We can hear the universal sigh of despair every time laundry day is mentioned, but it doesn’t have to be a hassle. With just a handful of clever tips and tricks you can save time, energy, and even your favourite clothes! If you’re wondering how to make laundry day simpler, here are five quick laundry hacks that’ll transform how you tackle the wash.
- Use Distilled White Vinegar in Your Wash
If you’re not already using distilled white vinegar in your laundry then you’re missing out on one of the simplest ways to improve your wash! Just add a small amount (around 125ml/half a cup) to your washing machine.
Not convinced? Here’s what it does:
- Neutralises Odours: Vinegar is ideal for tackling stubborn smells like sweat or mildew.
- Softens Fabrics: It can naturally break down residue and softens clothes without the need for fabric softener.
- Brightens Whites: Your whites will look crisper and brighter with regular use. It removes residues that can leave your clothes looking dull and feeling scratchy.
- Add a Towel to Your Dryer
Realised your favourite top that you were planning on wearing this afternoon needs washing? Getting it washed and dried in time can be a real challenge.
Try throwing a clean, dry tower into the dryer with your wet laundry. The towel will absorb the excess moisture, reducing the drying time significantly. This hack particularly shines when used with large loads or heavy fabrics like towels and jeans.
Make sure your remove the towel after 15-20 minutes to stop it from getting damp and becoming just another thing that needs to be dried!
- Use Hair Conditioner to Fix a Shrunken Jumper
Many of us have experienced that heart sinking feeling when you pull your favourite sweater out of the washing machine to see it’s shrunken. Don’t worry – there’s still a chance to fix this!
Hair conditioner can help to relax the wool fibres and bring your jumper back to its original size.
Steps to rescue your jumper:
- Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and add a few tablespoons of hair conditioner.
- Soak the jumper for around 30 minutes to relax the fibres.
- Gently stretch the fabric back to its original shape whilst it’s still wet.
- Lay it flat to dry.
- Use Less Fabric Conditioner Than You Think
However much fabric conditioner you’re thinking of using, use less. With fabric conditioner less is always more. Have you ever experienced pulling what should be dry clothes from your dryer, but they still have a greasy, damp feeling? That’s probably from using too much fabric conditioner, which can leave a residue on your clothes.
Stick to the recommended amount, or even halve this. You’ll still get soft, fresh-smelling clothes, but you’ll also save money and leave your clothes with no nasty residues.
- Remove Grass Stains With Rubbing Alcohol
Grass stains are an inevitable part of childhood. If you’re overwhelmed with constantly having to replace clothes just because they have grass stains then this hack is made for you.
With a simple mixture of rubbing alcohol and water, you can say goodbye to the grass stains that have been plaguing your laundry days.
Here’s how:
- Mix one part rubbing alcohol with one part water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Gently dab the stain with a soft cloth before washing as usual.
Rubbing alcohol can potentially discolour or bleach delicate clothes so make sure you use this method with care and don’t leave the solution on for prolonged periods. If you’re unsure then test on an inconspicuous area of the fabric first!
