TIP #1

INSIDE OUT

Wash all of your clothes inside out to protect the fibers against damage from the washing machine drum or from e.g. zippers in other clothes

TIP #2

RINSE OUT YOUR DETERGENT RECEPTACLE

Rinse out your washing soap receptacle often so that you remove all excess washing soap and fabric softener

TIP #3

CLEAN THE WASHING MACHINE

Just like other machines that are used often, washing machines need to be cleaned to remove e.g. chlorine, dirt and smells. Your washing machine’s handbook contains cleaning instructions that will tell you how to best clean the machine. Most manufacturers recommend running the machine empty at a high temperature (60 or even 90 degrees). Naturally, a clean machine will help provide the best washing results with Woolite^®.

TIP #4

FILL THE MACHINE

Most modern washing machines produce effective results even when they are completely full. Therefore, you should fill the machine completely instead of running it half full.

TIPS #5

ENERGY MARKING

When you buy a new washing machine, look for the one that is best for the environment (energy and water consumption).

TIP #6

COTTON

Cotton can be machine washed using Woolite® COMPLETE™, Woolite^® EXTRA Color Care and Woolite^® EXTRA Dark Care so no fabric damage will be caused, like shape loss, fading and color run.

TIP #7

DRY CLOTHES PER LABEL INSTRUCTIONS

Follow label instructions for drying your clothes. Some fabrics require that you tumble dry them in low heat, or that you don’t tumble dry them at all.

TIP #8

WASH AT LOW TEMPERATURES

Woolite^® recommends that you save energy and water by washing at low temperatures.

image from thenest.com

Stains are difficult but when you know what to do it can be as easy as 1, 2, 3.  Here are some very helpful tips from Betty’s Laundry Secrets book.  Now, you don’t have an excuse for throwing out the shirt with the grease stain.  Pay attention now!

Coffee:  Betty says that coffee isn’t hard to get out if you get to it with soap and water right away.

Fruit:  Betty always puts lemon on the stain first.  If that doesn’t work then she uses bar soap.

Mildew:  Wash the garment in warm or hot water with bleach, depending on the fabric and line-dry or dry flat in direct sunlight.

Oil and grease:  Sprinkle some cornstarch or baking soda on the stain, then place the garment, stain side down on a large rag on top of an ironing board.  Iron with a hot iron on the wrong side of the stain–most oil and grease stains will come right out .  (This trick works only for oil and grease, which need heat to dissolve.

Rust:  Soak fabric spotted with brown rust stains (which sometimes come from hard water) in a solution of 1 part lemon juice and 1 part water for at least 30 minutes.  Do not use chlorine bleach on rust stains.

Tea stains:  These are hard to get out, but Betty soaks tea stains in cool water and applies bar soap anyway.

Betty’s Rules of Thumb for Stain Removal

• Don’t ever try to use hot water on anything that’s stained.  Hot water will set most stains, especially those containing protein (such as blood stains and many foods stains.)
• When in doubt, soak it.
• If you notice a stain on a garment after washing it, don’t put it in the dryer.  Instead, while the item is still damp, attack the stain with ivory soap.
• If you catch a stain in the act–say, at a dinner party after one glass of wine to many–blot the stain immediately with a clean rag or sponge.
• If a stain is faded but not completely gone after you take the garment out of the washer, hang the garment outside with the stain facing the sun.  Often, sunlight will do the trick.

1.  On warm days line dry your laundry instead of using your dryer.  If you don’t have a line outside try using a drying rack inside.  Either way you’ll save money and the environment.  When it is warm, take your drying rack outside.  Your clothes will dry quickly, the sun will help whiten your whites and your laundry well smell fresh!

2.  When the times comes and maybe it’s this year… consider replacing and old washer or dryer with an energy efficient model.  In the long run this too will save your wallet!

3.  Use ProWash Activewear Detergent as a booster to your regular laundry detergent or as primary detergent.  ProWash not only washes your garments thoroughly, it’s designed to work in both high efficiency washers and toploaders.  Plus, you can feel guilt free purchasing ProWash since it comes in a pouch container which has 9X less effect on the earth than hard plastic bottles.

4.  And, don’t forget to load your utility room with WOOLITE® Dry Cleaner’s Secret®.  Our home dry cleaning kit will save you money on your dry cleaning bill and will reduce contact with harmful chemicals like Perc. 

5.  Invest in a depilling sweater comb and a sewing kit to get more wear out of your wardrobe.  Most of us need to save right now and that includes not buying clothes.  I know, sad but true.  The good news however is that wardrobe conservation reduces our carbon footprint on this fair planet!  Here’s to a Greener 2011 – cheers!

If you’re like me you’ve probably never thought what more can a fabric-softener sheet do than help soften laundry.  Well my friend, it can do more than you think.  Here are a few ways life has become easier because of the invention of fabric-softener sheets.  You can find these tricks and more in Martha Stewart’s book Real Simple Solutions.

1. Drawer Scenter – If fabric-softener sheets make your clothes smell nice in the dryer,  just think what they could do in your dresser.  Slip a few fresh ones between folded clothes.

2.  Thread Detangler – To stop thread from twisting and knotting up, run the threaded needle through a fabric-softener sheet before starting to sew.

3.  Book Deodorizer – Prevent your beloved old volumes from acquiring a musty smell by inserting a fabric-softener sheet between pages.

4.  Shoe Freshener – Sadly, shoes don’t keep that just purchased scent past one or two wearings.  Place rolled-up sheets in the toes to control odor.

5.  Sawdust Clearer – For wiping up sawdust after drilling, you need something that can grab the fine particles.  A used fabric-softener sheet will do the trick. 

6.  Scum Buster – Remove obstinate soap buildup from glass shower doors by sprinkling a few drops of water onto a used fabric-softener sheet and scrubbing.

7.  Cling Combatant – When static attacks, pat yourself down with a fabric-softener sheet to get rid of the electricity.

How many articles of clothing have you ruined in your closet due to color bleeding?  I can think of a couple times my laundry load came out pink.  Eek!  I figured when that happens you’re just out of luck.  However, my manager recently used Color Run Remover by Carbona and was able to save her favorite skirt from the trash bin.  The black dye had bled into the cream color of her skirt and it became unwearable.  She found this product in the grocery store and figured it was worth a shot.  Here’s her story:

“My favorite silk skirt from Ann Taylor was damaged while I was on a business trip.  One of my hair products leaked through my toiletry bag onto the black and ivory patterned skirt and caused the black to bleed into the ivory. The skirt was ruined but I couldn’t throw it away because it was my favorite.  So it hung damaged in my closet for 6 months until I found Color Run Remover on the Carbona rack at Wal-Mart.  I decided I’d give it a try.  I am VERY pleased to report that Color Run Remover fixed my skirt.“   LeAnne Williams - Director of Marketing WOOLITE® Dry Cleaner’s Secret®

Voila!  LeAnne’s skirt has been repaired!

I’ve mentioned in a previous blog that my husband and I recently purchased a new front loader washing machine.  I had heard from others that mildew was often a problem with these machines.  When the delivery men installed the machine they went through the basics of how to use the machine but also left me with a good tip.  When the washing cycle is complte remove all wet laundry and keep the door open to dry out the inside of the machine.  Remember to also open the drawer where detergent is deposited to air out as well.   Drying out the machine properly prevents mildew from growing on and inside the rubber seal.  However, in case you didn’t know how to prevent mildew and now see you have a problem, Martha Stewart is at the rescue.  In Martha’s book Homekeeping Handbook you will find a solution for this common problem. 

“To remove mildew and discourage further growth, clean the rubber seal with a solution of 1 cup chlorine bleach to 2 cups warm water.  Wearing protective gloves, first wipe the lower portion of the door seal–where water and, thus, bacteria will be most concetrated–with a soft cloth soaked in the bleach solution.  Then follow up by wiping down the entire seal.  Finally, fill the bleach dispenser with bleach and run the washer(without any laundry) through a complete cycle using hot water.  Repeat this process every two to four months to keep mildew in check.”  Voila!  A clean odorless machine!

1. Take Your Temperatures
First and foremost, follow the item’s care label. Generally, the rules are as follows:
Cold is for fine fabrics, items that might shrink, and sensitive dark colors.
Warm is for moderately soiled stuff and man-made fabrics.
Hot is for whites, really dirty clothes, and colorfast items.

2. Keep Whites Bright
When your whites start going gray (or yellow), consider these factors: You might not be using enough detergent to get clothes clean; the water temps might be too low (whites do best in hot water); and you could be contaminating the laundry with really dirty clothes that are making the mildly soiled clothes even dirtier! Make the contaminated load a do-over and try a bleach product that’s safe for the fabrics in the wash.

3. Prevent Fading
It’s a sad day when your perfect black pants don’t look so black and crisp anymore. Turn dark-colored clothes inside out before washing and drying to reduce abrasion and dulling. Also, check the water temperature — it might be too hot for your richly colored pieces. Check the care label to see what the manufacturer suggests.

4. Prevent Shrinking
Stop blaming your dryer. Most shrinkage happens in the washer when fabric relaxes (usually about 1 to 3 percent). The best way to avoid turning your large into a small is to follow the care label. If it permits machine washing, use a cold water setting and either hang the item to dry or turn the dryer down to its lowest setting. Be careful — once something has shrunk, you’re stuck with it.

5. Avoid Bleeding
Never turn your clothes an icky shade of pink again. To find out if something is colorfast, drop a little water on an inside corner or seam, and see if the dye runs. To be safe, wash it alone the first time and check if the water has turned a different shade.

When a red article of clothing infects the load, there’s not much you can do. You can opt to run the load again and add bleach, but the damage is usually permanent. Enjoy your new wardrobe!

6. Do the Delicates
Don’t subject your dainty brassieres to the aggressive agitation of the machine (unless there is a special “delicate” cycle, in which case it’s best to place them in a mesh lingerie bag to limit tossing that can weaken and pull the fabric). When in doubt, washing by hand is always a safe alternative. To wash delicates, fill the sink with cool water, add a capful of mild detergent such as Forever New, and swish it around with your hand for about 3 to 5 minutes. Allow the bra to soak for an additional 10 minutes and then rinse with cool water. Finish by laying it flat on a white towel. If you’re in a hurry, roll it up and lightly squeeze it to extract excess water.

7. Limit the Suds
Less is more when it comes to detergent. Follow the recommendations on the bottle. It might seem like too little, but trust us, your clothes will not get cleaner — in fact they might get dirtier. Too many suds at one time can actually trap soil, redepositing it on clothes and even in the crevices of the machine (like the space between the basket and tub). Sitting in that warm place all alone, the body soil has nothing better to do than turn mildewy and stink up the washing machine. Didn’t listen? Escape from a sudsy overflow by setting the washer to run on a short rinse and spin cycle without detergent.

8. Sort!
You should sort by color, water temp, soil, and sometimes fabric.
Whites: Keep them separate, otherwise dyes from darks could bleed on to them.
Lights: Divide into groups of colorfast pastels, medium colors, and light print pieces.
Darks: Same as lights
Heavily soiled: Separate items or the dirt might transfer to innocent pieces of clothing, making the whites gray and the brights dull.
Fabrics: Use the above rule but if you want to get ambitious, sort by fabrics that might transfer lint, such as towels, flannel, and fleece items. And always check pockets for tissues.

9. Find the Right Detergent
If you like the scent of a country meadow, then choose the brand that fulfills your sensory needs. For function first, read this:
Liquid detergents are good for pretreating stains and removing food.
Powder is nice for general loads (it’s also really good at lifting out ground-in dirt).
Ultra versions are concentrated liquids or powders in small packages designed to give you more bang for your buck. Since you need less for each use, they last longer and the packages take up less space.
HE, or high-efficiency detergents, reduce the level of suds and prevent color transfer in high-efficiency machines or machines with low-water modes (those that hold 8 gallons of water as opposed to 12 to 17).

10. Don’t Forget to Add the Fabric Softener
Do you want dry, wrinkle-free clothing? Then use a fabric softener either in liquid or sheet form. Nowadays, some detergents add in their own touch of softener. Before you add the liquid to your wash, you’ll need to dilute it first before it mixes with the water. Be sure to avoid pouring it directly onto clothes as it might stain. (Some fabric softeners can lessen the effectiveness of flame retardancy on fabrics, sometimes found in clothing like children’s sleepwear.)

11. Don’t Let Your Laundry Linger
It’s best to take the laundry out of the machine right away, but phone calls, nail polish, the game, and crying kids can impede even your best efforts. The longer clothes sit, the more they wrinkle in the dryer or get moldy in the wash. Aside from paying close attention to the time, opt for the automatic cycle versus the timed cycle on the dryer so things don’t get overly dry (the auto function senses when the load is dry and shuts off). Also, choose the tumble press or wrinkle guard option. When the cycle ends, the machine will tumble at timed intervals to prevent the setting in of wrinkles.

12. Keep Stains From Setting
Act now! If you pretreat as quickly as possible, you might prevent the stain from becoming a permanent addition. Rinse or soak the garment in cold water, apply a stain remover, and get it to the washer. Don’t put the shirt in the dryer if the stain remains or it will set. Instead, pretreat, wash, and repeat.

13. Static Cling Stuck on You?
Not to get technical on you, but that cling is caused by a buildup of electrical charges when clothes rub against each other in the dryer. Drying on too high a setting doesn’t help. Use a fabric softener sheet to sedate the sparks and select the lowest temperature setting possible that will still get the job done.

14. Save the Socks
Missing socks are an age-old mystery. Frankly, there is no solid answer on how to keep socks from disappearing. Some experts suggest that socks can get sucked under the agitator and down the drain when the water empties. Others say the missing sock probably never made it to the laundry room in the first place. If you don’t pay close attention when you load up the basket (and really, do we have time?), small pieces like single socks can fall and get kicked under the bed, stuck in the hamper, or adopted by the dog as a toy. Keep track of socks by counting them after they come out of the wash and before they find their way into the dryer. We’d never suggest you handle stinky socks more than needed.

– The Nest Editors

In November’s issue of All You, a list of several helpful tips on “decreasing your exposure to harmful chemicals” is written.  I thought these tips were insightful and wanted to share with all of you.

Make a no-shoes rules in the house.
You and your visitors can track in pesticides or contaminants.

Avoid pesticides.
Go with natural alternatives.  For ants, try liquid peppermint castile soap, which is vegetable based (dilute and spray it where you’ve seen ants).  Mothballs contain p-DCB, so go with lavender or cedar to repel months.

Buy houseplants.
Researchers have found that plants can “scrub” indoor air of harmful toxins.  English ivy, spider plants, snake plants, philodendrons, and dracaenas are considered the best air-cleaning varieties.

Use a Hepa filter.
Make sure your vacuum has a Hepa filter to remove chemicals and pollutants from the carpet and upholstery.  Also, clean your house often to get rid  of dust bunnies that might harbor contaminants.  If you have an AC system or forced air, change the filters at least twice a year.

Open windows.
Indoor air is usually more polluted than outdoor air.  Try to crack the windows for at least 10 minutes per day.