Doing laundry can sometimes feel like a never-ending chore, but with these clever hacks, you can make the process quicker, easier, and even more efficient. Here are ten laundry hacks that everyone should know:
1. Pre-Treat Stains
Treat stains as soon as they happen. Keep a pre-treatment spray or stick handy, or dab a bit of liquid detergent directly on the stain. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes before washing.
2. Use Ice Cubes to De-Wrinkle
Throw a couple of ice cubes into your dryer with your wrinkled clothes. As the ice melts and turns to steam, it will help remove wrinkles. This is perfect for when you don’t have time to iron.
3. Vinegar as Fabric Softener
Add half a cup of white vinegar to your washing machine during the rinse cycle. Vinegar is a natural fabric softener and also helps to keep your washing machine clean.
4. Use Less Detergent
More detergent doesn’t necessarily mean cleaner clothes. It can actually leave a residue and even damage your machine. Use less than the recommended amount and see if your clothes come out just as clean.
5. Sort Smarter
Instead of just sorting by color, consider sorting by fabric type and weight. Wash heavier items like towels separately from lighter clothes to allow for more balanced tumbling and faster drying times.
6. Quick-Dry Shoes and Stuffed Animals
To dry shoes, slippers, or stuffed animals without them banging around in the dryer, place them in a mesh laundry bag and hang them inside the dryer door with the bag tied shut. This allows them to dry without tumbling.
7. Freeze Jeans to Refresh
Instead of washing jeans too frequently, freshen them up by placing them in a plastic bag and freezing them overnight. Freezing kills odor-causing bacteria without causing the fade that frequent washing does.
8. Roll Towels for Quicker Drying
Instead of folding towels over a drying rack, roll them up. They’ll have more surface area exposed to the air, speeding up the drying process.
9. Sock Pairing Made Easy
Keep socks together by placing them in a mesh laundry bag during washing and drying. You’ll never lose a sock again!
10. Boost Drying with a Towel
Add a dry towel to a load of clothes in the dryer. The towel will absorb moisture and reduce drying time, saving you energy and time.
These laundry hacks not only save time but can also extend the life of your clothes and your laundry appliances. Try incorporating them into your routine for a more efficient and hassle-free laundry experience!
