6 Laundry Hacks That Work
Laundry may not be everyone’s favorite household chore, but it’s essential for keeping clothes clean and fresh. Over time, many have discovered clever tricks to make laundry easier, more efficient, or even to improve results. Here are 18 tried-and-true laundry hacks that can help you make the most out of your next wash day.
1. Pre-treat Stains Immediately
The golden rule of laundry stain removal is to address the blemish as quickly as you can. The longer a stain sits on your fabric, the more it bonds with the fibers, making it increasingly difficult to remove. Immediate action can often prevent a permanent mark.
When you notice a spill or spot, start by gently blotting any excess liquid with a clean cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can push it deeper into the fabric. Once you’ve removed the excess, it’s time to pre-treat.
For most stains, a commercial pre-treatment product is highly effective. These are formulated to break down various types of stains before the wash. Simply apply the treatment according to the instructions, which usually involve applying the product directly to the stain and letting it sit for a specified amount of time before washing.
If you don’t have a pre-treatment product on hand, household items can be surprisingly effective. Dish soap, for example, is designed to combat grease and can work wonders on greasy or oily stains. Apply a small amount of dish soap to the stained area and gently work it in with your fingers or an old toothbrush. Allow it to sit for a few minutes but not long enough to dry out.
For organic stains like wine, coffee, or blood, cold water can be your first line of defense. Rinse the stained area under cold running water to dilute the stain. Avoid hot water, as it can set protein-based stains like blood.
Another handy household item for pre-treating stains is hydrogen peroxide, which is particularly good for light-colored fabrics. It acts as a mild bleach and can lift stains without the harshness of chlorine bleach. However, always test it on a hidden area of the fabric first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration.
Remember, after pre-treating, launder the item as you normally would, following the care label instructions. For stubborn stains, you may need to repeat the pre-treatment process before the stain is completely removed.
By pre-treating stains immediately, you significantly increase the chances of removing them entirely. This proactive step helps maintain the quality and appearance of your clothing and can save you from the frustration of dealing with set-in stains later on.
2. Use Ice Cubes to Remove Wrinkles
Wrinkled clothes can be a hassle, especially when you’re in a hurry or don’t have an iron on hand. Fortunately, there’s a surprisingly simple solution that involves something you likely have in your freezer: ice cubes. This hack is perfect for those times when you need to de-wrinkle clothes quickly and with minimal effort.
Here’s how it works: take a handful of ice cubes (around three to four should suffice for a small load) and toss them into the dryer with your wrinkled garments. Set the dryer on its highest heat setting and run it for about 15 minutes. As the dryer heats up, the ice cubes melt and turn into steam. This steam, combined with the tumbling action, helps relax the fibers of the fabric, thus smoothing out the wrinkles.
This method is akin to using a steam iron or a professional steaming service but without the need for special equipment or extra time. It’s particularly useful for lightweight fabrics such as cotton shirts, polyester blends, and other common materials that are prone to wrinkling. However, it’s not recommended for items that require dry cleaning or are made from delicate fabrics that could be damaged by high heat.
One thing to keep in mind is that this trick works best when the dryer isn’t overloaded. Too many clothes can absorb the steam, leaving less moisture available to work on the wrinkles. For optimal results, keep the load small to medium-sized so that each item has enough room to move around and get exposed to the steam.
Additionally, it’s important to remove the clothes promptly once the cycle is complete. Letting them sit in the dryer after the cycle can result in new wrinkles forming. Hang them up or fold them immediately to maintain their smooth appearance.
Using ice cubes to remove wrinkles is a quick, cost-effective, and energy-efficient method. It saves you from setting up an ironing board and going through the laborious process of ironing each item. Plus, it’s a great way to freshen up clothes that have been packed away or sitting in a drawer and have developed creases.
In summary, the next time you’re faced with a pile of wrinkled laundry, remember that a few ice cubes and your dryer can work wonders. This laundry hack is a convenient shortcut to achieving wrinkle-free clothes, giving you more time to focus on other tasks or simply relax.
3. Dry Towels Separately
Towels are a staple in any household, but when it comes to laundry day, they require special consideration. Due to their thick and absorbent nature, towels take longer to dry compared to most clothing items. Mixing towels with lighter fabrics can lead to uneven drying, where clothes may be over-dried or towels still damp at the end of the cycle. To avoid this, it’s best to dry towels separately.
Drying towels on their own allows you to adjust the dryer settings to accommodate their unique qualities. Towels benefit from a higher heat setting and a bit more time to ensure they come out fluffy and fully dry. This is especially important for preventing mildew, which can occur if towels remain damp for too long.
Separating towels also prevents them from shedding lint onto your clothes. Towels, particularly new ones, tend to release a lot of lint during the drying process. If mixed with garments, this lint can cling to your clothing, making them come out of the dryer looking less clean than when they went in.
Another advantage of drying towels separately is that it reduces the strain on your dryer. When heavy items like towels are mixed with lighter clothing, the dryer has to work harder to tumble a load with uneven weights and textures. This not only leads to inefficiency but can also shorten the lifespan of your appliance.
For those who are environmentally conscious or looking to save on energy bills, consider air-drying your towels. While this method takes longer, it’s gentle on fabrics and uses no electricity. If you choose to air-dry indoors, make sure there’s enough airflow to dry the towels thoroughly and prevent mustiness. Outdoors, the sun can help to naturally bleach and disinfect your towels, leaving them fresh and bright.
In summary, drying towels separately is a simple yet effective hack that ensures they get the attention they need without compromising the rest of your laundry. It promotes even and efficient drying, extends the life of your clothing and towels, and can contribute to energy savings. So next time you’re sorting laundry, give your towels their own space in the dryer and enjoy the plush, cozy result.
White vinegar helps to preserve colors and can act as a natural fabric softener. Just add half a cup to the rinse cycle.
4. Wash Inside Out
Washing clothes inside out is a simple yet effective technique to preserve the color and integrity of your garments, especially those with vibrant hues or intricate designs. This practice is particularly beneficial for items such as denim jeans and printed t-shirts, which can fade or deteriorate over time due to the mechanical action of the washing machine and exposure to detergents.
When you turn clothes inside out before placing them in the wash, you’re essentially shielding the outer layer—the part that’s visible and often the most important aesthetically—from direct contact with other clothes, zippers, buttons, and the walls of the washing machine drum. This reduces the amount of friction the fabric surface endures, thereby minimizing the wear and tear that can cause fading and pilling.
For denim, this method is crucial because it helps maintain the original color and finish of the jeans. Denim is prone to losing its dye with each wash, but by turning jeans inside out, you limit the amount of dye that bleeds out. This not only keeps your jeans looking newer for longer but also prevents the dye from transferring to lighter-colored items in the same laundry load.
Printed t-shirts, on the other hand, often have graphics that can crack or peel over time. Washing these shirts inside out protects the print from the harsh environment inside the washing machine. It’s also a good idea to use a gentle cycle and cold water to further safeguard the prints.
Another benefit of washing clothes inside out is that it provides better cleaning for the parts of the clothing that come into contact with your skin and are more likely to be soiled by sweat and oils. The inside of the clothes will receive more direct agitation and rinsing, leading to a more thorough clean where it’s needed most.
Moreover, this method extends to other types of clothing with decorative elements such as embroidery, sequins, or lace. These delicate features can easily snag or get damaged during a wash cycle. By turning such garments inside out, you help protect these details and ensure they remain intact.
In addition to protecting your clothes, washing inside out can also have environmental benefits. Clothes that last longer mean less frequent replacements, reducing waste and the demand for new resources. Plus, if you’re able to wash in colder temperatures and gentler cycles thanks to this method, you’ll save energy as well.
In conclusion, the habit of turning clothes inside out before washing is a small step with significant benefits. It’s an easy way to extend the life of your wardrobe, keep your clothes looking their best, and contribute to sustainable living practices. So next time you do laundry, remember to flip those clothes around for a protective measure that goes a long way.
5. Tennis Balls as Dryer Balls
Using tennis balls as dryer balls is a clever laundry hack that can improve the efficiency of your drying cycle and enhance the quality of certain bulky items like comforters, jackets, and pillows. The concept is simple: by adding one or two tennis balls into the dryer with your laundry, you can reap several benefits that make this trick a game-changer for your household chores.
The primary function of tennis balls in the dryer is to create space between items as they tumble. This separation allows hot air to circulate more freely and evenly throughout the load, which can reduce drying time and save energy. The constant movement and bouncing of the tennis balls also prevent laundry from clumping together, ensuring that larger items like down comforters or fiber-filled jackets get thoroughly dried without developing damp spots.
Another advantage of using tennis balls in the dryer is their ability to fluff up fabrics. As the balls bounce around, they gently pummel the laundry, helping to maintain the loft and softness of items. This is particularly beneficial for garments and linens with fillings, such as padded jackets, quilts, and pillows, which can often become flattened after washing. The tennis balls help to re-fluff these items, restoring their original shape and texture.
For those who are sensitive to chemicals or prefer not to use fabric softeners, tennis balls offer a natural alternative for reducing static cling. While they may not completely eliminate static, they can certainly help minimize it without the need for additional products.
It’s worth noting that while regular tennis balls can be effective, they may not be the best choice for all situations. Some tennis balls have a strong odor or could potentially release dyes onto light-colored fabrics. If you’re concerned about these issues, consider purchasing dryer balls specifically designed for laundry use. These are typically made from materials like wool or rubber that are non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and colorfast.
When using tennis balls as dryer balls, it’s important to monitor their condition over time. With repeated use, they can start to break down and may eventually need to be replaced. Keep an eye out for signs of wear, such as cracks or loss of fuzz, which indicate it’s time for new ones.
In summary, incorporating tennis balls into your drying routine is a cost-effective and efficient way to enhance the drying process. They help to fluff up fabrics, reduce drying time, and can serve as a chemical-free option for managing static cling. So next time you’re doing laundry, consider tossing a couple of tennis balls into the dryer for a simple yet impactful improvement to your laundry routine.
6. Zip Up
Managing zippers and buttons properly before tossing clothes into the washing machine is a small but crucial step in the laundry process. It’s a detail that can prevent damage to your clothing and extend the life of each garment.
For any clothing item with zippers, make sure to zip them up completely before washing. This includes jeans, jackets, skirts, and even some types of bags or pillow covers. The reason behind this is twofold: firstly, the metal teeth of an open zipper can easily catch on other items in the wash, potentially snagging delicate fabrics or ruining other garments. This can lead to holes, tears, or stretched-out materials that are difficult or impossible to repair. Secondly, when zipped up, the pull tab locks into place, reducing the likelihood of the zipper banging against the drum of the washing machine, which can cause noise and potentially damage both the zipper and the machine over time.
Conversely, when it comes to buttons, particularly those on shirts and blouses, the best practice is to leave them unbuttoned. While it might seem counterintuitive, there’s a good reason for this as well. During the wash cycle, clothing items are subjected to a lot of movement and agitation. If a shirt is buttoned up, this action can put undue stress on the buttons themselves and the buttonholes. Over time, this can lead to buttons becoming loose and falling off or buttonholes becoming stretched out or misshapen. By unbuttoning shirts, you reduce this stress and help maintain the integrity of these fasteners.
It’s also worth noting that for items with decorative buttons or unique fasteners, extra care should be taken. Consider turning such items inside out to protect the buttons from being knocked around too much during the wash. Alternatively, placing them in a mesh laundry bag can offer additional protection.
In addition to protecting your own clothing, taking these simple steps can also prevent damage to other items in the same load. For example, a stray zipper could easily catch on a piece of lace or a loosely knit sweater, causing irreversible harm to delicate pieces.
In summary, remembering to zip up zippers and unbutton buttons before washing is a straightforward habit that can have a significant impact on the longevity and appearance of your wardrobe. It helps to avoid unnecessary repairs and replacements, saving you time and money in the long run. So next time you’re sorting laundry, take a moment to check each item for these fasteners and adjust them accordingly for a safer, more effective wash.
