When washing clothes, the way you separate your laundry can make all the difference. Start by separating your laundry by fabric type. For example, separate bed sheets and towels from heavy denim or jackets from thin shirts and pants. Separate clothing made from the same fabric type, so that the wash cycle can be chosen correctly. It’s also a good idea to pre-treat stains using vinegar or dryer sheets.
Cold water is gentler on clothes
You can reduce the amount of CO2 emissions by washing four fifths of your laundry in cold water each year. This is equivalent to planting nearly a thousand acres of U.S. forest. Cold water is also kinder on clothes. Many garment care labels recommend cold water washing for a variety of reasons. This method will reduce fading and shrinking, as well as bleeding and tie-dying. Cold water washing also allows you to wash larger loads without fear of tie-dying your clothes.
Pre-treat stains before washing
When it comes to washing clothes, pre-treating stains can make a huge difference. Whether it’s blood, mustard, or even your baby’s spit-up, pre-treating can help ensure that your favorite clothing stays in good shape and is always ready to wear. Here’s how to do it:
Pre-treat odors with vinegar
The first step in treating your laundry odor problem is to add a bit of vinegar to your wash. White distilled vinegar, found in many grocery stores and sometimes labelled as “cleaning” vinegar, is safe for most fabrics. Pour it into the wash as it fills up, but do not pour the vinegar directly onto the fabrics. Instead, dilute vinegar with water and apply it to a small area.
Pre-treat odors with dryer sheets
If you’re new to smelling clothes, pre-treating odors with dryer sheets can be a great way to get the job done. These odor-fighting sheets contain chemicals such as linalool and beta-citronellol that are naturally occurring in lavender, basil, and other plants. Both of these substances are powerful repellents for insects, so these sheets are a great alternative to traditional bug spray.
Gleener de-pilling tool
Having trouble de-pilling your clothes? If so, the Gleener de-pilling tool can be of great help. This de-pilling tool features 3 fabric-safe edges and a built-in lint brush. With three different edges, the Gleener is uniquely positioned to revive a variety of fabrics. Whether your clothes are made of natural fibers, synthetics, or blends, this tool will revitalize them all. Using each edge will create a unique fuzz ball effect, while the combination of all three edges works best for medium-pilling fabrics or fine-wool clothing.
