Revamp Your Laundry Routine with Expert Tips
Reconsider Laundry Habits
Patric Richardson, a household cleaning expert, wants you to rethink traditional laundry practices. As host of “The Laundry Guy” and author of an upcoming book, Richardson offers insights on prolonging garment life and saving time in the laundry room. He suggests that many old laundry rules are outdated due to advancements in machines and clothing dyes.
Wash with Warm Water
Richardson advocates for washing clothes in warm water because it activates detergents more quickly. Modern fabrics are less prone to fading and dye bleeding, making warm water a safe choice. If worried about dye transfer, use color catchers. Although cold water saves energy, shorter wash cycles can also achieve energy savings.
Use Express Cycle
Embrace the express or speed wash setting on machines. A 15 to 30-minute warm wash often suffices. This option reduces fabric wear and shortens drying time, preserving clothes for longer. For heavily soiled items, a longer cycle might still be needed.
Opt for Simple Detergents
Choose detergents with recognizable ingredients like cornstarch and essential oils. Avoid using more detergent than necessary; excess can resettle in fabrics, affecting texture. Richardson suggests two tablespoons of detergent for large loads.
Washing ‘Dry Clean Only’ Items
Richardson asserts that most “dry clean only” clothes can be machine washed. Use mesh bags for delicate items like wool and silk to prevent fabric damage. These bags also help keep small items like socks and bras contained.
Air Dry When Possible
For delicate fabrics, air drying is preferable to minimize abrasion and preserve fabric integrity. Yoga pants and items with Lycra benefit from air drying, as dryer heat can damage material elasticity. Use the dryer only as needed and consider hanging clothes to air dry.
Pre-treat Stains and Odors
To tackle stains effectively, pre-treat with a 50-50 mix of white vinegar and water. For odor remediation, use vodka to remove smells from fabrics, a tip from theatrical costume care.
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