bleach commonly used in home laundry: chlorine bleach or sodium hypochlorite (Clorox and Pure Bright are popular brand names) and oxygen bleach or sodium percarbonate (Oxiclean, Nellie’s Oxygen Bleach, and Clorox 2 are popular brand names).

Through a process of oxidation, bleach changes the soil into soluble particles to be washed away by detergents in the washing process. Bleach helps to whiten and brighten washable fabrics and some bleaches disinfect fabrics by killing bacteria.

How to Use Chlorine Bleach in Laundry
Chlorine bleach is a 5.25% solution of sodium hypochlorite and is the most powerful home bleach. The liquid version is the most common, but a dry form is also available. Both must be diluted with water for safe use on fabrics.

When chlorine bleach is used in the wash, it acts as a disinfectant on bacteria and viruses and generally whitens most natural-fiber fabrics like cotton. Care must be taken to use it effectively by adding it at the correct time and at the correct temperature to the wash load. Liquid chlorine bleach has a limited shelf life. If the bottle has been open for more than six months, it loses its effectiveness due to exposure to light and air. This old bleach may have no effect on stains, loses its disinfecting quality, and should be replaced.

Chlorine bleach should always be added to water and mixed in well before adding to the washer or added to the proper automatic dispenser in your washer. Never pour chlorine bleach directly onto fabrics because it can remove color completely and actually dissolve the fibers. If using bleach for stain removal, bleach the entire garment to prevent spotting.

How to Use Oxygen Bleach in Laundry
Oxygen bleach is often called all-fabric bleach and is safe for most fabrics and colors. Oxygen bleach should not be used on silk, wool, or leather. It works more slowly than chlorine bleach and has no disinfecting qualities to kill bacteria.

Oxygen bleach is most effective when used in a powdered formula that is activated when mixed with water. Liquid versions of oxygen bleach can lose their effectiveness with age. If adding powdered oxygen bleach to wash loads, add the powder to the empty washer tub first, then add clothes.

When mixing powdered oxygen bleach with water, use warm water to ensure that all of the powder dissolves, then add cold water if needed. Completely submerge the stained garment and allow to soak for as long as possible—up to eight hours or overnight. Oxygen bleach has a variety of uses and works more slowly than the harsher chlorine bleach. However, patience will give you great results.

How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide in Laundry
The same hydrogen peroxide you use to clean skin scratches or achieve “sun-bleached” hair can be used in the laundry room. Hydrogen peroxide is most commonly available from pharmacies at 3 and 6 percent concentrations in a water-based solution.

Hydrogen peroxide will whiten and disinfect laundry, and even has other surprising uses around the home. Add 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide to a load of whites in the washing machine to brighten them. It will permanently remove dye on darker colors; test it on a swatch of fabric before using.

Laundry Bleach Warnings for All Types of Bleach

• Always check the fabric for colorfastness first, following the instructions on the product container, before using any type of bleach.
• Never pour full-strength chlorine bleach into a washer filled with clothes, even if the load is all whites.
• Add any type of bleach to washer water, mixing well, before adding clothes.
• Never mix any type of bleach with ammonia. The mixture will cause dangerous, caustic fumes.
• Read and follow care instructions and any warnings on the fabric care label regarding the use of bleach.
• Do not use chlorine bleach on silk, acetate, wool, spandex, polypropylene foam, some flame retardant fabrics or rubber. It will weaken the fibers and cause them to break.
• Oxygen bleach should not be used on wool, dry clean only silks or leather.
• Repeated use of chlorine bleach can weaken cellulosic or cotton/ramie/linen fibers.
• Repeated use of chlorine bleach can cause yellowing of fabrics by stripping outer fibers revealing an inner core.

Source: https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-use-bleach-on-clothes-2146334

Written by:  Mary Marlowe Leverette

Nothing can ruin your day like pulling your favorite sweater out of the dryer only to find the fabric covered in little balls of lint. Pilling, as we call it, can occur to almost any fabric from clothes to rugs and even furniture. After spending a significant amount of money on these items, finding pills is extremely irritating. But, before you throw that soft sweater away, know that there are quick fixes you can do to repair your belongings! Here are our favorite depilling hacks from people just like you:

1. Disposable Razors for Your Favorite Sweaters

When depilling your clothes, you want to be careful. Carpet and rug shavers can be too intense on soft fabrics, so for cashmeres and soft sweaters, use a disposable razor! If it’s easy enough on your skin, it’s easy enough on your clothes.

2. Mens’ Hair Clippers for Rugs

While razors work well on clothes, larges area rugs may need something a little more powerful. This is where men’s hair clippers come in handy. The secret here is to skim the rug, don’t push down, to lift the pills from the surface.

3. Rub It Off With a Pumice Stone

Here’s something you never thought you’d use on your clothes–a pumice stone. Rub the rough stone all over the pills to loosen them from the fabric. Then use a lint roller to sweep them away. Just be sure to clean your pumice stone before you start!

4. Smooth Away Imperfections with Sandpaper

Once we heard about this hack, we wondered why we didn’t think of it ourselves! This smart blogger is using sandpaper to gently rub away stubborn pills from clothes, furniture, and more. Don’t worry; she assures that it won’t rub holes into delicate fabrics.

5. Wipe Away Lint Balls With Scrubbing Sponges

Everything you need to depill your fabrics is right in your kitchen. Use a clean scrubbing sponge to easily wipe away any balls of lint collected on a shirt, pillow, or blanket. Just be sure to use the tough side!

Source: https://www.bhg.com/homekeeping/laundry-linens/clothes/how-to-stop-fabric-pilling-for-good-with-these-5-easy-hacks-281474979614106/

Written by: Hannah Bruneman

Keeping soccer uniforms looking clean and bright doesn’t need to be such a chore. It would be nice if all our budding star players were like Lionel Messi and David Beckham or Hope Solo and Mia Hamm and had managers who whisked away the dirty uniforms left a nice, clean one to magically appeared on game day. But since that is reserved for only the chosen few, here are some tips for keeping soccer uniforms looking their best.

Know Your Uniform Material
Almost every soccer uniform is made from heavy weight stretchable polyester knit or mesh. The fabric is durable, has stretch for ease of movement, and is actually easier to care for than cotton. The key to success in keeping the uniform clean is using the right water temperature, detergent, and stain removal processes.

Learn the Presoak Fundamentals
Just like the fundamentals lead to excellence in soccer, presoaking is the essential fundamental in getting a soccer uniform clean. After practice or a game, rinse off the uniform in a utility sink to remove as much loose dirt and mud as possible. If you don’t have a utility sink, hang the uniform over a clothesline and spray it down with a hose. The abundance of water will help loosen soil and bring it to the surface of the fibers.

Next fill a large sink, bucket, or plastic storage container with warm–never hot–water. Add about two tablespoons of a heavy-duty laundry detergent (Tide or Persil are leading brands with plenty of stain-busting enzymes) and one cup of baking soda. Soak the uniform for at least one hour before washing. It is even better to allow the uniform to soak overnight. The detergent starts working on stains and the baking soda will help remove the odors. This process is safe for both colored and white fabrics. It is best to separate the colors and whites into separate soaking tubs if possible just in case there is dye transfer.

It is important to know if the water in your area is hard or soft. Hard water contains an excess of minerals that make detergents much less effective in removing soil. If you have hard water, the uniform will be harder to clean and you will need to add some water softener to your presoak solution. This is not fabric softener; it is an additive that helps your detergent work better.

Never Use Chlorine Bleach
It may be tempting to use chlorine bleach on white or even gray uniforms in an attempt to brighten them and remove stains, but it is not effective for polyester fabrics and can even damage the material. Chlorine bleach can weaken and strip away the outer covering of polyester fibers revealing the inner yellow core.

Instead, use an oxygen or all-fabric bleach (brand names are: OxiClean, Nellie’s All Natural Oxygen Brightener, or OXO Brite) to brighten and whiten uniforms and undergarments. Again, allow the uniform to soak for at least one hour but overnight is better to get the best results. The oxygen bleach is safe to use on white uniform shirts or pants with colored stripes or lettering.

Wash Soccer Uniforms Alone
Soccer may be a team sport but the uniform should travel alone through the washing machine. Do not wash the uniforms with other clothes. Most clothes contain cotton or a cotton blend. The lint will come off and cling to the jersey’s letters and numbers. After the uniform has presoaked, fill the washer with cool water and a good detergent and launder as usual. Never use hot water. Even if the uniform is white, the lettering and numbers are colored and can fade in high heat.

Forget the Heat
Never put a soccer uniform in an automatic dryer. High heat causes shrinking, can destroy screen-printed lettering and numbers, sets in stains and fades colors. Hang the uniform to air dry away from direct sunlight. If you must get it dry quickly, tumble for just a few minutes on the low heat or the air only setting and check the dryer frequently. If damage has occurred to lettering and it is cracking and peeling, there are ways you can make repairs.

Blood, Sweat, and Grass Stains
Stains are going to happen. A clean uniform either means someone rode the bench or the game was really boring. When it comes to stain removal for soccer uniforms, always start with cold water. Hot water will only set many of the stains and make them nearly impossible to remove. The presoaking techniques will usually take care of stains. But, inspect the uniform before you put it into the washer and treat any remaining stains with a stain remover or by rubbing in a bit of extra detergent.

Source

Going to a laundromat or a public laundry room in your apartment complex or dorm is no one’s favorite activity. However, there are ways to make the laundry trips quicker, easier, and even less costly. Learn the top six tips to save you time, money, and get the best results for your laundry efforts.

Save Time: Sort Your Laundry at Home

If you sort your laundry at home, you’ll save time and have more work space than at the laundromat. You’ll arrive at the laundromat feeling more organized and can immediately grab machines and get the loads underway.

Use pillowcases or different colored laundry bags for the sorted white and dark clothes for each load.

Another way to save time; have plenty of the correct change. Change machines are often broken and your fellow users may not have the change to share. Prepare before you go!

Save Money: Take Your Own Detergent

The single-use detergent packs sold at laundromats cost more than double what you pay per load for products brought from home so take your own detergent and other products with you.

While large containers of detergent are often the most cost-effective, there is no need to haul large containers on each trip to the laundry room. If you prefer a powdered detergent formula, scoop the correct amount for each load into small plastic sealed bags. Liquid detergents or fabric softeners can go in a small plastic container with a tight lid.

Or, you can opt for single load detergents and fabric softeners. They are more expensive per load but the convenience is unmatched. You’ll save money by bringing them from home rather than purchasing at the laundromat.

What’s the best detergent for the laundromat? Only you can determine the best detergent for your household.

Save Your Clothes: Check the Washer and Dryer Before Using

Before you set clothes on top of the washer or dryer make sure the surface is clean. At best, you’ll get sticky detergent residue. At worst, you’ll find chlorine bleach that will permanently ruin your clothes.

Always keep an old rag or towel handy and give the washer or folding table a quick wipe down. Always check any automatic bleach dispensers to make sure they are empty and dry. If not, use a paper towel to soak up any leftover bleach.

If the appliance is stained or dirty or not working correctly, be a good Samaritan and clean it up or at least report the problem to the manager.

Look inside appliances, too. You never know what the last person left in the washer or dryer. Not everyone is considerate. You may find a tube of lipstick that was left in a pocket and then it gets left in the dryer or washer. It’s worth a few extra seconds to check before you have to deal with the aftermath.

Or, you may find leftover clothing. Just one red sock can turn an entire load of clothes pink. Remove the clothing and leave it in the laundromat’s lost and found bin.

One last tip, look at the settings on the machine before you hit start. The last thing you need is a load of delicate lingerie traveling through hot water and the heavy duty cycle that the last person used.

Save Money: Use the Dryers Wisely

Before you start the dryer make sure the lint trap is clean. You’ll prevent fires and your clothes will dry faster, saving you money. Find a warm dryer because starting with a dryer that is already warm will get those clothes done more quickly.

As you load the clothes into the dryer, fluff each piece of clothing by giving it a quick shake. The clothes will dry more quickly and with fewer wrinkles. Be sure you get everything in the dryer before you start it up. Opening and closing the door loses heat and time.

Now that you’ve spent all that money and time getting those clothes dry, be sure they arrive home that way. Keep a large black plastic bag with your laundry supplies just in case you encounter rain on the way home.

Smartphone and other mobile devices laundry applications can help you find a laundromat, translate care labels, and treat stains with helpful tips. Laundromats are the perfect place to put them to use.

One must-have app is a laundry timer so you can run errands or concentrate on something else while your clothes are washing. The app gets you back to the washer when the cycle ends, preventing the disasters of someone else dumping your wet or freshly dried clothes on the floor.

Save The Environment: Go Green

If you want to reduce your carbon footprint at the laundromat, opt for a front loading washer instead of a top loader because it uses 50 percent less water. Always wash a full load (you’ll save money that way, too) and choose a bio-based laundry detergent and use cold water as much as possible.

Skip the laundromat dryers and take your clothes home to air dry. If you do use the dryers, fold or hang clothes as soon as they come out of the dryer to reduce wrinkling and to skip ironing later.

Source

Written by: By Mary Marlowe Leverette 

How often should you wash your bathroom towels? And what about the bathroom rug? Should you wash it every week? Every couple of weeks?

In my experience, people tend to fall into two categories in the Bathroom Towel & Rug Department.

WHY YOU SHOULD WASH BATHROOM TOWELS FREQUENTLY
It would seem that one wouldn’t need to change bathroom towels too often. I mean, you are drying off a clean body with a dry towel, right?

Well, that seems logical, but here’s the real deal: every time you use your towel to dry off, you’re scraping off dead skin cells. And those dead skin cells collect in the fibers of your towel. So if you use your towel for 10 straight days, you have 10 days’ worth of exfoliated cells on that towel.

Lovely thought, huh?

Also, your towel got wet when it dried off your body. Any time the fibers of something get wet, the opportunity to harbor bacteria and other germs is greatly heightened.

WASH BATHROOM TOWELS EVERY 3-5 USES
It is best to wash bathroom towels every 3-5 times they are used. Notice that I did not write every 3-5 days.

That really is the maximum times a towel needs to be dampened (from drying you off), allowed to dry, and then be used again.

And keep in mind, this rule of thumb only applies if you hang up your towel after every single use. It needs time to dry between uses so yucky things don’t breed and cause mold and mildew.

Besides the fact that mold and mildew are hard to remove from towels, the thoughts of mildew being on a towel I am using makes me cringe.

HOW OFTEN TO WASH BATHROOM RUGS
How often you should wash your bathroom rug greatly depends on several factors:

• If the rug has a non-skid rubber backing
• If your bathroom is used frequently
• If a lot of water is routinely splashed on the floor
• If your rug has a non-skid rubber backing, it can’t tolerate being washed frequently. It is best to wash a bathroom rug on warm/hot, and the rubber backing will deteriorate quickly if it is
• washed on hot too many times. Rubber and hot water and not a good mix in terms of durability.

To maintain a bathroom rug that has a rubber backing, only wash it once ever 3-4 weeks.

If a bathroom is used frequently, rugs need to be washed weekly. If several showers are taken in the same bathroom on a daily basis, the rug gets wet/damp multiple times. Since the rug is against a floor that doesn’t breathe well (if at all), it takes a long time to dry.

Because of this poor drying between uses, mold and mildew grow easily. It really is the perfect condition for gross things to multiply quickly.

In a bathroom where water is routinely splashed on the floor, the rug needs to be washed weekly as well. ::Think Kids’ Bathroom::

Again, the rug doesn’t have time to dry out well between uses and harbors all kinds of fungi and mold. Add in a damp, warm bathroom and that mold is just waiting to multiply.

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Unless you have impeccably steady hands and “klutz” is a word you have never heard of before, most of us would have experienced getting our shirts or clothes stained with makeup before. You may even have unknowingly left stains on pieces you were casually trying on in fashion stores.

An obvious solution to this problem is simply to stay away from makeup, but we’ll stop at this idea while we’re ahead. You probably wouldn’t be reading this article if that was even a possibility. So, how do you get the best of both worlds, keeping your shirts clean but your face lit?

We’ve got you covered! We have found these household solutions to counteract common makeup stains, so you have something to fall back on if you don’t want to immediately head to a professional, and potentially expensive, laundry service. Most of these solutions we’re offering utilise common household items, so you can purchase most of these at your neighbourhood drugstore or supermarket.

These tips would, of course, work better with fresh stains – they’re easier to remove. However, when you first stain anything, make sure not to panic and identify if the makeup staining it is oil-based or not. Simply rushing in with water when it is an oil-based stain might set the stain on your clothes even faster.

1. HAIRSPRAY

FOR: LIPSTICKS

Grab any hairspray you can find and spray it onto the stain – it doesn’t even matter if it’s a fresh stain or not. Let the product settle for about 5 minutes before taking a wet tissue to wipe away the product. The hairspray will dissolve the chemicals of the lipstick, and get rid of the bulk of it.

After that, run the fabric under cold water before ending it off with a rinse of warm water. This removes any remaining product and pigment on the fabric!

2. MAKEUP REMOVER WIPES

FOR: POWDER PIGMENTS

By powder pigment, we’re talking about your eyeshadows, your blushers, and your bronzing powders. Using makeup wipes to remove these powder-based makeup stains is a trick that has long been used backstage at major fashion shows. It’s so simple and requires very little of your time.

First, remove any excess powder pigments from the fabric by gently sweeping it away. After that, take a piece of makeup wipe and gently dab it onto the stained area. If the stain persists, take a cotton ball and use a makeup remover solution and repeat the same steps. To end it off, run the fabric under cold water to completely remove remaining pigments.

3. LIQUID DETERGENT OR SOAP

FOR: FOUNDATION, CONCEALER, OTHER OIL-BASED MAKEUP

This tip is a no-brainer: liquid detergent and soap are probably the first few items that would pop to mind when figuring out how to remove a stain. Of course, liquid detergent is great at removing oil-based makeup!

What you need to do is place the liquid detergent onto the stained fabric (both sides) and let it  soak for about 10-15 minutes. Once you’re done, run the fabric under cold water before rinsing with warm water. While rinsing, make sure to blot and dab the area so as to remove the stain effectively!

4. SHAVING CREAM

FOR: OIL-BASED MAKEUP

Shaving cream is another product known to remove the toughest of stains! First, apply shaving cream onto stained area. Let the product soak for about 10 minutes before applying dabbing motions to the area. You might want to use a bit of strength to see effective results.

5. MAKEUP REMOVER LIQUID

FOR: EYELINER

Makeup removal liquid, especially oil-based ones, help to dissolve the liquid in the eyeliner, releasing the pigment which is more easily washed away by water.

First, soak your stained clothes in normal tap water. Put a few drops of your makeup remover liquid on a sponge, and start using it on the spot that is stained. You should be making sweeping motions, rather than actually rubbing the sponge on the fabric. Wait for a few minutes after this.

Then, pour some laundry detergent into a shallow bowl. Immerse the stained spot of the fabric into the laundry detergent and leave it for about 30 minutes. Use an old toothbrush to gently work the laundry detergent in to the eyeliner, and the remnants of the pigment should disappear in no time. Continue with your laundry as per usual.

1. IT SAVES MONEY.

In the U.S., it costs approximately $0.45 to dry a load of laundry in an electric dryer. I do about 8 loads of laundry a week, during some seasonal cleaning even more. That’s more than $180 a year. I can think of many ways I’d rather spend that money than on drying my clothes.

2. IT WHITENS YOUR WHITES.

The sun is one of the best ways to naturally bleach your whites. This will help save you even more money and helps keep more harsh chemicals off of your clothes. I like to dry my whites on really sunny days and around noon when the sun is directly over my line. If you are worried about colored clothes fading, put them out on overcast days or when the sun is less bright. For me that’s the morning because the sun is blocked some by my house.

3. IT’S GOOD EXERCISE.

Putting your clothes in the dryer from the washer takes little effort. However, carrying a basket of clothes out to your line and putting them on the line can help get you moving and the arms up and down movement can help get your heart working a bit more. If you use a FitBit, it will thank you for this new habit!

4. SAY GOODBYE TO STATIC CLING AND DRYER SHEETS.

Drying your clothes on a line gets rid of the need for dryer sheets helping reduce even more harsh chemicals on your clothes and  saving you even more money. Dryer sheets are full of harsh chemicals and build up on your clothes, especially towels. When you ditch the dryer sheets you may find your towels are fluffier and dry a lot better. That’s because that build up is making your towels less effective.

5. GREAT SMELLING CLOTHES WITHOUT THE HARSH CHEMICALS.

When I get a “new” vintage clothing item it always spends at least a day outside. The fresh air really does wonders for reducing any odors it may have. The same is true for all of your clothing. I really like this for my cleaning rags, no matter what I’ve been cleaning they always end up smelling fresh again.

6. YOUR CLOTHES WILL LAST LONGER.

Line drying is far more gentle on your clothes. It also will prevent your clothes from shrinking. This is yet another benefit that will save you money.

7. LESS WRINKLES.

I’m not a big fan of ironing or steaming and since I wear a lot of cotton skirts and dresses I can end up doing a lot of both. Line drying reduces wrinkles naturally. I still have to do some ironing/steaming but a lot less.

8. IT’S BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.

With all the ways it helps you reduce harsh chemical use and the energy saves it can really help reduce your environmental impact. It’s just another example of how being environmentally friendly also saves you money.

9. IT GETS YOU OUTSIDE.

More time outside has been shown to provide all kinds of health benefits from weight loss, to increased vitamin d levels (which helps keep you from getting sick as often and is important for bone health), improved brain function, less depression, better vision and so much more!

10. BETTER MENTAL HEALTH.

Many people report that line drying clothes is relaxing. I know this is true for me. I haven’t found any studies on what about this activity makes it relaxing, it’s likely a combination of things. Whatever it is, more and more of us are dealing with chronic stress and the many health problems that can come with that so any stress relief is a good thing.

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When we were younger there were rumors that if your jeans hadn’t been washed after just one wear, you obviously didn’t have good hygiene habits. There are certainly times when I wish I was still a kid, but with regard to those ways of thinking — I’m so happy to have evolved.

Not only is chronically over-washing clothing wasteful of precious resources, but it’s also costly in a number of other ways. There’s tons of detergent involved, utilities costs (water and electricity), time and energy, as well as the negative impact frequent washing has on the clothing itself. So, save yourself some money and lighten your load a bit, quite literally.

Here are 10 ways to break out of the wash cycle.

1. Inspect Before Tossing

Before you mindlessly toss your clothes into the laundry basket at the end of the day, consider if they are truly soiled or not. Items like underwear and undershirts or exercise clothing will certainly need more washing than, say, a sweatshirt or jeans that have been layered or otherwise kept out of dirt’s way. A lot of the clothes that are currently in our laundry baskets are — for all intents and purposes — clean. So, break the habit and learn the basics of how long certain items last without a full wash.

2. Hang to Dry Breathe

It’s OK to do a little sniff test to ensure your clothing is still somewhat fresh after a day of wear. What will keep items that way longer is picking them up off the floor and hanging on an open rack to let air circulate around and through the fibers. Plus, letting them linger on the floor only invites more dirt (or, if you have pets, worse!) and opportunity for wrinkles to develop.

3. Skip Washing Entirely

For those items that don’t need immediate washing, push the envelope a bit. Tullia Jack, PhD student at RMIT University, challenged a group of 30 people to wear the same pair of jeans at least five days each week for a three-month period without washing them. They discovered that after all those wears, they “weren’t visibly dirty and they didn’t get smelly.” Now, you don’t need to go the whole three month challenge, but start with a week and work your way up to a month. You might surprise yourself!

4. Spot-Treat

And just because you’re skipping the total washing experience doesn’t mean you can’t treat little stains that might plague your otherwise clean clothing. Martha Stewart has a rather elaborate guide for removing stains from clothing.

5. Freshen and Press

For clothes that might get wrinkly with wear, simply hang as you would the others to air out. When it comes time to wear again, spritz with some DIY linen and ironing spray and iron out those kinks. Alternatively, you could spritz clothing until damp with a little spray (or just plain tap water) and hang to dry, which should loosen and smooth wrinkles.

6. Keep Up With Routine

For dudes that require more frequent washing, be sure to keep up with your laundry habits. This method is a simple way to avoid re-washing items forgotten overnight in a machine (musty smell). Worse? I’ve had clean and dirty clothing get intermixed and not been able to discern between the two categories. Set designated laundry nights or days and try to get the job done in a couple hours versus spreading it over the course of a week.

7. Change Into Play Clothes

If you have kids (or act like one yourself), you may wish to save your more expensive items by changing into “play” or lounge clothing when you return home from the day’s responsibilities. You don’t need to wash these at-home clothes as often as you would the nicer items — just wash once or twice each week, depending on the level of soil.

8. Rinse Well

Another trick I use for exercise clothing: If it’s just a simple pair of shorts, a sports bra, or a tech t-shirt — take it in the shower with you after your workout. From there, rinse well with cool water. Then wring out and hang to dry. You can wear again for tomorrow’s run!

9. Wear Protection

It’s clear that keeping clothes cleaner from the start means washing less. You need not live in a bubble to do so, however. As an avid home cook, for example, I have several aprons in my collection to protect my clothing from the various spills, splatters, and stains I encounter on a daily basis. If you garden or do other messy activities on the regular, wear similar protective layers to keep your garments covered.

10. Choose Fabrics Wisely

Certain materials lend themselves to fewer washes better than others. If you’d like to do far less laundry, wool clothing might be a good option for you. The natural fibers resist stains, odors, wrinkles, and moisture. Wool even regulates body temperature so you’re likely to sweat less and, in turn, not soil clothing as often.

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