The electric-powered washing machine is arguably one of the best inventions of the 20th Century.
There's not a person in America that doesn't own or take advantage of this simple machine in their day-to-day lives.
This practical invention saves you a lot of time, but there are ways to make the most out of your washing machine to help make your life even easier, and it all starts with the right products.
There are many different types of laundry detergents for all sorts of purposes, and they do work, but a few simple hacks can make your laundry washing experiencing so much better.
First and foremost, start adding vinegar to your washes.
Vinegar is commonly used for preserving and pickling food, but the acidic liquid can also be used for purposes beyond the kitchen.
By simply adding inexpensive white distilled vinegar to your washes, you'll notice a huge difference in your clothes. (Make sure the vinegar is specifically labeled as white, or else it might taint your clothes.)
The acetic acid in the liquid will brighten your clothes, soften them without having to use harsh chemicals, reduce odor, erase hem lines, and reduce lint and pet hair.
Not only that, vinegar will also clean your washing machine.
The good news is that washing your clothes with hot water and vinegar won't make your clothes smell acidic.
Laundry detergents contain all kinds of harsh chemicals that are terrible for our environment and our bodies.
To create this natural detergent, mix 1.5 cups of white distilled vinegar with 4 cups of boiled, cooled down water, and approximately 10 drops of your favorite essential oil (lavender recommended) in a bottle.
Then pour the amount that you need for a regular wash.
If you're not ready to say goodbye to conventional laundry detergent, lessen the amount and replace what you lost with white vinegar.
Also, I find that adding vinegar in the dish soap dispenser also works to clean dishes more effectively.
Here are five other laundry tips that everyone should know!
1. Put ice cubes in the dryer so that you never have to iron your clothes again.
After placing a couple of ice cubes in the dryer, start the machine and the dryer's hot setting will transform the ice cubes into steam.
This steam will basically eliminate creases, making your clothes appear more wrinkle-free.
2. Throw a few balls of aluminum foil in the dyer to eliminate static.
Foil balls will also help to keep clothes separated and speed up the drying process.
3. Eliminate grease stains using white chalk.
Stubborn grease stains are a pain to scrub off, which is where white chalk comes in handy.
Simply rub the chalk onto the stain, repeat a few more times until the stain has faded. Then toss your clothes in the washing machine and your clothes should look as good as new!
4. Use mesh bags to make your laundry experience much easier.
Twisted sheets and missing socks are just one of the many annoying things that you have to deal with every time you wash and dry your clothes.
Save yourself time and put these items in a mesh bag before you wash and dry them.
5. Set up three baskets for pre-sorting.
To save time on laundry sorting, set up three labeled baskets to help people know where to put their dirty clothes.
[H/T: The Spruce / Newsner]