10 laundry hacks that help you save time and money
Holly Owens
Contributing Writer
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Laundry is one chore that’s a constant in our lives. Whether it’s a growing pile of clothes or those tricky stains, managing laundry efficiently can save both time and money. As our schedules become increasingly hectic, finding smart ways to tackle laundry can help lighten the load and free up more time for other priorities. By adopting some simple yet effective hacks, you can streamline your laundry routine and even reduce both your environmental footprint and monthly expenses.
In the following article, we’ll share some great laundry hacks designed to make your life easier. From tricks to remove stubborn stains to cost-saving measures, you’ll find a range of tips and strategies that you can start using right away. Stick with us to discover how these ingenious laundry hacks can transform your laundry days into a more manageable and efficient task.
1. Laundry Stripping Recipe
Laundry stripping is a deep-cleaning method that removes buildup from detergent, fabric softener, and minerals from hard water. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
1/4 cup Borax
1/4 cup Washing Soda
1/2 cup Powdered Laundry Detergent
Instructions:
Fill a bathtub or large container with hot water.
Add Borax, washing soda, and powdered laundry detergent.
Stir until the powders are dissolved.
Submerge your laundry in the mixture, ensuring they are fully covered.
Let soak for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally.
Drain the tub and wring out the clothes.
Wash the clothes in your washing machine as usual, without any detergent.
Dry as usual.
2. Unshrink Clothes
Accidentally shrunk your favorite sweater? Here’s how to restore it:
Ingredients:
Warm water
1 tbsp Baby Shampoo or Con ditioner
Instructions:
Fill a sink or basin with warm water and add the baby shampoo or conditioner.
Soak the shrunken garment in the water for 30 minutes to relax the fibers.
Gently squeeze out the water, but do not rinse.
Lay the garment on a flat surface on top of a towel.
Roll the towel with the garment inside to remove excess water.
Gently stretch the garment back to its original size.
Let it air dry flat.
3. Whiten Whites
Keep your whites bright with this simple trick:
Ingredients:
1 cup White Vinegar
1/2 cup Baking Soda
Instructions:
Add the white vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser of your washing machine.
Add baking soda directly into the drum with your white clothes.
Wash on the hottest cycle safe for the fabric.
Dry as usual.
4. Clean White Shoes
Restore your white shoes to their former glory with this method:
Ingredients:
Baking Soda
White Vinegar
Water
Old Toothbrush
Instructions:
Mix equal parts baking soda, white vinegar, and water to form a paste.
Use an old toothbrush to scrub the paste onto your shoes, focusing on stained areas.
Let sit for 30 minutes.
Rinse with cold water.
Air dry in a well-ventilated area.
5. Prevent Colors from Fading
Keep your colored clothes vibrant:
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Salt
Instructions:
Add salt to the washing machine drum with your colored clothes.
Wash as usual. The salt helps to set the dye and prevent fading.
6. Remove Grease Stains
Got a grease stain? Try this:
Ingredients:
Dish Soap
Baking Soda
Instructions:
Apply a few drops of dish soap directly onto the grease stain.
Sprinkle baking soda over the dish soap.
Scrub gently with a toothbrush.
Let sit for 15 minutes.
Rinse with warm water and wash as usual.
7. Deodorize Your Washing Machine
Keep your washing machine smelling fresh:
Ingredients:
1 cup White Vinegar
1/2 cup Baking Soda
Instructions:
Add baking soda directly into the drum.
Pour white vinegar into the detergent dispenser.
Run a hot water cycle without any laundry.
Wipe down the drum and door seal with a clean cloth.
8. Speed Up Drying Time
Reduce the time it takes to dry clothes:
Hack:
Place a dry towel in the dryer with your wet clothes.
The towel will absorb some of the moisture, cutting down on drying time.
Remove the towel after 15-20 minutes to prevent it from getting too wet.
9. Remove Ink Stains
Get rid of ink stains with this method:
Ingredients:
Rubbing Alcohol
Cotton Balls
Instructions:
Dab rubbing alcohol onto the ink stain using a cotton ball.
Blot gently until the ink starts to lift.
Rinse with cold water.
Wash as usual.
10. Keep Towels Fluffy
Maintain the fluffiness of your towels:
Ingredients:
1/2 cup White Vinegar
Instructions:
Add white vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser of your washing machine.
Wash towels as usual. The vinegar helps to break down detergent residue that can make towels stiff.