Laundry is one of those things that is never done, but it can be made easier and more efficient. Below you’ll find basic laundry tips, as well as some lesser-known laundry hacks at the end of the post.

Invest in High-Quality Laundry Products

The detergents, fabric conditioners, and soaps you use when washing your clothes make a significant difference in your results. 

Purchasing the right soap for laundry ensures your clothes are fully washed and smell great when they come out of your washing machine. The right laundry products also protect your clothes from getting stretched or faded during hot washing cycles.

If you have particularly sensitive skin, you might benefit from choosing hypoallergenic products that won’t contain allergenic molecules that might irritate your skin.

Use the Right Amount of Detergent

You’ll need to make sure you use the right volume of detergent and fabric conditioner when washing a load of clothes. You’ll need to vary the amount you use depending on the weight of your wash load and how soiled it is.

Knowing how much detergent to use isn’t always easy. However, over time, you will learn what’s best for each type of wash load you complete. You can always research online for more information and check the labels of your chosen detergents for brand-specific guidance.

If you’re lucky enough to own an advanced washing machine, you might find that your machine automatically calculates how much detergent it requires for each wash load based on the total weight.

In this case, you will just need to make sure that you keep the detergent pod inside your washing machine full, so it has an adequate amount to use for each washing cycle. 

Sort Your Laundry into Piles

It’s always best to separate laundry into different piles before washing it. Ideally, you should separate your clothing into blacks, whites, and colors to prevent the dyes from running during hot cycles.

If possible, you should also aim to separate fabrics. Aim to keep tougher, thicker fabrics like cotton separate from more delicate fabrics, such as wool, lace, and chiffon. Tough and delicate fabrics will require different types of wash cycles to prevent them from getting damaged and ensure they are well cleaned.

Alternatively, if you have a lot of clothes that need a delicate cleaning, you might want to look for dry cleaning near me.

Pre-Treat Harsh Stains 

Most washing machines and detergents aren’t strong enough to rid your clothes of very tough stains. To ensure your clothes come out of the washing machine stain-free, it’s best to pre-treat stubborn stains before running them through a cycle.

Always act quickly. As soon as you spot a stain on your clothes, especially if it’s something like red wine, coffee, or mud from your children playing outdoors, aim to remove it as quickly as possible to prevent it from becoming permanent.

Use cold water and soak the stain for a few minutes before lighting blotting the stain gently to remove it from the fabric. Avoid rubbing it, as this can make the stain spread and cause an even bigger mess. You might need to repeat this process a few times and add stain treatment to remove the stain properly before washing your clothes in the machine.

Also consider adding vinegar to your laundry arsenal. Distilled white vinegar serves as a natural fabric softener, leaving garments feeling soft and free from chemical residues that may be found in commercial softeners. Additionally, it helps break down detergent build-up and eliminates lingering odors, making it especially useful for towels, workout clothes, and other items prone to retaining smells.

Adding a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle not only aids in stain removal but also helps to preserve the vibrancy of colored fabrics. For those with sensitive skin or allergies, vinegar serves as a hypoallergenic alternative to traditional fabric softeners.

Its antibacterial properties also make it an effective deodorizer, providing a fresh and clean scent to your laundry without the need for synthetic fragrances.

Wash at the Right Temperature

Different fabrics require different washing temperatures, just as different stains and levels of soiling do. Learning which temperatures are the most effective for which types of wash loads is key for completing your laundry effectively.

Generally, hot washes are best for white fabrics and heavily soiled clothes. Darker clothing or lightly soiled laundry is best washed with cooler temperatures to save energy while still getting nice, fresh laundry at the end of the cycle.

Here’s a guide for laundry temperatures:

1. Cold Water (30°C/86°F):

• Best for: Delicate fabrics, dark or bright colors prone to fading, and items labeled “cold water wash.”
• Benefits: Energy-efficient, prevents color bleeding, and minimizes the risk of shrinking.

2. Warm Water (40-60°C/104-140°F):

• Best for: Synthetics, polyester blends, and moderately soiled everyday items.
• Benefits: Effective at removing dirt and stains without the risk of shrinking or fading.

3. Hot Water (above 60°C/140°F):

• Best for: Whites, heavily soiled items, and linens.
• Benefits: Kills bacteria, removes tough stains, and provides a deep clean.
• Caution: May cause shrinkage or color fading, so use hot water selectively.

Air Dry Your Laundry as Much as Possible

While the advent of tumble dryers has made doing the laundry a much quicker and easier process, it has also contributed to increased energy consumption in many homes.

Machine drying can subject clothes to high temperatures and mechanical stress, causing fabrics to wear out faster. Air drying is gentler on fabrics, preserving their color, shape, and elasticity. This can extend the lifespan of your clothing, saving you money in the long run.

As soon as a washing cycle is complete, remove the wet laundry and hang it out on a sturdy drying rack, ensuring each item has sufficient airflow to dry thoroughly. Alternatively, hang your washing on a clothesline in your yard if the weather is suitable.

Remember, individual garments may have specific care instructions, so always check the care label. Following these guidelines ensures that your laundry comes out clean, fresh, and well-preserved.

Lesser-Known Laundry Tips

Now that you’ve mastered the laundry basics, take your fabric cleaning knowledge up a notch with these tips that you won’t find on the back of a detergent bottle:

1. Ice Cubes for Wrinkles: Toss a few ice cubes into the dryer along with your wrinkled clothes. As the ice melts, it creates steam, helping to release wrinkles.
2. Vinegar for Odor Removal: Add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. This helps eliminate odors and acts as a natural fabric softener. It’s a great option if you have skin that is sensitive to fragrances.
3. Hair Spray for Ink Stains: Spray hairspray on an ink stain before washing. Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot with a clean cloth before tossing it in the wash.
4. Aluminum Foil for Static Cling: Place a ball of aluminum foil in the dryer with your clothes to reduce static electricity. It works similarly to dryer sheets.
5. Aspirin for Sweat Stains: Crush aspirin and mix it with warm water to create a paste. Apply it to sweat stains before washing to help break down the compounds causing discoloration.
6. Salt for Color Brightening: Add a tablespoon of salt to the wash to help brighten colors and prevent fading.
7. Mesh Bags for Delicates: Use mesh laundry bags for delicate items like lingerie and fine fabrics. This prevents them from getting tangled or damaged in the wash.
8. Shaving Cream for Stains: Apply a small amount of non-gel shaving cream to stains before washing. It can help lift and remove the stain.
9. Tennis Balls for Fluffing: Toss a couple of clean tennis balls into the dryer with large items like comforters or pillows. They help fluff and redistribute the filling.
10. Chalk for Grease Stains: Rub white chalk on grease stains before washing. It absorbs the grease and helps to lift the stain.
11. Lemon Juice for Whitening: Add lemon juice to the wash to help whiten whites. The natural acidity can brighten fabrics.
12. Baking Soda for Freshness: Add a quarter cup of baking soda to the wash to eliminate odors and freshen up your laundry.
13. Dish Soap for Oil Stains: Apply a small amount of dish soap to oil stains before washing. It can help break down the oils and improve stain removal.
14. Frozen Gum Removal: If you accidentally wash and dry clothes with gum, place the garment in the freezer. Once the gum is frozen, it’s easier to scrape off.