Doing laundry is one of those unavoidable household chores that can feel like a real drag. Between sorting, pre-treating stains, hauling loads up and down stairs, and seemingly endless cycles, it’s easy to get bogged down. But what if we told you there are clever laundry hacks that can strip down the whole process and even save you money? Keep reading for 15 brilliant laundry tips and hacks that will transform your laundry routine.
1. Make your own laundry detergent
One of the best laundry hacks to save money is making your laundry detergent at home. It’s incredibly easy and just requires a few basic ingredients like washing soda, borax, and bar soap. Homemade detergent costs just pennies per load compared to pricey name brands.
2. Use wool dryer balls
Want to slash drying time and reduce static cling and wrinkles? Wool dryer balls are a fantastic laundry hack. Toss a few into the dryer with your clothes – they’ll help separate items for faster drying and fewer wrinkles.
3. Conquer tough stains with unusual household items
From ketchup to shaving cream, many household staples can be surprisingly effective laundry stain removers. Spread some shaving cream on grease stains and let it sit, or dab ketchup onto a protein-based stain like egg or blood before washing. These out-of-the-box laundry hacks are a must-try!
4. Clean your washing machine
Did you know washing machines get dirty over time from built-up soap scum, hard water deposits, and mold? Run a cleaning cycle with washing machine cleaner or vinegar every few months to banish grime and odors. This simple washing machine hack keeps your appliance fresh and your clothes cleaner.
5. Use baking soda as a laundry booster
Adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to each wash cycle is one of the most versatile laundry hacks around. It helps remove odors, brightens whites, and gives an extra cleaning boost to your regular detergent. It’s also a cheap, eco-friendly option.
6. Try the towel trick for special care items
Worried about damaging delicates or hand-washing items in the washing machine? The towel trick is a clever laundry hack that protects your garments. Place the items inside a clean bath towel, tie or clip the ends shut, and wash on the gentle cycle.
7. Freeze-treat stains
For laundry stains that have already been set, try this freezer trick before washing. Soak the stain in water, then place the garment in the freezer for a few hours. As it freezes, the stain will expand and break apart, making it much easier to lift in the wash.
8. Use vinegar as a rinse aid
If you battle static cling, dull colors, and scratchy fabrics, this simple laundry hack is for you. Just add 1/2 cup vinegar to your wash during the rinse cycle. The vinegar acts as a natural fabric softener and static reducer, leaving clothes soft and fresh.
9. Make your own wool dryer balls
Wool dryer balls are a fantastic eco-friendly laundry hack, but they can be pricey to buy. Why not make your own for just a few dollars? They last for ages and can save money on drying time and dryer sheets.
10. Wash workout clothes inside-out
Activewear made of moisture-wicking technical fabrics can be tricky to keep fresh. Counteract lingering smells by turning items inside-out before washing – the agitation helps dislodge trapped sweat and odors from the fabric’s underside. A must-know laundry hack for athleisure!
11. Deodorize sneakers with kitty litter
Stinky shoes got you down? Skip the expensive spray and try this clever laundry detergent hack. Fill a sock with some unused kitty litter, tie the end, and place it in your shoes overnight. The litter will absorb funky odors, leaving your kicks smelling fresh.
12. Use salt to lift stubborn red wine stains
Is there anything worse than spilling red wine on a light-colored shirt or carpet? Act fast with this super easy laundry hack. Pour a generous amount of salt onto the stain right away – it will work to lift the pigment before it sets. Let it sit for a while before blotting and laundering.
13. Clean the lint trap with a vacuum hose
Did you know lint and debris trapped under your machine’s lint filter can be a major fire hazard? Once in a while, use your vacuum’s hose attachment to thoroughly clean out the cavity. It’s an important laundry and safety hack that many people overlook.
14. Wash towels with baking soda and vinegar
There’s nothing worse than musty, mildewy towels. To keep them fluffy and smelling clean, occasionally wash them with a cup of baking soda in the wash cycle and a cup of vinegar in the rinse. This power combo laundry hack breaks down built-up gunk and odors.
15. Use a salad spinner for small loads
Don’t have time for a full wash cycle? For quick touch-ups or small kids’ loads, try this nifty laundry hack. Place items in a salad spinner lined with a towel, add soapy water, and spin away! The spinning motion mimics the agitation of your machine’s wash cycle.
There you have it – 15 incredibly useful laundry hacks to save time, cut costs, and boost cleaning power. From extending the life of clothes to reviving smelly fabrics, these laundry tips and washing machine tricks cover all the bases. Put a few into practice each week and dread laundry day no more!