Youve been doing laundry for decades.
Its not just theappliancesand products that have changed, though.
Heres some advice on how to spruce up your laundry routine.
Sorting is going to make the clothes look better and last longer, he says.
Laundry should be sorted into three separate loads: whites, medium colors, and bright colors and darks.
Romine also suggests sorting heavily soiled clothes into a separate load to avoid making other items dingy.
The American Cleaning Institute has a comprehensive list of how often common items should be washed.
This comes down to the fabric and how close it is worn to the skin.
Readthelabels
Never toss an item in the washing machine or dryer without reading the label.
When stains set in, they become more difficult to remove, Romine says.
Its best if you’re able to wash within a few hours of getting a stain.
If in doubt, opt for cold water.
“Cold water is generally effective for treating stains,” Romine says.
DETERGENTS,BLEACHESANDBEYOND
Picktherightdetergent
Powders, liquids, pods, flakes.
The sheer number of detergent options can feel daunting but it shouldnt.
Pick whichever [form of detergent] you want, Richardson says.
Ek has a more nuanced approach.
If you have sensitive skin, a free and gentle detergent can be a good choice.
Look for a detergent from a brand you trust that features benefits you value.
There is one caveat: Never use regular detergent in high-efficiency washing machines.
Using HE detergent could prolong the life of your washing machine.
Considerbleachandwhiteningagents
There are two main types of bleach chlorine and non-chlorine bleach.
because it can leave bleach spots.
Steer clear of oxygen bleach on silk, wool or other animal-based fabrics because it degrades the fabric.
And remember, never mix bleach with other cleaning products, including ammonia, vinegar and hydrogen peroxide.
It can cause a chemical reaction that produces dangerous gases.
Laundry products can also be time savers.
A wrinkle-release spray, for example, is great for removing wrinkles without hauling out the ironing board.
