Washing Tips For Busy People

I did a lot of research with my friends and family for this article and to my surprise almost everyone I talked to has some small washing tip or trick that was new to me!

Below is the top 10 tips and tricks that you may find interesting.

1) If white powder streaks are a problem on dark clothing once the washing's dried, look out for liquid washing detergent instead, and avoid having to re-wash.

2) Rub kid's grubby socks with laundry soap before washing them to give them a fighting chance of coming out clean. It's a good idea for collars and cuffs, too.

3) Keep things simple. A reliable washer with the basic wash cycles you'll need may be preferable to one that possesses lots of features you're unlikely to ever use.

4) Wash new items separately on a quick wash the first few times if you suspect the colour will run.

5) Wash like with like - sort into colour piles and always wash whites separately. If you want to make sure your whites are really white, pre-soak them as a matter of course.

6) Have a supply of laundry products on hand. Your regular detergent for everyday washes, plus products formulated to care for woollens and delicate items, and to deal with stains. A good pre-wash soaker is a must, and a colour-run rescue remedy's a good idea, too. Then you won't have to run to the supermarket if there's an emergency.

7) Remove spare buttons supplied with new clothes/material patches supplied with school uniform etc as soon as you buy them and keep them all together near the washing machine. An old rinsed out ice-cream container is ideal for this. That way you'll have a central place to look if they're ever needed - they won't be forgotten in a drawer somewhere.

8) Line dry everything whenever you can. It's free, gentle on your clothes, and they'll smell lovely. If you're worried about UV rays fading your clothes get into the habit of hanging them inside out, or get a washing line cover which will protect them from showers, too. Organise a rota for hanging out and bringing in washing so it doesn't fall to one member of the household.

9) Iron everything that needs it, but nothing else. To make this chore a fragrant experience put some lavender water in a spray so your clothes will smell nice, and do it while you're watching a good film.

10) Get someone else to do the washing for you!

I hope these tips have been of some help next time you are thinking of doing the washing at your house!