washing for dummies

and Liesbeth

“May-Britt, did you know that it’s better not to put a silk blouse and a pair of jeans in the washing machine at the same time?”, at the exact time that Liesbeth asked May-Britt that question I gulped, almost choking on my ginger tea. Silk and denim? Are you kidding me? Even a woolen sweater and a towel are enemies in the wash. Time for a little lesson here because I run at least 20 washings a week, that’s what you get when your grandparents own a dry-cleaning empire, so I kinda know what I’m talking about here.

 What goes where

Let’s start at the very beginning. Because even that is a mystery to my dear, unnamed, colleague. When you open the little drawer of your washing machine the biggest compartment is meant for the washing powder. The little one beside that is used for fabric softner. Nowadays you buy liquid washing formula that comes with a little ball that you just add to the dirty laundry in the drum.

fabric softner. Really necessary?

If you have a dryer it’s really not. I find that it weighs down your clothes. Just like conditioner does to your hair. And if you’re doing it for the smell you can always go for a washing powder or liquid that has this as well. If you don’t have a dryer just add a little bit of fabric softner. Great if you want soft towels.

can and can’t

Read the label before you chunk things into your washing machine. Now there are brands that require extra care and those that you can only dry-clean (yes I’m talking to you Donna Karan). You don’t always have to follow this advice; you’ll probably go nuts if you do. But do read the label to see what the garments are made of and which cycle fits best.

a different bottle for every cycle

I have a washing cabinet with a whole collection of bottles, looks like a wine cellar. I have different products for different colors, black, colored, white and I even have stuff for delicate fabrics. I do believe these products help your clothes last longer as they are custom made to serve every different type of fabric.

Do the foreplay

Are there any stains on your clothes, use Shout or another stain remover before washing? You can even soak it if necessary, maybe use Vanish. You can also add a little stain remover to the left compartment of the washing machine but don’t do this with delicate fabrics.

Do I really need to dry-clean?

The dry-cleaner is always the safest option but it costs money. I wash my difficult sweaters inside out and leave them on a towel to dry. They keep their shape much better and continue to look pretty.

Don’t overdo it

Your clothing is not really that dirty. A short cycle is usually more than enough to freshen it up. Better for the environment as well.

Go hot once every 2 months

To keep your washing machine clean it’s important to use the hottest cycle at least once every two months. Great for sheets and stuff. It doesn’t get any cleaner that that and it’s good for your appliance.

a few more tips

– When in doubt dry-clean

– Don’t use too much powder or liquid

– Iron your clothes and towels. They become nice and soft and it folds easier, killing      bacteria along the way.

Well Martha, are you going to do some practice rounds today?