Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Tuesday Tips & Tricks - Laundry Edition


Did you know...


"Americans start the equivalent of more then 1,100 wash loads every second of the day." - Procter & Gamble


Todays Tips & Tricks are dealing with the famous American past time of Laundry. I mean, with a stat like the one above... obviously it's a past time!? Wow! Thank you to All You magazine for this weeks tips & tricks! If you haven't checked out the April edition of this magazine, do so... it's well worth the $2.49. Now let's get started...


- Fill your machine with large and small items mixed loosely. Don't overpack!


- Select COLD water. All You recommends using cold water for everything except for sheets, towels and underwear {which require HOT water}. Using cold water saves money on your bill.


- As a general rule, powdered detergent is cheaper then liquid. You can also score some pretty good deals if you are into couponing.


- You can wash lingerie and delicates in the washing machine! Invest a few dollars into one of those small mesh bags and you'll be all set. Air dry after it's washed.


- Dark clothes fading? Add a cup of table salt to the rinse cycle the first time you wash a new dark item.


- More soap doesn't mean cleaner clothes. Actually, these days, you should see LESS suds. You can even use up to 1/2 less then what the manufacter recommends and still get clean clothes.


- Use 1/2 a dryer sheet. Makes the box last longer and gets the clothes just as soft.


- Time your loads: As the first finishes, you're ready to throw in the next batch. Saves money because your dryer won't have to warm back up again...it's already hot and ready!


- Shake each item before tossing in the dryer - cuts down on drying time.


- Make your own pretreater = Put two parts water and one part rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle, Mix well. Treat the stain, let the garment sit a few minutes before washing.


- Dishwashing liquid can often get out greasy stains.


Happy Laundry day to you!

1 comment:

Jodi said...

Never thought about shaking the laundry to reduce drying time. Makes sense!! Another thing I do is dry towels for about 10 minutes in the dryer than hang to dry. The dryer fluffs them but then you dont pay for the drying time.