How to Avoid Laundry Problems. Laundry Tips and Stain Removal Tips.

Smart Tips for Washing Laundry

When it comes to laundry, most of us just want clean, fresh-smelling clothes that look great, stay lint- and wrinkle-free, and don’t fall apart. We also want our clothes free of stains, pet hair, pilling, and unnecessary wear. It may seem like a lot to ask, but it’s totally doable, with the right tips for washing laundry, you can protect your clothing and simplify the process from start to finish.

Tips for Washing Laundry the Right Way

The key to better laundry results starts before you even turn the washer on. A little preparation helps avoid many of the most common laundry problems.

Check Pockets Every Time

It’s easy to forget, but checking pockets is one of the most important steps. Items like tissues, coins, keys, lip balm, and electronics (think key fobs or USB drives) can either ruin your clothes or damage your washer. Make it a habit, and you’ll avoid those annoying – and sometimes expensive – mishaps.

Washing Delicates: Bras, Lingerie, and Hosiery

Delicate clothing like bras, panties, and tights require extra care. Hand washing is ideal, but if you’re short on time, machine washing on a gentle cycle is okay.

• Use a mesh lingerie bag or a pillowcase tied at the top to protect delicate fabrics.
• Fasten clasps and hooks before placing items in the bag to prevent snags.
• Don’t overfill the bag, and always use a gentle detergent.
• Wash on a cold, gentle cycle and hang dry to preserve shape and elasticity.

Delicates can tangle or stretch in a regular wash, so this small step keeps lace, mesh, and straps looking nice much longer.

Washing Pillows

Pillows absorb sweat, oils, and dust mites, so they should be washed at least twice a year.

• Check the care label, most synthetic pillows are machine washable.
• Wash two pillows at a time to keep the machine balanced.
• Use a small amount of liquid detergent and choose a gentle or normal cycle.
• Select an extra rinse cycle to remove all soap.
• Dry thoroughly using a low-to-moderate heat setting with dryer balls or clean tennis balls to prevent clumping.

You can also fluff pillows occasionally during the drying process to help the fill dry evenly. If the weather is nice, finish by letting them air dry in the sun, just be sure they’re completely dry before use to prevent mildew.

Quick Tips for Washing Laundry Better

• Fasten Velcro to avoid lint balls or snags.
• Zip zippers before washing to prevent damage to other clothes.
• Use lint- and pet-hair remover balls in the washer or dryer.
• Lint roll sheets before washing if your pets sleep on the bed.
• Try liquid bluing for whites instead of bleach, it’s gentler and septic-safe.
• Flat-dry sweaters using a cookie rack placed in the bathtub.
• Hang dry clothes like t-shirts and jeans to prevent shrinking and fading.
• Don’t over-dry, excess heat breaks down fibers and sets wrinkles.
• Turn sweaters and sweatshirts inside out to reduce pilling.
• Never dry just one item, it needs movement to dry evenly and reduce wrinkles.
• Take bulky items like comforters to a laundromat or dry cleaner.

Stain Removal Tips

Pre-treating is essential. Never toss stained clothes straight into the washer or dryer. Drying a stain before it’s removed can make it permanent.

Basic Stain Removal

• Place a clean towel or paper towel under the stained area before treating to avoid transfer.
• Treat stains promptly and check after washing, if the stain remains, do not dry the item.
• Re-treat and rewash until the stain is completely gone.

How to Remove Berry Stains

Berry stains are notorious, especially when fresh fruit is involved. Here’s a tried-and-true method:

• Turn the garment inside out and place the stained area over a mesh strainer.
• Carefully pour boiling water directly through the back of the stain.
• Let the item air dry. If a hint of stain remains, treat it with hydrogen peroxide and cover with a clean cloth. Let sit for 30 minutes, then recheck.

Always test peroxide on colored fabrics in an inconspicuous area first.

Additional Stain Removal Shortcuts

• Protein stains (blood, grass, urine): Soak in cold water before treating.
• Dried blood: Dab with hydrogen peroxide and cover with a cloth.
• Coffee: Soak in a mix of warm water and detergent for 20 minutes.
• Oil or grease: Use dish soap (like Dawn) directly on the stain.
• Ink/pen: Dab with rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits.
• Makeup/sweat: OxiClean works well.
• Deodorant: Sprinkle baking soda on the stain, then follow with a little white vinegar.
• Candle wax should be scraped off, then you can usually iron a paper bag over the stain that will absorb the waxy residue. Find out more: How to Remove Candle Wax

Laundry doesn’t have to be frustrating. With the right tips for washing laundry, you can keep your clothing in great shape, remove tough stains, and avoid many common laundry mistakes. A little know-how goes a long way in making sure your favorite pieces last for years to come.

Clothing and Laundry