Laundry Love

Upon spring cleaning my ever-so spacious dorm room, I realized that I have way too many clothes for the square footage of my room. As I was packing them up to take some of them home and clear some space, I realized I probably needed to wash/dry clean/have what you will with those pesky sweaters and overcoats that don't machine wash. 


Looking at the garment instructional care tags, I realized something: I have no clue what "hand washing" is. Then the domino effect started: what really is fabric softener? Why use cold water? What fabrics should I not put in the dryer? How can I do laundry without enlarging my carbon footprint? What is the meaning of life? Which was first, the chicken or the egg? So I figured laundry would be a great subject to delve into!


Without boring you, the reader, with laundry tip upon laundry tip, here are my two favorite tid-bits that helped me revolutionize my laundry world!

Hand Wash

1. Plug a sink, and add about 1/4 cup detergent.

2. Read the labels on your clothing and then fill the sink with the correct water temperature listed on the label. Keep in mind that some articles of clothing require cold water while some can be washed in hot water. Remember to leave room for the clothing.

3. If you're washing whites and want to bleach them, now's the time to add about 1/4 cup bleach to the water.

4. Put your clothing in the water and get it thoroughly wet and soapy. If it's stained, you may want to let it soak for a while.

5. Knead the clothing with your hands in the water for a few minutes, much as you would knead bread

6. Unplug the sink, drain and start the water running. Rinse your clothing until the water runs clear, not soapy.

7. Wring out and hang to dry, or place clothing in the dryer.

Eco-Friendly Washing Tips

• Use cold water setting for washing when possible
• Always use cold water setting for rinse cycle
• Use smallest possible water level size
• Use cold water laundry detergent
• Wait to have a full load to do laundry
• Do not wash clothes that aren't dirty
• Avoid the permanent press cycle which uses more water on most machines

Cold water is more delicate on clothing. Clothes will last longer, with brighter colors, and more intact fabrics by washing laundry this way on a regular basis.

Keep Calm & Launder On!