Laundry

If your only clothes-cleaning option is a laundromat, it's surprisingly easy to clean clothes at home instead.

Sneaking through college without learning to properly fold a fitted sheet is a forgivable offense. You spent quite a few years packing your brain with other valuable information, and to be honest, you were probably doing good just to get them laundered. But should you find yourself well beyond your college years, still sloppily folding the fitted sheet, well, this tutorial is for you. 1. Start by giving the sheet a good shake, then fold it in half lengthwise. 2.

If you follow the right steps, you may never need to spend money on a dry cleaner again.

Have you noticed your clothes smelling… musty? Even if you’ve switched the load from the washer to the dryer immediately after the cycle has ended? Before you run out and buy a strongly scented laundry detergent to cover the smell, give your machine a thorough cleaning. If you’ve never taken the time to wash your washer, this task might take you a while (that is, if your machine doesn’t have a self-cleaning option) but will be worth every minute.

Many of us have banished chlorine bleach from our homes, as it can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs, poison fish and insects, and release carcinogenic dioxins during production. Fortunately, there are still plenty of ways keep white linens, socks, and other fabrics sparkling, and you probably already have the necessary ingredients around the house.

Ever wondered if it’s okay to wash your down comforter without taking it to the dry cleaners? You’ve wondered correctly! You can absolutely wash your down comforter sans the pros. All you need is a mild detergent, and a few hours spent at the laundromat. And patience. Did I mention patience? Mild or all-natural detergentTennis ballsExtra large capacity front-loading washing machineExtra large capacity dryer or sunny outdoor space 1.

Tossing all your cold weather clothing in a bin or space bag might be a quick fix, but you won't be doing your future self any favors when chillier fall temps arrive.

The next best thing to scoring a fantastic secondhand find is being able to make it last. 

Having sensitive skin isn’t just a health issue; it’s a lifestyle. It can impact what cosmetics you buy and what materials you wear. It can even influence the way you do your laundry.

While we can't come do your laundry for you, we can try to make it easier by rounding up a big list of our very favorite hacks, tricks, and techniques for making laundry day go a little bit easier.

Loading the wrong way can cause laundry items to twist and become entangled, or to create a “dome” or “bubble” in the washer. Here's how to prevent that problem.

It had been two years since my machine was cleaned well. Pro tip: Don't wait that long.

No matter what price I pay for dark denim jeans, they always seem to bleed. Some are worse than others (one brand in particular seems to hemorrhage indigo) but they all are culprits. Here’s how to protect your furniture from a tough-to-remove stain: It may not seem like that big of a deal, but just wait until you leave your (very unwanted) mark on a friend’s white Barcelona chair. Ever tried to remove indigo from white leather? Make sure that doesn’t happen!

It doesn’t take a gym rat to know that workout clothes require special cleaning care. Often made of sweat wicking materials like Lycra, spandex, and polyester, it’s not uncommon for our exercise gear—even cotton ones—to get (and stay) stinky. To help you take better care of your beloved gym clothes, we broke down some of the best things you can do to keep your workout gear looking and feeling fresh for longer.

Linen spray is one of life’s little luxuries, but you don’t have to have a luxurious budget to make your own. If you’ve got five minutes and a few simple ingredients, you’ve got linen spray! 30 drops essential oil1.5 cups Distilled water3 oz. VodkaSpray bottle (I use a bunch of small spray bottles and keep them all around the house!)Funnel 1. Combine the vodka and distilled water in a jar. 2. Add 30 drops of any combination of essential oils. 3.

Not only do oil stains seem to stand out like a sore thumb on your clothes; they’re also notoriously difficult to remove.

Cry over the lost wine, not fear of the stain!

The first step is: don't panic. The cleaning process isn’t as bad as you think.

You can devote part of your chaotic morning to lint-rolling yourself to perfection, but it helps to have other ideas on deck to get all that cottony debris off you quickly.

Sometimes we find ourselves in the most cliché nerd predicament: a leaking or exploding ink pen (where was your pocket protector when you needed it!?). But you can put away your inhaler, because removing an ink blob is easier than you think. Just grab some milk and vinegar and get to the stain ASAP! 2 parts whole milk1 part white distilled vinegarLarge bowl 1. Place your garment in a bowl at the most shallow part, allowing it to be covered completely with the mixture. 2.

Not all stains are created equal.

If you find it difficult to convince yourself that those formerly bright, now slightly graying towels and t-shirts are indeed fresh and clean—keep reading. I can totally embrace my hair going gray, I actually love it, but I absolutely positively cannot handle graying white linens. So when I noticed a beloved old t-shirt turning that awful shade, I quickly took to researching a safe, effective way to return it to it’s original glory—without compromising the fibers. Mrs.

Can you remember the last time you washed your pillow? It’s generally a good idea to do it at least once each year to keep them fresh, clean, and free of dust mites. Whether you wash by hand or machine, this simple task will put your mind at ease and literally help you sleep at night. Mild, low-suds detergent Washing machine or deep sink Remove the pillow protector (using a zippered protector plus a pillowcase helps to keep your pillows cleaner.

Whether you’re just pulling out your sweaters or putting them away for the season, a moth repellent is key to making your winter wools last. Forget the stinky, toxic moth balls—and who really has the space for a cedar closet? What you need is good smelling, tiny alternative, and we’ve got just the thing!