This page contains tips and ideas on how to more easily and efficiently keep your laundry clean.
Homemade Wringer for Hand Washing Clothes?This is a page about homemade wringer for hand washing clothes. Making your own wringer for your hand washing can help speed up the drying time.
Using Borax in a Front Load Washer?Borax is a cheap magic additive. First it makes the detergent more effective. The clothes will be cleaner and dust mites cannot live in it. Children and adults would eliminate dust mite allergies. But the other great attribute is that it kills 100% of mold.
Cleaning Clothes That Have YellowedOlder clothing can sometimes yellow with age. This page is about cleaning clothes that have yellowed.
Removing Wrinkles from Sheers?This is a page about removing wrinkles from sheers. Sheer curtains often come out of the package with wrinkles from being folded. They may also develop wrinkles when being cleaned.
Doing Laundry With Dishwashing DetergentLiquid dishwashing products, such as Dawn, are frequently used to hand wash clothing and remove stains. In a pinch if you are out of laundry soap, dishwasher detergent can be used as well as other products. This is a page about doing laundry with dishwashing detergent.
Laundered Towels Smell Like Cat Urine When Used?My laundry smells fine when I take it from the dryer and put it away, but when my towels are used and damp they smell like cat urine!
Washing Clothes in Well WaterThis is a page about washing clothes in well water. Homeowners who use well water, often experience various difficulties when doing laundry, due to the iron and other minerals sometimes found in the water.
Cleaning Gasoline Smell From ClothingPumping gas or refilling a gas powered mower or tool are all opportunities for an accidental spill onto your clothes. This is a page about cleaning gasoline smell from clothing.
Getting Socks Really CleanSocks endure a lot of punishment and can be tough to get clean. This is a page for getting socks really clean.
How to Fix White Clothing Dyed BlueIf you have washed a blue garment with a white one, some blue dye may transfer to the white clothing. It can be difficult but here are some ideas on how to fix white clothing dyed blue.
Towels Leaving Lint on Your BodyNew towels can leave lint on your skin after a shower. While quite annoying, this usually stops over time with multiple washings and being dried in the dryer. This is a page about towels leaving lint on your body.
Removing Odors From Clothing That Was...This is a page about removing odors from clothing that was left in the washer. Mildew can grow in damp clothes that have not been dried promptly leaving a stubborn smell.
Removing Kleenex from ClothingThis is a page about removing Kleenex from clothing. If you have ever forgotten to take a Kleenex out of your pocket before putting the item into the wash, you know how frustrating it is to remove the paper bits and lint that are left behind.
Preventing Lint on ClothingIf you are tried of having to get out the lint roller after doing a load of wash; try something new. This is a page about preventing lint on clothing.
Removing "Permanent" Creases from ClothingThis is a page about removing "permanent" creases from clothing. Often the creases in our clothing resulting from sitting and other activities seem to be permanent, and impossible to remove.
Clothes Smell Bad After Washing?This is a page about when clothes smell bad after washing. If your freshly washed clothes have a bad or sour smell, some sleuthing may be called for to determine the cause.
Getting Your Whites Really WhiteKeeping linens and clothing as white as the day you bought them can be a challenge. This page is about getting whites white.
Removing Tar from ClothingGet your clothes back to looking good by getting rid of the tar stain. This is a page about removing tar from clothing.
Making Bath Towels More AbsorbentThis is a page about making bath towels more absorbent. We buy bath towels to dry off after a bath or shower. Finding that your towels are not absorbent, is very frustrating.
Removing Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Odors From ClothingIf you have ever spilled fuel on your clothing, you know that the odor is sometimes difficult to remove. This is a page about cleaning fuel odors from clothing.
Washing Clothes With Concrete Dust on Them?This is a page about washing clothes with concrete dust on them. Your job or a home project may leave concrete dust on your clothing.
Removing Creases with Vinegar SpraySpray clothes with a mixture of vinegar and water prior to ironing to help remove creases. This is a page about removing creases with vinegar spray.
Making a Lint Trap for a Washtub DrainThis is a page about making a lint trap for a washtub drain. If your washer drains into your washtub or utility sink you don't want all of that lint clogging the drain.
Cleaning Chef CoatsA chef's coat can get very dirty while working in a kitchen. This is a page about cleaning chef coats.
Removing Mustard Stains from ClothingThis is a page about removing mustard stains from clothing. Mustard stains are notoriously difficult to remove from clothing. While it may not be easy you can get the stain out and have your clothes looking as good as new again.
Making Sweatshirts Soft Again?Over time and with repeated washing and drying the inside of your sweatshirt can become less soft and comfy. This is a page about making sweatshirts soft again.
Preventing Bleach Stains on ClothingFinding mysterious bleach spots on your laundry, even when no bleach was used is frustrating. This is a page about preventing bleach stains on clothing.
Cleaning Slimy Washcloths?If washcloths are reused regularly, they can get slimy and unpleasant from build up from beauty and cleaning products. This is a page about cleaning slimy washcloths.
Keeping Wash Cloths Smelling Fresh?Does anyone have any advice on how to keep facecloths smelling fresh? I wash and dry them and the next day they smell musty. When I wash them it's in the hottest water with no softener.
Removing Leather Dye from Socks?My husband's work boots stain his socks a rust color. I've tried bleaching them and using Borax, Oxi Clean, and every stain remover you can think of. Any suggestions on how to get out the stains?
Uses for Zote Soap?This is a page about uses for Zote soap. Zote is a soap made in Mexico and typically used for cleaning laundry, although there are other possible uses around the house.
Removing Dye Transfer from TowelsWe have all experienced the frustration of having fabric dye transfer in the wash to other laundry items. Removing the offending dye can be difficult. This page offers some solutions for removing dye transfer from towels.
My Dryer is Stealing Fresh Scent from Clothes!I've never had this problem before. I have always used liquid fabric softener when washing my clothes, and they always smell so fresh and clean when I'm transferring the wet clothes from the washer to the dryer. But now, after the load is dry, the fresh smell has dissipated from the clothes.
Underarm Smell on T-shirts?I have a very embarrassing problem with my t-shirts. They start to smell under the arms even when they are freshly washed. I am using deodorant (tried lots of different brands) and shower everyday, so it cannot be me.
Cleaning a Stuck Panty Liner From Clothing?This is a page about cleaning a stuck panty liner from clothing. If it goes through the wash, a panty liner can disintegrate and get stuck on other clothing.
Solutions for Dingy ClothingThis is a page about solutions for dingy clothing. Dingy clothing is a common complaint and one that can often be resolved.
Shirts With Stinky Underarms After Washing?This is kinda embarrassing, but my husband's shirts, in the armpits, are very stinky even after I wash them (he's not, just the armpits of the shirts). This is a page about shirts with stinky underarms after washing.
Lavender Oil in Laundry?I started making homemade fabric softener (baking soda, vinegar). It works really well in making clothes soft! I also add lavender essential oil, as described in the recipe. It stated 5-8 drops. Well, it smells wonderful until I use it in the rinse cycle. The finished laundry has no smell at all of the lavender!
Faded Black Clothing?I love the color black and have so many black items that have faded, including pants, jeans, tops, even underwear ... you name it. Is there any way to salvage these clothes and make them darker again? I hate to throw them out because they are still in good condition.
Keeping Well Water from Staining Clothing?This is a page about keeping well water from staining clothing. Well water can contain a variety of minerals that can leave stains on your laundry.
Removing Polyurethane Stain Odor from Clothes?Polyurethane can be difficult to remove and leaves a strong odor. This is a page about removing polyurethane stain odor from clothes.
Steam Iron Leaving Black Streaks on Clothing?How can I clean the inside of my steam iron. It is putting a black streak on my white shirts. Help
Charlie Tucker
Washing Machine Not Rinsing Soap Out of Clothes?I am have a problem with loads of washing not rinsing properly. I never overfill the machine, always use half or less than half the amount of detergent on the box/bottle, clean my machine at least once every 2 months (with either ammonia or soda and vinegar).
Eco-Friendly Alternatives To Fabric...This is a page about eco-friendly alternatives to fabric softeners. Reducing static and softening your laundry can be accomplished with natural products without perfumes and dyes.
Using Tennis Balls in the DryerThis is a page about using tennis balls in the dryer. Tennis balls are a great alternative to dryer sheets for softening your laundry as it drys.
Mysterious Stains on LaundryThis is a page about mysterious stains on laundry. Stains on laundry are frustrating to get out but can especially difficult if you don' know the source of the stain.
Removing Candle Wax from Silk?Wax can be difficult to clean from any cloth, especially silk. This is a page about removing candle wax from silk.
Using Dawn Dish Soap as a Laundry BoosterA little Dawn added to your laundry detergent can make your clothes come out cleaner. This is a page about using dawn dish soap as a laundry booster.
Cleaning Hair Off Towels?This is a page about cleaning hair off towels. Hair, whether human or pet, can be difficult to remove from towels in the laundry.
Fuzz on Clothing from Towels?I have a new navy blue cotton shirt that accidently got put in the wash with a couple of wash cloths. Of course, now it has a slightly fuzzy look, not at all the new look that it should have.
Washing Dry Clean Only Pants?Can I wash clothes that say Dry Clean Only? The pants I want to wash are made of 95% polyester, and 5% elastano. What could happen if I wash them?
Removing Skunk Odor from ClothingThis page is about removing skunk odor from clothing. The stench from skunk spray can be a challenge to remove from fabrics.
Removing Soap Build Up in LaundryThis is a page about removing soap build up from laundry. Depending on what kind and how much detergent you use in your washer, you can end up with soap residue on your laundry.
Removing White Lint From Dark LaundryWhite lint spots can easily make freshly washed dark clothes look unwashed. This is a page about white lint all over dark laundry.
Musty Smell After Washing a Down Coat?I just washed my down coat according to instructions so I could put it in storage until the next winter. I must not have dried it enough because it had a musty smell later on in the day, is it just a matter of making sure it is dry? Can I rewash it and just make sure it is in the dryer long enough (I had it on tumble dry low per washing instructions for about an hour and a half)
Removing Tough Smells from LaundryThis is a page about removing tough smells from laundry. Certain odors are very difficult to remove from laundry.
Why Are My Clothes Wrinkled After Washing?This is a page about clothes that are wrinkled after washing and line drying. Using a dryer can help keep clothes from being wrinkled, but it can be hard to avoid if you line dry your clothes. Here are some tips to help keep your clothes from being wrinkled after being washed and line dried.
How to Prevent Well Water Odors on LaundryThis is a page about preventing well water odors on laundry. Vinegar can be an effective remedy if well water is making your laundry smell bad. Here are some other tips to help you achieve fresh smelling laundry.
Removing Pine Tar from Baseball PantsThis is a page about removing pine tar from baseball pants. For a good grip on the bat many hitters use pine tar.
Using Peroxide for Laundry WhiteningWhiten your laundry with hydrogen peroxide rather than bleach. It also works particularly well on protein stains such as blood. This is a page about using peroxide for laundry whitening.
Cleaning Stinky TowelsThere are a number of products that can be used to clean stinky towels, including ones you probably already have around the house. This is a page about cleaning stinky towels.
Line Drying Clothes InsideThis is a page about line drying clothes inside. You have made the decision to line dry your clothes whenever possible.
Green Spots on Clothing From Washer?I have ruined nearly all of my clothes. There are green spots on nearly everything I wash in my top loader. It's not a new machine, but it's never been abused either. It doesn't seem to matter what fabrics I am washing.
Cut Fabric Softener Sheets in HalfI have found that you can cut fabric softener sheets in quarters and they'll work just as well, last longer, and best of all cost less!
Cleaning Rust Stains From My Washing Machine?It is very frustrating to take a load of clean wash out of the washer only to discover new rust stains from the machine itself on your laundry. This is a page about cleaning rust stains from my washing machine.
Clothes Develop a Musty Smell if They Get Damp?Clothes Develop a Musty Smell if They Get Damp. I have read a lot about mildew smell when washing clothes. I think mine may be a little different, or maybe not. Hopefully someone can tell me what is wrong.
Making Towels SoftThis is a page about making towels soft. Hard scratchy towels are probably not what you want to use after your shower.
How to Fix Blue Dye Transferred in the Wash?Sometimes colors can get transferred from one piece of clothing to others in your washing machine. This page has some ideas on how to fix blue dye that has transferred in the wash.
Using Vinegar as a Fabric SoftenerThis is a page about using vinegar as a fabric softener. Vinegar is a good alternative to fabric softener products when doing your laundry.
Fels Naptha Alternatives?This is a page about Fels Naptha alternatives. Fels Naptha is used for treating clothing stains and is a common ingredient in homemade laundry soaps.
Cleaning Smelly, Musty Suits?I am in a profession where I have to wear a suit everyday and often sweat in them. Despite taking them to various dry cleaners, using febreeze, and even using my industrial size steamer, I cannot get rid of the musty, smelly, bad smell. Now these are very expensive suits that fit excellent and look great and I hate to have to throw them out. Does anyone out there have an idea how to kill the smell?
Clothesclueless from Mississippi:
Line Drying Clothing Tips and TricksOne way to save money is to line dry your clothing rather than using a dryer. This page contains line drying clothing tips and tricks.
Clothes Hanging In Closet Are Stained?The clothes hanging in the closet have stains on the shoulders and down the sleeves. I need something to get the stains out without ruining the clothes.
Liquid Fabric Softener vs. Dryer Sheets?Is there a difference between a Liquid Fabric Softener and those Dryer Sheets? Can I use one only and still get best results?
Preventing Towel LintThis is a page about preventing towel lint. Towels whether new or washed a few times seem to create a lot of lint.
Does Homemade Laundry Detergent Really Get Clothes Clean?This is a page about whether homemade laundry detergent really gets clothes clean. Many people are skeptical about whether homemade laundry detergents work as well as store bought ones. Here is some feedback and recipes from people that use homemade detergents.
Using Towels To Dry Laundry FasterAdding a dry towel to the laundry in your dryer will help get it dry faster. This is a page about using towels to dry laundry faster.
Starching ClothingThis is a page about starching clothing. You will need to use starch to get that crisp look to clothing such as dress shirts.
Keeping Jeans from Getting Wrinkled in the DryerThis is a page about keeping jeans from getting wrinkled in the dryer. No one really wants to iron their jeans because they came out of the dryer wrinkled. There are some easy ways to keep this from happening.
Whitening Synthetic Fabric Clothing?How can I whiten non-cotton white items like bras and panties? Non-chlorine bleach doesn't do the job. They get a grey look after many washings, even though we have a water softener.
Removing Wax From Washed ClothesIf wax has melted onto your clothing and they have already been washed, it can be a challenge to remove. This is a page about removing wax from washed clothes.
Wonder Washer Reviews and Tips?I just bought a portable Wonder Washer washing machine from ebay and I would like to know if anyone has ever used one and how they liked it. I bought it for my daughter who lives in an apartment since coin operated machines can be quite expensive to use.
Pros And Cons Of Homemade Laundry Detergent?I found a recipe for homemade laundry detergent I would like to try:
Removing Adhesive from ClothesThis is a page about removing adhesive from clothes. Adhesives can be difficult to remove from clothing and may require different approaches depending on the specific type.
How to Dry Clothing on HangersThis is a page about how to dry clothing on hangers. Here are some handy tips for using hangers when drying clothing outside.
Hard Water Leaving Laundry Dingy and Gray?This is a page about hard water leaving laundry dingy and gray. The minerals in hard water can be tough on your clothes. If you are finding that hard water is ruining the color of your clothing, try some of these tips.
Sheets Have Little Balls of Lint After Drying?Help. I have sheets for my daughters room (disney) and it seems that in (one area only) the sheet material has balled up and is rough to lay on. I know that if it had lint I would take tape and go over the area and that would remove it. But does anyone know the best way to remove these little balls from the sheet without damage.
- ty
Whites Aren't White After WashingEven if you use bleach, sometimes your whites are dingy and gray after washing. This is a page about whites not looking white after washing.
Color Fading After Washing With Tide With Bleach Alternative?Some of my colored garments got faded in places after washing as if some bleach or other chemical spilled on them. I use Tide with Bleach Alternative and its supposed to be safe on colored garments too.
Advice For Preventing Towels Getting Wrapped Up In Dryer?When I dry sheets and towels in the dryer they get all wrapped up in a sort of cigar shape.
Using a Front Loading WasherThis is a page about using a front load washer. Front load washers have lots of economical advantages. However, there are some notable differences between how you use a front load washer and the best products to use with this style machine.
Fanny Pack for Clothespin BagI have an old fanny pack and have discovered it has multiple uses. I have been wanting an apron clothespin bag but just haven't gotten around to making one. After using my fanny pack for dropping seed, when planting the garden, I thought about using it for a clothespin bag. Hooked around my waist, it's so easy to get the clothespins out when hanging clothes on the line. This little bag will hold well over 60 clothespins.
DIY Apartment Clothes DryerMultipurpose your vacuum cleaner to help dry your clothes! Fit your garment bag onto the shower curtain rod, if it must be put on beforehand. You will want to set up your curtain rod over the bathtub, a little ways inside from the shower curtain that you may already have.
Hanging Fitted Sheets On the ClotheslineI love being able to hang my sheets on the clothesline. To keep from stretching the elastic on my fitted sheets, I hang them with the elastic on the inside.
Drag Your Clothes BasketWhen you are not suppose to bend over and have to walk with a walker or a cane or just have back problems, you may need some help to get the basket of clothes from the dryer to the bed or folding table. I needed a way to get the job done so I tied some old shoe strings to the clothes basket handle and pulled it to the bed. It works great for me.
Using a Washing MachineWashing machines are a essential part of keeping your clothes and linens clean. With proper care, your washer can last a long time.
Removing Garlic Smell from Clothes?How do I get minced garlic smell out of my clothes? I used Pine Sol, lemon juice, and baking soda and I cannot get it out. It's bad.
Save Your Back with a Reach ExtenderI have a reach extender hanging in my wash room. It makes getting the clothes out of the dryer much easier.
Protecting Clothespin Bag Left on ClotheslineIf you like to leave your clothespin bag out on the line rather than bring it back and forth this solution might work for you. Repurpose an empty bird seed or pet food bag to make this handy protector from the sun and rain.
Collecting Dryer LintDryer lint is a constant byproduct of doing laundry. Storing it in a container to discard later is helpful. Also, the lint can be collected and used for other purposes such as toy stuffing, in a variety of crafts, or for starting a fire when camping.
Use Empty Kleenex Box For Dryer LintAn empty Kleenex box is perfect for holding dryer lint. Once full it can be discarded and a new one begun. It is a convenient way to control the wads of lint when doing a lot of laundry.
Borax to Boost Laundry DetergentPowdered borax has long been used to improve the cleaning power of laundry detergents.
Using Liquid Fabric Softener Instead of Dryer SheetsOne alternative to buying fabric softener sheets is using diluted liquid softener sprayed on a cloth or piece of interfacing that is added to the clothing in your dryer. This is a page about using liquid fabric softener instead of dryer sheets.
Sort Laundry As You GoSo as to run full loads only in my washing machine, which is most efficient, I keep 2 popup hampers in my bathroom closet. One has a little hanging tag marked "Lights", and the other "Darks". As I take off my clothes, they are put into the appropriate hamper. When one is full, I do a load of laundry.
Creative ClotheslinesI like to take advantage of warm weather to dry clothing outdoors. Even though I have a couple of drying racks, sometimes it was not enough. I did not want to invest in an outdoor clothesline that would have to be removed every time the lawn was mowed and when the winter came. I solved my problem in several ways.
Easy Reusable Dryer Softener SheetsReusing wash cloths soaked in fabric softener, wrung and dried, you can make your own dryer sheets. This is a page about easy reusable dryer softener sheets.
Coffee Container for Collecting Dryer LintI keep a Folger's coffee container on the clothes dryer to put lint in. When it gets full, I empty the lint into the trash.
Protecting Clothespin Bag Left on ClotheslineSoon begins the hanging laundry on the line season. I have a very nice cloth monogrammed bag that I like to keep hanging on the clothesline right where I need it. To protect it from the rain and sun I found a simple solution. After I emptied a large birdseed bag I cleaned it out and cut a hole in the top, slipped it over the bag and it is well protected with ease.
Using a Clothes Line?I love to line dry my clothes but they have lots of wrinkles, lint and cat hair on them. What can I do to save money by not using the dryer but keep my clothes and linens looking nice. I don't think ironing would help save on the electric bill.
Mysterious Bleach Stains on Clothing?I recently bought a Pure Wash Pro to attach to our top load washer and suddenly started getting bleach spots on clothes. I don't use detergent, softener or bleach. I only wash with cold water. For the first month, everything was great, now I'm getting bleach spots. Any ideas out there?
Removing Dye From Shirt?I bought a white and blue striped shirt and forgot that a brand new pair of dark blue jeans were in the wash with it. I have the shirt soaking in Oxi Clean and water overnight. Is there something else that I can use to make the white parts of my shirt white while keeping my blue stripes blue?
Unwanted Creases in Jeans?I wear Ariat brand jeans, every pair in the wash creases off center. How do I eliminate the jeans from creasing?
How Can I Restore the Colour On My Shirt?Unfortunately, I put my shirt in the wash last night and it looks like the blue has bled into the white stripe along the middle. The two photos show before and after. Please can someone recommend how to restore the colours? This is a very sentimental shirt and I would massively appreciate any help!
Using Purple Power?When using Purple Power in the laundry, do you also use detergent or no?