Home & Garden
Laundry tips to live by
Your laundry should be as minimal, clean and organised as possible. Yes, I know it’s a drag of a room and no one wants to be in there for long, but there are ways to make the laundry a more hospitable space. Fill large glass jars with bulk items like buttons, threads, pegs and twine and put them on display for a stylish touch. It’s so easy to recreate this look and add a little style to an otherwise drab space.
LAUNDRY TIPS TO LIVE BY:
- Keep your laundry as minimal as possible, with no fuss and no mess.
- Use a collection of baskets to separate colours, dry-cleanable items, ironing etc.
- Keep a basket for items that need to be darned and next time you are sitting in front of the TV, mend those holes.
- Store spare buttons in a jar so they are always close at hand.
- Keep a piggy bank for loose change that falls out of pockets.
- Use a small laundry bag to store all those stray socks whose partners will eventually turn up.
- Have washing labels on display so you can see how to care for each item at a glance.
- Always fold your jumpers away – never hang them on coat hangers.
- Keep whites white by soaking your clothes for 10 minutes in a bucket of hot water with two sliced lemons.
- Always clean stains immediately.
- Try and clean your clothes with natural cleaners, like vinegar, bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) and lemon.
- Always handwash your delicates.
- If buying detergent, make sure you buy the right one for the right fabric to ensure your clothes’ longevity.
- When handwashing your knits, never wring them out as they will lose their shape. Instead, roll them up in a towel to squeeze the excess water out.
Homemade linen water recipe
Making your own linen water is an easy way to bring your favourite scent into the bedroom. I love to use lemon and rose oil.
What you’ll need:
- 30 drops (approx. ½ teaspoon) essential oil of your choice
- 90ml (3 fl oz) vodka
- 375ml (12½ fl oz/1½ cups) distilled water
Makes: Approx 500ml (17 fl oz/2 cups)
Method:
- Mix the essential oil and vodka in a glass.
- Add the distilled water and funnel the liquid into a spray bottle.
- Shake the spray bottle before each use and keep it in a cool, dry place for up to six months.
Image: Getty