Laundry Day Just Got Easier with These 10 Hacks
May 2, 2023
7 min read
Who says doing laundry has to be a dreaded task? With all the laundry hacks out there promising to make our lives easier, it's easy to get excited about the prospect of saving time and effort. But let's face it; not all hacks are created equal.
That's why we're here to help! We've sifted through the endless sea of laundry hacks and found the ones that actually work. Not only will these hacks save you time and money, but they'll also ensure that your clothes last longer. No more faded colors or stretched-out fabrics!
10 Time-Saving Laundry Hacks You Need to Try Today
Doing laundry can feel like a never-ending task, with piles of dirty clothes taking up real estate in your home. But thanks to some helpful hacks, you can make the mundane chore of doing laundry easier and more efficient.
1. Use vinegar to soften clothes
If you're looking for a natural substitute for traditional fabric softeners, vinegar might be the solution you've been searching for! Adding a cup of white vinegar to your rinse cycle can help soften clothes without relying on harsh chemicals.
Not only is vinegar an eco-friendly option, but it also helps remove any detergent residue left behind on your clothes after washing. This means that your clothes will not only feel softer, but they'll also look cleaner and brighter.
2. Sort clothes by color and fabric type
Sorting clothes before washing is crucial to ensure that your clothes come out looking their best. Separating darks from lights is a good start, but remember to also separate bright colors from pastels and whites. This will help prevent the dyes from bleeding onto lighter fabrics. Additionally, sorting by fabric type can help protect delicate items like silk or lace.
Consider separating heavier materials like towels and jeans from lightweight fabrics like t-shirts and blouses when sorting by fabric type. This will help ensure that each item receives the appropriate level of agitation in the wash cycle.
3. Use mesh bags for delicate items
If you have delicate items like bras, hosiery, or lingerie that need to be washed, using a mesh bag can be a game-changer. These bags protect your delicates from snagging or tangling in the washing machine.
Simply place the items inside the mesh bag and zip it closed before adding it to the rest of your laundry. The holes in the mesh allow water and detergent to flow through, ensuring your items get clean without being subjected to harsh agitation.
Using mesh bags can also prevent damage from other clothing items with zippers or hooks that could potentially snag on your delicates during the wash cycle.
Mesh bags come in different sizes, so choose one that is appropriately sized for your items. And remember - always follow the care instructions on the label of each item for the best results.
4. Pre-treat stains with dish soap and hydrogen peroxide
When it comes to stubborn stains, pre-treating them before washing can make all the difference. And one of the most effective ways to do so is by using dish soap and hydrogen peroxide.
To create this powerful stain remover, simply mix equal parts of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl or spray bottle. Apply the mixture directly onto it and leave it for a few minutes before proceeding to wash the garment as you normally would.
This simple solution can work wonders on tough stains like grease, blood, or wine. The dish soap helps break down oils and other substances, while the hydrogen peroxide boosts cleaning power.
Before treating that stubborn stain, try it out on a low-key spot to make sure you won't cause any damage. And when washing your clothes afterward, stick to the care instructions for maximum results!
5. Dry clothes in the sun
Drying clothes in natural sunlight not only helps save energy and cut back on your electricity bills, but it can also provide a range of added benefits to keep your garments looking their best.
For one, sunlight is a natural bleaching agent, which means that hanging your whites out to dry in the sun can help keep them looking bright and fresh. The UV rays from the sun can also help to remove stains from clothing naturally.
Drying clothes outside can provide a natural way to reduce static cling without relying on dryer sheets or fabric softeners. Additionally, this method poses no risk of damaging delicate fabrics such as wool or silk, as no heat is involved.
However, it's worth noting that there are some drawbacks to outdoor drying, including the possibility of allergens like pollen sticking to clothes. Also, outdoor drying may only sometimes be a viable option if you reside in a region with high humidity or frequent rain.
6. Use a tennis ball to fluff up down jackets and pillows
If you've ever washed a down jacket or pillow, you know how frustrating it can be when the feathers clump together and lose their fluffiness. But an easy solution to this problem is to add a tennis ball to your dryer!
By tossing a clean tennis ball into the dryer with your own items, you can help fluff them up and prevent clumping. As the dryer tumbles, the tennis ball bounces around and helps distribute the feathers more evenly.
This trick works incredibly well for larger items like comforters or sleeping bags, but it can be used for any down item that needs extra fluffing. And don't worry—the tennis ball won't damage your dryer or clothing.
7. Use a lingerie bag for socks
Losing socks in the wash is a common frustration for many people, but an easy solution can help keep them together: use a lingerie bag!
A lingerie bag is typically used for washing delicate items like bras or underwear, but it can also be an excellent tool for keeping your socks from getting lost in the wash. Toss your socks into the bag before placing them in the washing machine.
The mesh material of the lingerie bag allows water and detergent to flow through while still keeping your socks contained. And because they're all in one place, you won't have to worry about matching up pairs after the wash cycle.
8. Clean your washer with vinegar and baking soda
Over time, washing machines can develop unpleasant odors and build-up that can affect the cleanliness of your clothes.
Cleaning your washing machine is a straightforward process. Add two cups of white vinegar and half a cup of baking soda, and then run a hot cycle on the largest load setting. Before pouring in the vinegar and baking soda mixture, ensure that the machine fills up with water.
The vinegar is an effective agent for breaking down any build-up or residue inside the machine while eliminating any lingering odors. On the other hand, baking soda helps remove stains and deodorize the machine.
9. Keep a laundry schedule
Doing laundry can be a huge hassle, and it feels like the pile of clothes never stops growing. To make your life easier, designate one day each week to tackle all your dirty duds—this way, you won't have any chaos-causing laundry emergencies!
Choosing which day works best for you is key—take into account work, family commitments, and other weekly tasks so that doing the washing becomes part of an easy routine instead of taking up precious time.
10. Use wool dryer balls
To find a greener alternative to dryer sheets, you may want to try wool dryer balls. These not only benefit the environment but also aid in decreasing static and drying time.
Wool dryer balls are made from natural materials and can be used repeatedly. They work by bouncing around in the dryer with your clothes, creating space between them and allowing air to circulate more freely. This helps clothes dry faster while also reducing wrinkles and static cling.
Make Laundry Day a Breeze
These time-saving laundry hacks are a game-changer for anyone looking to streamline their laundry routine. By using these clever tips and tricks, you can save time, energy, and money while achieving cleaner and fresher clothes.
Each hack is designed to make your laundry day easier and more efficient, from using vinegar to soften clothes to drying clothes outside. So, try these hacks today and discover a new and improved way of doing laundry!
