Laundry Hacks!

Are you that person known for wrinkly clothes, bleach stains or white clothes that aren’t actually all that white? We’ve all been there. If someone didn’t teach you the ins and outs of doing laundry, it could be a bit confusing as to why your clothes aren’t coming out like they did when your mom was still doing it! Laundry isn’t rocket science by any means but there are a few helpful tips that can help you perfect your routine!
Washing
When it comes to washing your clothes, the most important thing it to know how to sort your loads so you don’t end up with faded, discolored clothes. Also, always be sure to look at the tags of your clothes to see their directions as how to wash them. Besides that, here are a couple hacks that might be worth a try!
1. Add ½ cup of vinegar to your clothing that doesn’t smell so great (gym clothes, the dog’s blanket, etc.). This will remove the smell and keep your clothes nice and fresh!
2. Use chalk to remove grease stains! Rub chalk onto the stain, then brush it off. If it does not work the first time, do it again then wash as usual.
3. Clean your washing machine monthly! Add ½ cup baking soda and a quart of vinegar to the drum of the machine and wash with a couple of clean hand towels, run the washer on the longest and hottest cycle you can. (this will prevent any build up or mildew smell from happening).
Drying
The next half of washing clothes is also very important in order to keep your clothes looking nice for a long period of time. It is the worst feeling when you wear something one time then it shrinks in the dryer. Sometimes it is better to hang dry things if you aren’t sure! Helpful hacks:
1. Don’t have time to iron your clothes? Throw your wrinkly pieces in the dryer with a couple of ice cubes on high heat. The hot setting mixed with ice cubes will create a steam that will essentially iron your clothes for you!
2. If you need to run out of the door but the shirt you were planning on wearing is still wet in the dryer, throw a dry and fluffy towel to the load. This will decrease the time it takes for the load to dry!
3. If you are washing a big comforter, pillows, or large blankets- add clean tennis balls into the dryer with them to help them remain nice and fluffy (it will also help them dry faster and more even).

Now you have some tricks up your sleeve when you run your next load! I hope these hacks help the longevity of your clothing and keep everything in tip top shape! Now the hard part is to tackle the pile of clothes collecting while you build the motivation to fold and put them away…