Laundry is one of those household chores that everyone has to deal with, yet many of us seem to overlook its complexities. From avoiding color mishaps to keeping clothes looking fresh and new, mastering laundry is an essential skill. Whether you’re a laundry novice or a seasoned pro, these top 10 laundry tips will help make the process easier, faster, and more effective.
1. Wash Clothes in Cold Water
Did you know that washing clothes in cold water can be just as effective as using hot water, and it's gentler on fabrics? Cold water prevents shrinking, fading, and fabric wear. It also helps preserve colors and reduces energy consumption, making it an eco-friendly option. Use cold water for most laundry loads unless you’re trying to remove specific stains that require hot water.
2. Don’t Overload the Washing Machine
It’s tempting to fill the washer to the brim to get through laundry faster, but overloading can lead to ineffective cleaning and excessive wear on your clothes. Clothes need room to move around in the wash for the laundry soap or laundry detergent to do its job properly. An overstuffed machine can also strain the motor, leading to possible breakdowns.
3. Use the Right Laundry Soap for Your Machine
Not all laundry soaps and laundry detergents are the same, and using the wrong one can affect how clean your clothes get. If you have a high-efficiency (HE) washing machine, make sure to use an HE soap or detergent. These products are formulated to produce less suds and work more efficiently in low-water machines. Using regular laundry soaps and detergents in an HE machine can lead to excess soap buildup and poor rinsing. Fortunately our Bloop laundry soap has been tested to be effective for all laundry machine types. Bloop is a highly concentrated, natural laundry soap specifically formulated to be tough on stains and smell terrific. We pride ourselves on being small batch and made with the best ingredients on the market.
4. Pre-Treat Stains Immediately
One of the best ways to tackle stains is by acting quickly. The sooner you treat a stain, the easier it will be to remove. Use a stain remover or rub a small amount of liquid laundry soap directly onto the stain before washing. For tough stains, let the fabric sit for 5 to 10 minutes before washing. Avoid letting stains sit too long, as they can set into the fabric and become harder to remove.
5. Turn Clothes Inside Out
To prevent fading and wear on the outer side of your clothes, always turn garments inside out before washing. This is especially helpful for printed or patterned items, as it reduces friction against the fabric and helps preserve their appearance. It also minimizes pilling, which is when small fabric balls form on clothes due to friction.
6. Use a Mesh Bag for Delicates
Delicate fabrics, such as lace, silk, or wool, need extra care. Use a mesh laundry bag to protect them from rougher materials or the washer drum. You can also use a bag for small items like socks, preventing them from disappearing into the abyss of the laundry machine.
7. Organize Laundry By Fabric Type
To ensure the best wash for your clothes, separate laundry by fabric type (e.g., towels, linens, delicate fabrics, and heavy-duty items) to prevent damage and ensure proper cleaning for each material.
8. Add Dryer Balls
For softer clothes, reduce static, and improve scent, use dryer balls. If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly option, try wool dryer balls, which naturally soften fabric and reduce wrinkles. These reusable balls soften clothes naturally by tumbling with the fabric and also help reduce drying time by improving air circulation in the dryer.
9. Dry Clothes Correctly
While it’s tempting to toss everything in the dryer, certain fabrics do better when air-dried. For example, hang delicates like sweaters and silk items to prevent shrinkage and stretching. If using the dryer, set it to the appropriate heat setting (low for delicates, high for towels), and clean the lint trap regularly to ensure maximum efficiency.
10. Regularly Clean Your Washing Machine
Your washing machine needs a little love too! Over time, laundry soaps, detergents, and fabric softener can build up inside your machine, leaving behind residue and causing unpleasant odors. To keep your washer running smoothly, clean it regularly by running an empty load with hot water and a cup of white vinegar or a washing machine cleaner. This helps keep the drum fresh and ensures your clothes come out clean. Using a concentrated natural laundry soap like Bloop will greatly reduce the build up caused by other laundry soaps and detergents.
Laundry doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. By following these 10 simple laundry tips, you’ll ensure your clothes stay fresh, clean, and in top condition. From washing in cold water to using the right laundry soap, these tricks can save you time, energy, and money while keeping your wardrobe looking its best. So next time laundry day comes around, you’ll be ready to tackle it like a pro!
Head to heybloop.com for more info on our natural, concentrated laundry soap and to get your discount code! While at heybloop.com make sure to check out our other laundry related blogs.
