7 smart washing tips and tricks

Laundry might not be the most exciting activity but it’s something that we all have to do once in a while. In this guide, you will find tips and tricks for both the beginner and the experienced clothes-washer.

When washing clothes, it is important to do it properly. Otherwise, you may be at risk of having to wear a pink shirt that was once white or you might turn your large, comfortable woollen sweater into a size that fits a 6-year-old. We have the best washing tips so you can avoid all the silly mistakes.

You should always check the instructions on the tag. The laundry symbols found on the tag in the neck or down the side seam of your clothes is not for decoration. It gives you laundering instructions, which are designed to ensure that the clothes stay in great shape. So remember to check it before washing.

Most of us make a mistake by thinking that throwing the stained clothes directly into the washer will remove the stains. This is a misconception. Generally, you should soak the stains in concentrated detergent. Apply the detergent with a soft sponge and let it soak into the clothing item for 5-6 hours. Repeat this soaking and pre-treatment until the stains have reduced, and then rinse the soap in running cold water and wash the clothes according to the recommendations on the washing instructions.

And here is how to hand wash clothes: Start by separating your lights and darks like you would if you were machine-washing them. Next, fill a sink or tub with warm water and pour in some laundry detergent. Then, submerge your clothes in the water and swish them around with your hands. Rinse in another tube with clean water. 

If you want to save a bit of money and at the same time, be good to the environment then remember to fill up your washing machine. Also, use wash bags and dispense the soap correctly. Maybe you don’t need to use as much soap as you think. Try your way, and choose an environmentally friendly and allergy-friendly detergent.

The washing process is famously tough on clothes. Unless your outerwear is visibly dirty, you probably don’t need to wash it after each wearing. See if you can extend washing to every other wear, or even three wears, before you toss your garments in the laundry basket.

Agitating, tumbling can leave garments faded, stretched, pilling, and damaged. If you don’t have room for all your laundry to air-dry there are some textiles that you can consider putting into the dryer. These are items such as bedsheets, towels, kitchen cloths, jeans, socks and cotton fabrics. Always check the washing instructions though. 

Unsure on where to place the wet laundry? Then read our blog post: Drying clothes indoors during winter

Dark jeans, black blouses, and other darker materials can become faded in the wash, particularly as it rubs up against other garments. Always launder your dark clothes inside out to ensure they hold their color.
 

Do you have any smart tips for doing laundry? If yes, then please share them with us in the comments.