Laundry Day
Maybe you learned how to do laundry a long time ago, or maybe you’re a newbie. In the last few decades, washing machines and dryers have evolved, and the laundry detergent market has grown exponentially. Doing laundry is often a dreaded chore but it must be done because our clothes, towels and bedding will pile up until you clean them. We are going to offer some tips on washing your items that will make them last longer.
I think everyone has, at one time, washed new jeans with white tee shirts and ended up with light blue tees, or washed a new red shirt with whites and then had everything come out pink. So, a good rule of thumb: Anything dark (jeans, especially) or embellished should always be washed inside out to preserve color and detail. Do the same with items where the inside neck or sleeves get especially dirty.
Sort clothes by color and fabric type, pretreat stains, and choose the correct wash cycle and water temperature for each load. Using the right amount of detergent and air-drying whenever possible can also help extend the life of your clothes. .
Cotton: hot, warm or cool water; high, regular or low dryer temperature.
Linen: cool or warm water; tumble dry low or air dry.
Nylon: cool or warm water; medium or low dryer temperature.
Polyester: cool or warm water; medium or low dryer temperature.
Rayon: cool water; tumble dry low or line dry; hand washing is recommended.
Silk: cool or warm water; air, line, or dry flat; hand washing is recommended.
Spandex: cool water; line dry.
Wool: cool or warm water; tumble dry low or dry flat; hand washing is recommended.
Sorting and Pre-Treating:
- Sort by color: Separate whites, lights, and darks to prevent color bleeding.
- Sort by fabric: Wash delicates, heavy fabrics, and towels separately.
- Pre-treat stains: Apply a stain remover to fresh stains before washing.
Washing Machine Settings:
- Choose the right wash cycle: Select the appropriate cycle for the fabric type and soil level.
- Adjust water temperature: Use warmer water for heavily soiled items, but cold water for delicates and colorfast clothes.
- Use the right amount of detergent: Follow the detergent instructions on the packaging.
- Don’t overfill or underfill the washing machine: Allow the clothes to move freely for proper cleaning.
Drying and Aftercare:
- Air dry when possible: This helps extend the life of your clothes and saves energy.
- Don’t overdry: Overdrying can damage fabrics and cause static cling.
- Remove clothes promptly: Prevent odors by taking clothes out of the washer and dryer immediately after the cycle ends.
- Hang or fold clothes as soon as they are dry to prevent wrinkling.
- Clean your lint filter after every load and once a year have your dryer vent cleaned to prevent fire.
Other Helpful Tips:
Establish a laundry routine: Develop a system that works for you to keep on top of dirty clothes. Maybe choose a certain day of the week to get the task done.
Clean your washing machine regularly: Remove build-up from detergent and fabric softener. Clean it by adding 1/2 cup of liquid chlorine bleach to the dispenser and running a normal cycle with hot water (or follow what your machine’s manual says).
Learn to decode clothing labels: Understand the symbols on care labels to properly wash and dry your clothes.
Although some people skip fabric softener, it’s recommended if you want to keep fabrics soft, reduce friction and keep wrinkles at bay. There are a few instances when you shouldn’t use fabric softener like when you’re washing microfiber, sportswear, towels, flame-resistant clothes (specifically children’s sleepwear) and water-repellent fabric.
Longenecker’s Hardware in Manheim has a full selection of in-stock washers and dryers including major brands such as GE, Whirlpool, Maytag, Fisher & Paykel, Frigidaire, Amana, Kitchenaid, LG and Speed Queen. We match any local competitors’ in-stock pricing and financing is available. For appliance repairs, call Longenecker’s Hardware and we will send out our courteous, professional, factory trained technicians to fix your appliances.
