I was going to throw in the towel.. then I remembered how much laundry I already have.
Laundry is inevitable, so we might as well find out the ways to make it more enjoyable, smell good, and create less static. I mean who needs hair that stands straight on end yet too? Or get shocked every time they touch anything...
The following are tips and tricks gathered from my personal experience and from dozens of my readers. There are also suggestions of brands to buy. I have no affiliation with any of the companies or stores. Just sharing what's worked for others to try:)
-- Fabric Softener/To use or not to use/Reducing Static --
Use a Downy fabric softener ball, fill halfway with fabric softener; then fill the rest of the way with water. Stick in washing machine.
If you do use fabric softener, add a bunch of water also so it dispenses better.
Costco brand of fabric softener suits one family great!
Use un-scented Downy.
9 Elements brand of fabric softener has been recommended.
Use lots of white vinegar, it acts as a fabric softener!
Use Mrs. Meyers or Free and Clear dryer sheets in your dryer to diminish static.
Don't use any fabric softener..instead try sticking wool dryer balls and a tinfoil ball in your dryer along with your clothes. Static is not half bad!
Attach a safety pin to each dryer ball. This draws more static to the dryer balls. You will need to think about what you put in the dryer with them tho..sweaters and etc may catch and snag.
Do not dry your dresses completely in the dryer. Take them out and hang up immediately. This helps tremendously with winter static issues. (Most people over-dry their clothes!)
Use Norwex dryer balls to reduce static. This works well for some people.
Dryer balls seem to help the laundry dry faster also!
Hanging your clothes outside to dry!
Do not put any dresses in the dryer, hang-dry instead.
Laundry Soap/Detergent
7th Generation soap is highly recommended. I got quite a few happy customer reviews on this brand.
Costco's Kirkland Ultra Clean is one favorite.
Norwex Ultra Power Plus....this works well for some people and then for others, it does NOT work..but perhaps the water type plays a part? Perhaps the amount of water your front-loading machine uses is not enough to get your clothes truly clean. You may need to play around with the settings, soak your clothes beforehand so they are sopping wet, or simply dump buckets of water into your washer like I have to.
All Free and Clear was recommended by several.
BioKleen, The ECOS, and Azure Standard laundry soap are some more options.
Laundry Super Powder - Lemon + Clove from cleanmama.com (This does a great job and is cheaper than the Norwex brand.)
Melaleuca works for sensitive skin.
Tide Free and Gentle powdered soap works for another family with sensitive skin.
Amway Home Laundry Detergent works just as good if not better than Norwex….comparable in price.
Try using ammonia, baking soda, or vinegar....as a soaking agent, a smell combatant, or just add to your loads for a boost.
Some folks add vinegar (in the bleach dispenser) and baking soda (approx. 1 cup inside the washer with your clothes) to every single load of laundry they do, along with their normal soap.
Another lady adds oxygen bleach and baking soda to every load along with her choice of laundry soap.
Try using laundry sanitizer for stinky knit clothes.
Washing Machines—
By far the most raved-about washing machine is the Speed Queen. Coming in second place is the Electrolux.
Overall the general feel I'm getting about doing laundry is that your brand of washing machine makes a big difference and your water plays a huge part. It make take a bit of playing around, trying different kinds, amounts, and methods until you land on what works for you and your family. What works for one...does not seem to necessarily work for the next.
Don't you just love those 12 seconds when all the laundry is done? Me too!
P.S. For those of you who own a front-loading washer, here's a few tips on keeping it smelling good inside and working well.
Leave the door on your washer wide open as much as possible. If not wide open, then do NOT shut it completely...leave it cracked a bit for air flow.
Clean out the sealing ring around the front inside every 3-4 weeks. If you can't get it clean, you may have to replace it.
If you're really virtuous, wipe out the entire washer, drum and all with vinegar or a cleaner of your choice.
P.S.S. If there are more laundry-related tips that you have told me and I forgot to add them, please write them below in the comments>>>
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