Laundry is a very common household chore. It’s also one of the most important. If you want to maintain high standards for your laundry, it’s worth taking some time to learn how to do it properly. That means following infection control guidelines and using detergent with bleach or color-safe bleach when necessary. Here are nine tips on how to get laundry clean and fresh without compromising your health or that of your family members.
1) Use bleach to wash away germs:
The problem with bleach is that it has a limited lifespan once you open the container. That means if you leave your clothes in the washer for days and then put them on, they’re not clear if the bleach has lost its power. It’s important to use color-safe bleach, high active bleach, or liquid chlorine for the first wash on all laundry, including white clothes. Then you can switch to a detergent with less bleaching powder if desired.
You can use bleach that is less strong than recommended for the kind of bacteria you’re fighting. For example, use half the amount of color-safe bleach on your white clothes as recommended if they are stained by urine or blood. It’s good to observe infection control guideline to prevent transferring germs into you laundry
2) Choose the right detergent for your needs:
Detergents with bleach are designed to be used on a variety of fabrics. This makes it easier to clean all the clothes in your house without needing several different products. Choose a product that matches your laundry needs, including keeping whites white. If you use only one product, it’s a good idea to use color-safe bleach. If you have blood or urine on your clothes, you’ll need a detergent with extra bleaching powder for the first wash. You can then switch to a second product that doesn’t contain bleach if desired.
3) Make sure you use the right amount of detergent:
Too little or too much detergent can cause problems. This includes overusing bleach, which will weaken it and make it less effective. When using more than one product, add the liquids together when measuring out how much to use. Too little or too much is common for laundry problems, including leaving clothing stained after a wash. Use the right amount of detergent for your washing machine and follow the instructions on the package. Make sure you are using color-safe bleach or high active bleach when necessary.
4) Use the right amount of clothes:
You should match the load size to your washing machine’s capacity chart. That means you shouldn’t put too many big items in one small load if your laundry machine cannot handle it. Smaller loads are also gentler on your clothes and save water, giving you more time between laundry days.
5) Don’t mix darks with lights:
This rule has changed in the past few years because darks no longer need to be washed separately to maintain color. Still, it’s a good idea to follow it.
6) Keep your washer clean:
If you notice a foul odor, it’s probably time to give your laundry machine a deep cleaning. Check the user’s manual for instructions on how to do this. Don’t use harsh cleaners on your washing machine, or clothes are made with plastic parts or rubber seals. The machine itself should also be cleaned frequently. If you notice a bad odor, check for mold in the washer’s hoses and clean out any lint stuck to the filter or pump. You can get washing machine cleaning products at most grocery stores and home centers.
7) Use the right water temperature:
You should use cold or lukewarm water unless your clothes require hot water for adequate cleaning. Hot water can cause the color to run on light clothing, especially cotton, and even shrink some fabrics over time. The hotter your water is, the less time you should spend washing.
8) Check the dryer:
If your clothes are wrinkled when they come out of the dryer, check it for lint buildup. Removing lint reduces drying time and keeps wrinkles from becoming permanent. It is necessary to clean out your dryer’s filter if it is clogged with lint and dust.
9) Don’t add too many clothes:
Make sure you match the load size to your dryer’s capacity, which can be found in the owner’s manual. You should also avoid overloading the washing machine because this can lead to wrinkling and cause clothes to deteriorate
