11 Tips That Can Help You Do Laundry Like a Pro

We are constantly putting our clothes under stress when we launder them, especially our silk items, according to this study. Therefore, it is important to have a few trusty tricks up your sleeve when it comes to laundry, not just to protect your clothes, but to also make the process easier!

This is why Bright Side has found some of the smartest tips for the next time you do your laundry.

1. Wash delicates in a salad spinner.

This handy kitchen gadget is also perfect for your laundry, especially when it comes to delicates that need handwashing. Simply add your bras and other delicate items into the strainer and wet them under the tap before adding some detergent and spinning. Leave them for 10 minutes before rinsing them under the tap to wash out the soap.

2. Hook your bras and close all of your zippers.

It is advisable to protect your bras when you wash them, by hooking them closed. This will prevent the hooks from bending and the elastic from being stretched out of shape, as well as snagging on other clothes.

To prevent further tears and snags, you should make sure all of your jean’s zippers are zipped up all the way, so they don’t get damaged, and so that their teeth can’t catch ahold of the rest of your clothes.

3. Unbutton your dress shirts.

It is best to leave the buttons undone on this item, because you could be damaging it otherwise. When left buttoned-up, you may start to notice that the buttonholes are getting damaged and that the buttons are becoming loose.

4. Wash your bras in a pillow case.

If you don’t have a mesh bag to wash your bras and delicates in, then try using a pillowcase. This will protect them from other items in the wash that may damage them, as well as help them to keep their shape.

Simply knot it or tie a hairband around the top of the pillowcase to keep them safely inside before washing.

5. Remove musty smells from clothes with tea tree oil.

Our clothes can sometimes become smelly because of mildew and mold, which thrive in damp conditions. Try adding 10 drops of tea tree oil to your laundry detergent during the next wash to remove any moldy smells. This is effective because tea tree oil is antibacterial, meaning that it will kill off any mold.

6. Steam your clothes in the dryer using ice cubes.

If you are somebody who doesn’t like to do the ironing, then this is an easy alternative. Simply add a few ice cubes to your creased clothes in the dryer and run it on hot for 5 minutes. This will effectively steam your clothing, hassle-free.

7. Dry your clothes faster using a dry towel.

This hack will save you both time and energy when it comes to drying your clothes. Before you start your drier, toss in a dry towel with your wet items and start the machine for a 15 minute cycle. The towel will absorb the moisture of your clothes, meaning that it will cut the drying time in half.

Of course, this does mean that you will end up with a wet towel that you will have to air dry, but the pros outweigh the cons here.

8. Unshrink clothes that have shrunk in the drier.

We have all made the mistake of shrinking one of our favorite pieces of clothing, but don’t worry — you can fix it! Simply soak the item in warm water, with some ordinary hair conditioner, and spread it out to dry. Stretch the item a couple of times to reshape it back to its original size.

9. Use wool dryer balls for an eco-friendly dry.

This product is an eco-friendly and a chemical-free option for your dryer. When you place them inside the drier with your wet items, they will cut your drying time in half, as well as take care of your clothes. They will fluff your clothes and towels, and will also remove the static.

10. Add salt to stop your colors from fading.

A tablespoon of salt added to your wash will help to seal in the colors of your clothes and anything else that is machine washable. This works because the chloride in the salt helps to lock the dyes into the fabrics.

This is a cheap and easy way to keep your clothes looking fresh and new.

11. Wash your baseball caps.

This is an easy and effective way to clean your caps, and it is pretty hassle-free! Simply fill a Tupperware container with warm water and some detergent, until the cap is nearly covered. Next, you will want to put the lid on and shake the box for a few minutes. Rinse it in clean water and leave it to dry.

If you prefer a deeper clean, then soak the cap in warm water and detergent overnight before repeating the steps above.

What are your go-to laundry hacks? Do you believe in these tips or do you have better ones to share with us?