Simple old-fashioned laundry tips

Sometimes the old-fashioned ways really are the best, and when it comes to laundry it’s definitely the case.

Try some of our simple tips below.

1. Line drying

For brighter whites, let them get some early morning sun. For coloured and bright fabrics, it’s best to dry them in part shade or afternoon sun so that they don’t fade.
Give your clothes some space to help them dry more efficiently. An overcrowded line will take much longer to dry.
If anyone in your household suffers from asthma or allergies, it’s best not to dry their clothes, sheets and towels on the line. Airborne pollen and dust will stick to the items and cause issue for them

2. Clothes dryers

You’ll save money if you let your clothes dry partly on a rack before finishing them off in the dryer.
Save time on ironing by putting items such as t-shirts and pillow cases into the dryer. When they are dry, fold them immediately and there’s no need to iron them.
While you would know not to overload your dryer, it’s also important not to run it with only a small load. This wastes energy but also inhibits the tumbling cycle.
Drying two loads back to back saves energy as your dryer only needs to heat up once. Save your bigger items like sheets and towels for the second load when the dryer is very warm.

3. Washing machines

Before you fill your machine, spend time untangling socks and shirts, doing up zippers and opening up the legs on trousers. This will keep your items in good shape as well as ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and dried.
When hand washing, add a splash of white vinegar to avoid the clothes staying soapy.
Always wash your jeans inside out as this helps to prevent fading.

4. Stain removal

If you notice a stain hasn’t come out after washing an item, don’t put it in the dryer. The heat will set the stain and make it virtually impossible to remove. Place the item in a bucket to soak instead.
For hard to remove stains such as tomato sauce, coffee, or soy sauce, cover the affected area foam shaving cream. Leave it for half an hour and then wipe with a damp cloth. If the stain remains you can repeat the process.

5. Clothes pegs

When drying towels, don’t peg them up by the corner as this will pull them out of shape. Instead, hang them evenly over the line and peg each side.
For delicate fabrics you can avoid peg marks by drying the item on a coat hanger on the line.

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