How to Clean Your Clothes Like a Pro
Introduction
If you’re like me, you take some pride in the way your clothes look: they have to be clean and neat. But washing and drying our clothes properly isn’t just about looking good; it’s also about making sure our clothes last as long as possible. Washing clothes the right way can help them last longer and keep them looking nice for years. Here are five key points for making sure your laundry stays fresh for longer:
Separate white clothes from colored clothes
If you have a lot of white clothes and colored clothes, it’s important to separate them according to color. White clothes are more likely to get stained by the dye in colored clothing, so it’s best to wash them separately. Colored clothes can bleed onto the whites, so it’s also important that these two types of laundry be kept apart.
As an extra precaution, separate your coloreds from your lights when washing whites—and if you’re going one step further, keep your lights from bleeding onto your darks!
Read the clothing labels
After a good wash, your clothes should be clean and ready to wear. However, if they still smell like mildew or have stains that won’t come out, it’s time to give them another wash. The key here is to read the clothing labels before you put your clothes in the machine.
- Wash on the shortest cycle that will still get your clothes clean and remove any detergent build-up!
- Avoid using fabric softener. It coats the fibers of your clothes with a layer of chemicals that can prevent water from getting into them when you’re washing or drying them—and it makes them feel stiffer than usual! If you want “soft” fabrics, use an additive that’s designed specifically for this purpose. You’ll find these in most grocery stores or department stores (they’re often called “additive softeners”). Remember: always check first before buying anything new; some items might not be compatible with certain additives.* Try using less detergent next time you do laundry because too much detergent can make things worse instead of better by making suds stick around longer on clothing fibers instead of dissolving off immediately as they should.* Consider purchasing a high quality stain remover product since these work better than regular store-bought bleaches which may not remove every single bit of pesky spots on your favorite shirt!
Wash clothes in cold water
It seems like a no-brainer, but the first step toward clean clothes is to wash them in cold water. Cold water is less damaging to your clothes than hot water, and it’s more effective at removing dirt and grime from fabric. This means you’ll save money on dry cleaning bills, get fewer holes in your sweaters over time, and help out the environment by using less energy for heating water (which will also lower your energy bill).
Use additional laundry aids
- Use a laundry detergent that is specifically designed for your type of clothes. Some detergents are designed for heavy-duty washing, like jeans and towels; others are designed for delicate fabrics that need extra care and attention.
- Choose a stain remover if you have children or pets in the house. These products will help remove stains from clothing made with more delicate materials, such as silk shirts and wool sweaters.
- Add fabric softener to your laundry routine if you want your clothing to smell fresh and feel softer after drying. It’s especially important to use this product on items like towels, which can become stiff if not softened before being used again after drying them in the dryer machine.* Lastly, add water softener if you live in an area where there are hard water deposits (such as calcium) on clothes after washing them at home or at the laundromat.* This step will prevent those deposits from building up again over time, making it easier for new stains from appearing each time they’re washed out again
Hang up your clothes
The first step to cleaner clothes is hanging them to dry. Hanging clothes to dry, rather than using the dryer, is one of the best ways to make sure your clothing looks great and lasts longer.
- Hang clothes on a line or rack. If you have an outdoor area where you can hang your clothesline, do so! Clotheslines are a classic way of drying clothes, and they’re especially useful in areas with mild weather (and high electricity prices). If you prefer not to use a clothesline due to privacy concerns or lack of outdoor space, try investing in an indoor drying rack instead.
- Choose spots where air circulation is good for drying purposes: if possible, hang them somewhere that gets plenty of natural light—or even better yet—open windows with suitable airflow from the outdoors will help tremendously when it comes time for crisper laundry day results!
The way you wash and dry your clothes will change how long they last.
You can make a big difference in the life of your clothes by changing how you wash and dry them. Here are some tips:
- Use cold water. Heat breaks down clothing fibers, so if possible, use cold water instead of warm or hot.
- Use the right detergent. Do not use too much detergent! Most washers have a “fill line,” but check your machine’s manual to be sure how much is recommended for your model. Too much detergent can cause soap build-up on clothes and leave residue behind even after washing; this will make your clothes feel stiff and uncomfortable to wear over time. Look for detergents that use plant-based ingredients (citrus oils) over artificial ones that may contain harmful chemicals like chlorine bleach (which kills bacteria). Liquid versions tend to work better than powders or tablets since they dissolve more easily into liquid form during the wash cycle; however, powders will still work just fine if this is all you have available at home! Also try using less expensive brands because they tend not contain any extra chemicals other than what is necessary for cleaning purposes.”
