Top Washing Tips from REAL SIMPLE Over the Last Quarter Century
Rewritten Article:
Sick of laundry? You're not alone! One moment you've tackled four loads, neatly folded everything, and feel like laundry king. Suddenly, just a few minutes later (or so it seems), it's time to start afresh. Wondering when you last wore half your clothes? We've all struggled with this household chore, and REAL SIMPLE editors have spent hours writing about it. To keep your garments soft and stain-free, we've collated the best laundry wisdom from grandmas, TikTok, and beyond from the last 25 years. Yes, sorting is crucial!
Skip Fabric Softener for Towels and Gym Clothes
Avoid fabric softener on towels and gym gear as it leaves a residue that retains odor and hinders absorption. The same applies to workout clothes.
Clean, Fresh, and Fluffy Towels:## Reshaping Shrunk Knits
If your favorite sweater has been melted down to kid-sized attire in the dryer, there might still be a chance of salvation. Natural fibers like wool and cashmere can regain their shape after soaking in a sink filled with warm water and a tablespoon of olive oil, according to Patric Richardson, coauthor of "Laundry Love." Swirl the solution around for a few seconds before submerging your sweater for 2-3 hours. Remove it, lay it on a flat surface, and gently tug it back to its original size.
Bringing Back Your Fall Sweaters:## Choosing the Right Temperature for Stains
Water temperature plays a significant role in removing stubborn stains. Most of the time, cold water should be used, especially for freshly soiled clothing – heat can help a new stain set in faster. Hot water should be reserved for set-in stains, as it loosens fibers and aids detergent in lifting out discoloration.
Picking the Best Temperature for Your Clothes:## Washing New Jeans Before Wearing Them
Always wash new jeans alone in cold water before wearing them to prevent the color from transferring onto other items like your favorite handbag on the way to work! Add a half cup of white vinegar at the start of the cycle for extra protection to help seal the color. Lay flat to dry.
How Often to Wash Jeans: Experts' Opinions:## Oily Stain Solution: Sugar-Free Sweetener
Spilled salad dressing on your shirt while dining out? Grab a sugar-free sweetener packet, rub it onto the stain, and let it sit for a few minutes. Then brush it off and rinse. The artificial sweetener will absorb the oil, giving you a better chance to eliminate it in the wash.
Removing Every Type of Stain: Simple Solutions:## Removing Red Wine Stains with Shaving Cream
Instead of heading to the laundry room, dash to the bathroom for a can of shaving cream. Spray it over the stain as soon as possible. (Earlier is better when it comes to dealing with stains.) Let the foam sit for around 30 minutes, then rinse and rub the stain with your finger – it should vanish before your eyes!
Removing Every Type of Stain: Simple Solutions:## Revitalizing Stinky Activewear
Fill a bucket with cool water, plus a cup each of white vinegar and baking soda to freshen up smelly workout clothes. Let them soak overnight. For ongoing odor prevention, regularly add vinegar or another acidic product like Downy Rinse & Refresh to the fabric softener slot in your machine. If you're especially fragrant during workouts (no judgments!), spray stain remover on the underarms and groin area of aired-out activewear before tossing it in the hamper.
Refreshing Stinky Activewear:## Avoiding Laundry Stripping
The laundry stripping trend, which involves soaking garments in a tub of extremely hot water, borax, washing soda, and detergent for hours, is generally unhealthy for fabrics, as it can lead to fabric degradation and fading. While a one-time stripping session after purchasing second-hand clothes may be beneficial, and you can do it occasionally for items that cannot be washed, generally speaking, this fad should be bypassed.
Using Dish Soap for Grease Stains
Dish soap can save your favorite blouse from an oily meal stain. As with any pretreatment, apply a small amount onto the spot and allow it to sit for up to 10 minutes before laundering as usual. The stain should lift with ease.
Microplastic Filters in Mesh Bags
Mesh bags are great for delicate items like socks or hats. Choose mesh bags designed to filter microplastics – the tiny plastic particles that shed from synthetic garments and can end up in waterways when washed. Bonus points!
Avoiding Dryer Overload
Cramming clothes in a dryer can strain the machine's components and lead to problems like pulley or drum belt damage or overheating the motor. When the drum is overfilled, clothes can't circulate properly during drying. Aim to fill the dryer no more than two-thirds full, with heavier fabrics closer to halfway.
- To maintain the softness and stain-resistance of your garments, follow the laundry advice from grandmas, TikTok, and REAL SIMPLE editors who have spent years researching the best laundry wisdom.
- After accidentally shrinking your favorite sweater in the dryer, try soaking it in warm water with a tablespoon of olive oil as suggested by Patric Richardson, coauthor of "Laundry Love."
- When dealing with oily stains, such as from salad dressing, use a sugar-free sweetener packet as a simple, effective stain remover before laundering.
- For revitalizing smelly workout clothes, soak them in a solution of cool water, white vinegar, and baking soda, then use an acidic product like Downy Rinse & Refresh for ongoing odor prevention.
- To help filter microplastics from your washing machine and protect the environment, use mesh bags that are specifically designed to capture these tiny plastic particles.
