Laundry is something we can’t avoid. But we can surely make it easier. Below, you will find a list of laundry hacks that can save you time and increase the longevity of your clothes.
Most Things Can Be Washed in Cold Water
Washing with cold water helps to save money on energy costs. If you’re used to mindlessly using warm water out of habit, try a load with cold and see if you notice a difference. Modern machines and laundry detergent technology make washing with cold water a breeze and highly effective.
Keep Track of Things That Don’t Go in The Dryer
If you want to ensure you don’t put certain things into the dryer, use a dry-erase marker on the front of your machine to remind yourself.
Keep Socks Matching with Mesh Laundry Bags
Have you ever wondered how you always end up with orphaned socks? Avoid losing socks by pairing them up in a mesh bag before you throw them into the washer and dryer. You will never have single socks again.
Unshrink Things With Baby Shampoo
Don’t you get annoyed when one of your favourite items, like an expensive sweater, gets shrunk by accident in the dryer?
To unshrink said item, add a capful of baby shampoo to a sink of lukewarm water. Let the item soak for 10-15 minutes, then squeeze the garment to remove excess water. Lay the item on a clean, dry towel and roll it up. While the garment is damp, stretch it back to its regular size.
Use Baby Powder for Oil Stains
If you have the old-fashioned Johnson & Johnson baby powder lying around the house, rub it directly onto an oil stain and let it soak overnight. The powder will soak up the oil, and the stain will be gone. Wash as per usual.
Try Vinegar Instead of fabric Softener
Most fabric softeners contain harmful chemicals. You can get the same effect naturally by adding ¼ to ½ cup of Vinegar into your washer with your detergent.
Use ice Cubes to De-wrinkle Clothing
If you’re short on time, you can remove wrinkles in your clothes by adding ice cubes to your dryer. Let the cycle run with the ice cubes for at least 15 minutes. The steam from the melting ice cubes helps to release wrinkles.
Ditch the Dryer Sheets
Did you know that most dryer sheets contain chemicals linked to cancer? You can achieve the same static fighting solution by adding a few balls of aluminum foil to your load of clothing.
Deep Clean your Lint Trap with a Paint Stick
Even if you regularly clean the lint screen in your dryer, do you clean the lint trap itself? Take a paint stick or a ruler wrapped in a wet cloth and shove it down the vent to remove built-up lint and prevent the risk of a fire.
Dry Clothing Faster by Adding a Towel
Are you ever in a hurry to dry something quickly? Throw a clean, dry towel in with your load for maximum drying in a short amount of time.
Add Tennis Balls or Dryer Balls to Fluff up Linens
If you don’t already have wool dryer balls, keep your sheets and towels fluffy by adding a few tennis balls to the load before you start the dryer. The movement of the balls helps to add volume and softness. It also speeds up the drying process.
Get Rid of Armpit Stains by Using Baking Soda and Lemon Juice
If you have stains in the armpits of your shirts, squeeze lemon juice directly on the stain and then sprinkle baking soda on top. Create a paste and rub it into the stain. Throw it into the wash, and the stains will be gone.
If You’re Short on Time, Use Your Flat Iron for Wrinkles
If you don’t have enough time to get the iron and the ironing board out, you can heat your flattening iron, which will help smooth out wrinkles. It’s also an excellent idea for when you’re travelling.