KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – LAUNDRY TIPS

KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – LAUNDRY TIPS

Sorting– you need to sort according to fabric weight as well as color. Heavy fabrics like towels and denim should be washed and dried together. They can beat up on lighter fabrics even cotton like t-shirts. Wash delicates in a load by themselves even put them in a pillow case if very light fabrics like lace bras and panties.

Inside out– wash any garment that has any embellishments or a transfer design or is even just very dark in color inside out to preserve color and protect. Wash backpacks inside out in a pillow case make sure to remove any metal parts that you can.

Don’t overload the washer– clothes will not get as clean and this also sets in wrinkles. This also puts more pressure on the machine and will shorten its life. With the cost of appliances you want to keep them working well for as long as possible. Same with the dryer fewer wrinkles. Leave the washer lid open between washes. Less mildew problems.

More dryer tips– use the permanent press setting. This setting has a cool down at the end to fluff out wrinkles. Take clothes out when still slightly damp. Hang on plastic hanger and smooth with your hands little or no ironing needed. Clean the lint filter!! Wash it once a year with a tooth brush and mild detergent. Also once a year take the exhaust hose off the back and push through a long brush from the back to push out any lint trapped there this is a great cause of fires in the home. A clean dryer shortens drying time and extends the life of the machine.

Always zip up all zippers on garments before washing. Zippers snag other fabrics. Unbutton all shirts. Washing shirts buttoned up will add stress to the buttons and buttonholes. Make sure to always throw clothing in the hamper right side out (except the special garments we wash inside out). This makes easier folding later. Fold when the clothes are still warm more wrinkle avoidance.

Stuffed animals– if the label says "washable" throw into a pillow case and tie a knot or use a twist tie. Wash in cool water with a gentle detergent like Woolite®. Dry on lowest setting.

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO