Save time and money with our honest review of laundry hacks. Learn what works and what doesn’t to achieve a cleaner, fresher laundry routine.
Laundry day can be a chore, but many people swear by various hacks to make it easier. Let’s dive into some of the most popular laundry hacks and separate fact from fiction.
1. Ice Cube Wrinkle Remover
Toss a few ice cubes into the washing machine with your wrinkled clothes. The cold water from the melting ice helps to relax the fabric fibers, reducing wrinkles.
The Truth: While this might work for minor wrinkles, it’s not a reliable method for heavily wrinkled clothes. The cold water from the melting ice can help to relax the fabric fibers, but it’s not as effective as ironing or steaming.
2. Chalk Away Oil Stains
Rub a piece of chalk on a grease stain to absorb the oil. The chalk will make the stain easier to remove when you wash your clothes.
The Truth: While chalk can absorb some oil, it’s not a foolproof method. For stubborn grease stains, a commercial stain remover is usually more effective.
3. Vinegar: The Color-Saving Secret?
Add a cup of white vinegar to your wash cycle to prevent colors from bleeding and keep your clothes looking vibrant.
The Truth: While vinegar can help to set dyes and prevent colors from bleeding, it’s not a miracle worker. For significant color fading, you may need to use a commercial color-safe bleach or dye.
4. Dry Towels for Faster Drying
Speed up your drying time by tossing a dry towel into the dryer with your wet clothes. The towel will absorb extra moisture, helping your clothes dry faster.
The Truth: This can slightly reduce drying time, but it’s not a dramatic difference. For faster drying, consider using dryer sheets or drying your clothes on a drying rack. If your dryer seems to take far too long to dry, have the dryer vent cleaned.
5. Baking Soda: The Odor Eliminator
Sprinkle a half cup of baking soda into your washing machine to eliminate odors and freshen your clothes.
The Truth: Baking soda can help to neutralize odors, but it’s not a replacement for proper washing. For stubborn odors, consider using a specialized laundry detergent or fabric softener.
6. Essential Oil Freshness
Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to a damp washcloth and toss it in the dryer with your clothes for a fresh, fragrant scent.
The Truth: While essential oils can add a pleasant scent, they may not effectively eliminate odors. Additionally, some people may be sensitive to strong scents.
7. Coffee-Fueled Color Boost
Brew a strong pot of coffee and add it to the rinse cycle to revive faded dark clothes. The coffee will help restore the color and make your clothes look like new.
The Truth: This is not a recommended method. Coffee can stain your clothes and washing machine, and it may not produce the results you want.
8. Air-Dry Delicates
To prevent shrinkage and damage, air-dry delicate fabrics like wool and silk. Lay them flat on a towel or hang them to dry.
The Truth: Air-drying is a good way to prevent shrinkage and damage to delicate fabrics. Be sure to follow care instructions and avoid direct sunlight, which can bleach some fabrics.
9. Aluminum Foil: A Dryer Sheet Alternative
Create your own dryer sheets by crumpling up a piece of aluminum foil and putting it into the dryer. The foil will reduce static cling.
The Truth: While some people claim that aluminum foil can reduce static cling and it’s possible that the foil might create a small electrical field that can help to neutralize static charges, there’s no scientific evidence to support this claim. Dryer sheets are a more reliable option.
10. Pinpoint Stains
Use a safety pin to mark stained areas on your clothes. This will remind you to pre-treat the stain before washing.
The Truth: This is a helpful tip for remembering to pre-treat stains before washing.
11. Hang to Dry, Wrinkle-Free
Hang your wet shirts on hangers immediately after washing to prevent wrinkles. This will save you time and effort ironing.
The Truth: While hanging clothes to dry can help to reduce wrinkles, it’s not as effective as ironing or steaming.
12. Clean Your Washing Machine Regularly
Regularly clean your washing machine to remove dirt, detergent residue, and bacteria.
The Truth: Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining your washing machine’s performance and to minimize built-up dirt and mold. Use a washing machine cleaner or a mixture of hot water and vinegar to clean the drum and detergent dispenser.
Summary: While some of these laundry hacks may offer minor benefits, it’s important to approach them with a critical eye. For the best results, combine these tips with accepted laundry care practices and high-quality cleaning products.
