12 Science-Backed Tips That Will Help You Tackle That Giant Pile Of Clothes In Your Laundry Room

Jul 11, 2018

Doing laundry can be so tedious and taxing that it is normally set aside for an entire day, "Laundry Day." Here are some tips and tricks to take back your day and make the task of doing laundry easier.

12. Marking Your Stains

Throughout the week as you wear your clothes, stains happen. After a long day, it is not always feasible for you to spray a spot remover on the stain, scrub, and let set before tossing in your laundry basket or hamper. A good solution for this is to mark the stains within your clothes by either tying a knot in the garment or by placing a clothes pin on the stain. This allows for ease in finding the stain and serves as a reminder to actually pre-treat the stains before tossing them in the washing machine.

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11. Shampoo Around the Collar

Everyone knows about those stubborn rings around the collar. These rings are a combination of dirt, sweat, and whatever products are used on our hair and skin with a sprinkle of dead skin on top. They are pesky and hard to get rid of. A good solution for this is for you to apply some shampoo to those rings and scrub before tossing in the wash. Those rings won't be able to stand a chance.

10. Hair Spray for Ink Stains??

I know. I know. This sounds insane. Hair spray for ink stains. Yes, it works. Whether you work in an office or are just trying to jot down a note, ink stains are ridiculously hard to remove. Hair spray works well to lift those stains. Just spray some hair spray and place a cleaning cloth or paper towel under the stain and press. This method even works on old stains, so that blouse can still be saved!!

9. Hair Conditioner to Un-shrink Clothes

No, you didn't gain weight. Your clothes literally shrunk in the washer or dryer. Here is a solution. Soak your clothes in a solution of 1/4 cup of soft hair conditioner in warm water for 20-30 minutes. Voila! Your clothes are back to the right size. Now all you have to do is maintain that diet you have been working on!

8. Color and Dirt Traps

That new red shirt can be washed with the rest of your dark clothes! Here is how. Take a towel and soak it in a solution of washing soda and water. Wring out the towel and toss it in the wash with the rest of your clothes. The towel will absorb any dyes or dirt that may linger in the water and prevent them from being absorbed by your other clothes.

7. Coffee or Tea for Dark Clothes

Faded clothes are in only when they are on purpose! In order to keep your dark clothes dark, just add 2 cups of brewed coffee or tea to your rinse cycle. It works especially well with black garments.

6. Using a Colander for Hand Washing Delicates

For those items that need that literal special touch of hand washing like lady's underwear, use a colander. After that final rinse, place the garment in the colander and let it drain the remaining water. Once all of the water is drained then you can hang it up for the remainder of the drying process.

5. Essential Oils

Essential Oils can be used for practically anything. They are quickly becoming a staple of every household. Lavender oil can be added to the rinse cycle for a fresh smell, and lemon oil can be used to remove stains as well.

4. Ice Cubes for Wrinkle-Free Drying

You may never have to touch an iron again! Add some ice cubes to your dryer and allow the steam to help eliminate wrinkles in your clothes for a wrinkle free load to fold.

3. Woolen Balls to Soften Clothes

If you are not into the stiff feeling of certain types of clothes, just toss a ball of yarn into your dryer with your clothes. Please make sure that the ball of yarn is a neutral color and to use the hottest setting on the dryer. This trick doesn't work on dark clothes.

2. Aluminum Foil for Faster Drying Time

Right before turning on your dryer, feel free to toss in a ball of aluminum foil to not only speed up the drying time but to help remove static cling.

1. Mouthwash to Clean the Washing Machine

Please keep in mind that washing machines do get dirty. Bacteria and molds love to hang out there. That dirt can easily build up and cause wear and tear on the machine. Special detergents can be bought and used; however, one good way to remove this dirt is by adding mouthwash to the area where you add detergent and run a full wash cycle.

Bonus: Retaining Socks

No matter how hard you try, you always end up with an odd number of socks. Something happens between the washer and the end of the drying cycle. (It's the gremlins, I tell you.) Anyway, one good way to avoid this theft is by pinning your socks together before putting them in the wash or dryer.

Laundry day should not be this gigantic hardship. It should just be just another chore that can be executed successfully. Here are some tips and tricks to make your laundry day routine more efficient and effective.