I learned a money-saving laundry tip from a washing machine repair guy – most issues are caused by the same mistake
WHEN it comes to saving your pennies on laundry day, it’s best to take advice from a pro.
Following their tips will help you do more loads for less.
Redditor Sallystarling shared how they first learned about the laundry hack.
“A washing machine repair guy once told me that the vast majority of issues they see are due to people using the recommended amount of detergent, which is actually too much,” they said.
“He suggested trying half the amount and seeing if your clothes still come out clean.”
Aside from saving dough on detergent, this will also help preserve your clothes, according to Swash.
The detergent brand explained that over time, detergent build-up can cause clothes to appear “dingy,” or even faded.
This is because too much can leave behind an invisible layer of film that traps dirt and hard water minerals.
Of course, for extra cruddy clothes, you can adjust the amount if necessary.
“Obviously, tweak it if your clothes are particularly dirty or just need a refresh, but I bet you’ll find half is usually perfectly sufficient,” the original poster said.
“That’s why pods and other products that give you a set amount are a non-frugal choice.
“Use loose powder or liquid detergent and then you can use exactly how much (or rather, how little!) you want.”
The Redditor ended their post with one last piece of advice.
“My favorite time saver is that when you take your socks off, fold them together when you throw them in the laundry basket,” they said.
“That way, a pair will always get picked up together when you’re grabbing a load to go in the machine.”
All you have to do is pull the socks apart before throwing them into the machine.
They explained how this will speed up the sorting process once they are ready to come out as partners will “always be in the same load.”
Other Redditors shared their methods for using less detergent.
“I use a dedicated tablespoon to measure my laundry soap. Small to medium loads get one scoop, and very large loads get two,” said one user.
“A box of laundry soap lasts a long time when you actually measure it and gets your clothes clean without wasting soap,” they added.
Yet another Redditor did away with another laundry item altogether.
“I quit using fabric softener years ago. I think it’s fine without it and agree it’s better for your health. I prefer unfragranced, too,” said the commenter.
Tip to remove yellow sweat stains
Yellow armpit stains affects everyone, whether people care to admit to it or not. But there is help at hand. To remove yellow stains from your clothing, experts recommend the following methods:
- Baking soda paste: The pros at The Laundry Cafe recommend mixing one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide with one tablespoon of salt, and ½ cup of baking soda. Apply directly to the stain with a toothbrush, rub, and let the mixture sit for at least an hour, then wash as normal.
- Oxygen bleach: This method is just as useful for removing yellow stains. Mix one part of oxygen-based bleach with one part of ammonia in a non-metal bowl. Wear gloves during this application. Rub into the fabric with a toothbrush and allow the solution to sit for at least ten minutes before laundering as normal.
- Stain remover or detergent: Stains on collars can be stubborn to remove as armpit stains. So pretreat the area using a solvent-based stain-removing agent or detergent. Work the product into the collar with a toothbrush and allow it to sit for at least ten minutes before washing.