You've probably heard of a lot of strange methods for getting stains out of clothes. But what about the everyday tasks that we all need to do to keep our clothes in good condition?
Below are some clever laundry tips that you may not have heard of before. So, if you want to make sure your clothes last as long as possible, read on for some helpful tips!
Deep Cleaning Your Washer With Vinegar
You may not think about it often, but the success of your laundry routine starts with your washer. If it's not clean, your clothes won't be clean either!
Luckily, there are a few tricks you can use to deep clean your washer. One popular way is to use vinegar. Just pour 1-2 cups of vinegar into the washer's detergent drawer. Run the washer on the hottest cycle possible, and let it sit for an hour. Then, run the washer again on a cold cycle to rinse everything out.
Concerned about the smell? The rinse cycle will take care of that.
Don’t Wash Those Jeans
Less frequent washing helps your jeans last longer. Experts recommend washing only after every 3-10 wears! So how do you know when to wash them? Use the look, feel and smell test. If you’re not sweating in them, they look and smell ok – no need to wash.
Once your jeans are past the “spot cleaning” stage or if your nose alerts you – it’s time to wash. Here are some tips when it is time to wash:
- Turn your jeans inside out, this preserves the color
- Wash on “cold” to help prevent shrinking and fading
- Wash on delicate with a gentle detergent.
- Rinsing twice is recommended to make sure you completely rinse out all detergent
You know that little lint screen in your dryer? The one that's always clogged up with fuzz and hair? Clean it every time you use the dryer. A clean lint screen helps the machine be more efficient and last longer.
Sweaters Should Skip the Dryer
When it comes to washing sweaters, you should definitely avoid using the dryer. The heat from the dryer can cause shrinkage and can ruin the shape of your sweaters. Instead, lay them flat on a drying rack or hang them up to air dry. This will help keep your sweaters looking like new for longer. Make sure to check the label for care instructions, as some sweaters may be made of delicate fibers that require special drying instructions.
To speed up the process, you can use a salad spinner to spin out excess water or place them in a cotton pillowcase before placing them in the dryer on an air-only setting. This will help fluff up the fabric and remove any wrinkles without shrinking it or causing damage.
So, if you're looking to keep your clothes in good condition and last longer, these tips are sure to help.
Do you have some favorite laundry tips to share?
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash