How often do you do the laundry?
Even if this task may seem dull and boring, it’s something that needs to be done, especially if your family is pretty big. And especially during the summer.
I usually do the laundry at least twice a week.
And it can be a bit difficult to get the results you want by only using the washing machine.
Sometimes laundry requires more attention, especially when you have a colored wardrobe.
But let’s not forget about the white clothes that may become a bit yellow and those awesome jeans you just bought two months ago that started to decolor a bit.
You may have heard about some secret hacks for making your laundry even cleaner, but if you keep reading, you will find out more about this topic.
1. Mouthwash
Believe it or not, this product will help your laundry more than you think. Why? Let’s see. What is the most used clothing item? Socks are usually the ones that retain a lot of sweat during the day, especially if it’s warmer outside.
And imagine how it would be if they had a minty fresh smell. Amazing, right?
Well, I have some good news for you: this thing is possible! Toss a bit of alcohol-based mouthwash into your usual wash cycle to get rid of bacteria and nasty smells.
Next time you do the laundry, make sure you keep in mind this secret ingredient.
PSST! Don’t forget to tell others as well!
2. Baking soda
This is one of the most common items that anyone should have in their kitchen. because it has many uses. It can help to freshen up the fridge, but it’s also a friend in need when it comes to laundry.
It will help deodorize the clothes, and if your t-shirts have a nasty smell in the armpits, then let them soak.
If you have some stained laundry, baking soda will remove them efficiently. Plus, it will also clean the washing machine during the whole cycle.
For optimal results, soak the laundry in a solution made of 4 liters of water and 1 cup of baking soda.
3. Lemon juice
Did you just drop some chocolate on your bed sheets? No worries, because lemon juice is going to remove the stain in the blink of an eye.
Don’t forget that it can be used on white laundry only! According to an old saying, when life gives you lemons, make lemonade or crack open the tequila bottle. Funny, right?
Because this time around, lemons will not only brighten your cotton t-shirts but they will also remove rust stains.
And the subtle perfume it will leave! hmmm…
Did you know about this secret ingredient?
TIP: If you are using lemon juice, don’t forget to blot the stain before rubbing it! And make sure the laundry is white or another bright color.
Lemon juice can ruin dark laundry!
4. Salt (but only for black clothes)
Keep in mind that salt is not a magical ingredient. This is not a laundry booster, but it’s actually pretty effective in removing specific stains like gravy or even blood. The way you use it may differ from one stain to another.
Sometimes salt can be combined with lemon juice, especially for blood stains or sauces that are a bit greasy.
Don’t forget to let the laundry soak in cold water before washing it.
By simply putting salt in the washing machine with the dark clothes, it will prevent them from mixing with other colors.
If you choose to wash them separately, for dark colors like plum or navy, you can add 1 or 2 cups of salt to the rinse cycle.
5. Vinegar
It is no secret that vinegar is one of the best ingredients someone can have in their house. And there’s a good reason for it: it’s a great laundry booster. It’s most efficient when it’s used during the rinse cycle.
Besides the fact that it can be a stain and odor remover, vinegar can also remove the residues from detergents in the washing machine. And that’s amazing!
If you run out of fabric softener, then you can use vinegar as a replacement.
Don’t be afraid because it is acidic! It’s perfect for delicate clothes. And one cup of vinegar is more than enough, no matter how you want to use it.
6. Make a spray starch
Some of us prefer to have our linens look crisp. But we all know how expensive some products can be. Don’t worry because we’ve got your back. You don’t have to go to the dry cleaners and ask them to do this for you.
You can make your own DIY spray by just using three ingredients: 1 1/2 teaspoons of cornstarch, 1 cup of cold water, and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of wheat starch.
Put the mixture in a spray bottle and then shake it well.
Use it when you need to, to spray the linens or any other clothing before ironing them.
7. Essential oils
In case you wondered, essential oils offer a chemical-free way to fight the war with bacteria or mold.
Choose your favorite scent and combine it with a small amount of your preferred detergent to prevent mold growth in humid areas such as bathrooms or laundry rooms.
In some cases, essential oils might be expensive, so instead of using them in the machine, you can lightly spray them after the wash.
Just make sure you keep a 50 cm distance between the spray and the laundry! If they are light colored, essential oils might leave stains.
8. Rubbing alcohol
Did you know that you can get rid of ink stains by using alcohol? It may sound silly, but it’s not. Alcohol is very efficient, especially if you rub the stain and let it sink for a while.
You can easily see if the stain is still there or not, and if it’s not entirely gone, re-do the procedure.
Then wash the laundry as usual and let it dry naturally.
Don’t forget that alcohol can have a bleaching effect, so make sure you use it on white clothes!
Have you ever tried this hack until now? If not, make sure you do next time you notice a stubborn stain on your laundry!
9. Pepper
Wow! Who knew that pepper could be used as a laundry booster? How does it work? Effective, I would say! You only need a teaspoon of black pepper in the washing cycle (it’s mostly used in cold water).
Black pepper will renew the look of your clothes after just one wash. We all know that the laundry can become dull and pale from detergent residue.
This procedure also stops the colors from changing.
Cool, right? I will personally use it for the next load of laundry.
Takeaway:
Everybody wants fresh and nice-smelling laundry, and because of that, it’s good to know a few hacks about other boosters that you can easily find in your kitchen.
Plus, they don’t cost a ton of money! Because we all know that being frugal can be hard sometimes.
I bet your laundry will thank you after trying at least one of the tips we gave you. Just make sure you will respect the rules regarding their color and texture.
If you liked this article, make sure you check this one out as well: Great Fridge Hacks: 11 Ways to Keep It Clean and Organized.
