With a family of seven, let’s just say I’ve learned a few lessons about laundry. Actually, I’m still learning, as we all continue to discover new styles and fabrics of clothing, and new ways to get them dirty.
Learning how to address laundry issues is one of those skills that makes good sense. Not only do you look more presentable, but it’s a good form of biblical stewardship, as we can get more wear out of our clothing when we care for them correctly. Sadly, I’ve ruined more than a few items through inexperience or carelessness. And I’ll probably ruin a few more.
In today’s column, I’m going to review some basic information about doing laundry. I know this is a big subject, and there will be much I can’t address in this short time. A lot of laundry know-how is common sense. If you are dealing with a delicate fabric, treat it with extra care. Plus, please note that unfortunately there are always exceptions depending on the type of fabric. If you are dealing with a fabric type that’s new to you (silk, suede or leather for example) do some research before you make a mistake you can’t correct.
That being said, here are some general guidelines for laundry:
Sorting laundry:
· Check the labels before assuming you can toss that blouse in with t-shirts.
· Create a space for items needing special care (examples would be hand washing or dry cleaning)
· Turn clothes right side out (unless otherwise instructed).
· Check ALL pockets. I recently washed my son’s I-pod which was stuck in a jacket pocket – not his pants pockets which I checked.
· Separate by color. In my house almost everything we wear is cotton, so we have four basic wash loads, 1) whites, 2) reds/pinks, 3) mid-range colors, 4) brown, black & denim.
· Keep red away from other colors!!! When in doubt, hand wash.
Pre-treating tips:
· Treat all stains as soon as possible. The longer it sits, the more it sets.
· Check for stains in good light. I’ve missed lots of grease stains by not checking carefully.
· Stains with proteins (blood, dairy, mud, baby food) need a detergent or pre-treater with enzyme, and should be washed in COLD water first to remove stain.
· Stains with oil respond well to dish detergent, or most liquid laundry detergents. Allow the detergent to penetrate the stain (rub gently or use a small brush), sit for an hour, and then wash in the hottest water that’s safe for that fabric.
· Stains with tannins (tea, coffee, juice, wine) should be rinsed in cold water first to remove the stain, then in the hottest water safe for the fabric. Do not use a bar soap to try and clean the stain. Soap will set a tannin stain.
· Another method for dealing with grease stains involves sprinkling with talcum powder, allowing it to sit, and brushing it off before washing.
· If the stain is still visible after washing, DON’T put it in the dryer. Try again.
· Pre-soak heavily stained items with a product like Biz or Clorox 2.
Washing clothes:
· Wash clothing in the coolest water possible to preserve colors.
· Wash whites in hot water.
· Add detergent to the water first in order to dissolve it.
· Do not overload the tub. Even though it may seem like good stewardship to get the most out of each load, it eventually wears out the washer, and doesn’t effectively clean your clothes.
Drying:
· To save money, invest in a drying rack, or use a clothesline outside where possible. I will often hang shirts and smaller items around the house to dry.
· Dryer sheets help remove static cling. To save money, try cutting them in half, or using more than one time. You can also put some fabric softener on a towel and throw in the dryer with the wet clothes.
· Check your dryer before it stops to remove and fold dry items while hot to avoid ironing.
What I haven’t addressed at all in this column are ways to pre-treat and launder clothing while being environmentally sensitive. I encourage you to explore products as your conscious leads you. I’ve just learned about a new nature-based product called Vaska, which is being recommended by the Queen of Clean. I’m going to give it a try.
As I said earlier, I know there are hundreds of great tips out there. If you’ve got a tip to share, please leave a comment so we can all learn.
Happy laundering!
In His Love,
Glynnis
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how strange that my post this morning(typed up last night) was also about laundry! It is a strange thing…In the winter months when I use the dry I just dread laundry. But in the spring and summer months when I can hang the laundry out on the line it is something I look forward to. There is something about just being out in the breeze and listening to nature (some hiden quiet time I guess). THank you for your Titus 2 attitude! Have a great week!
I made my own laundry soap all last year! that worked great and was ubber cheap!
Great pointers!