Checkout these simple solutions to 9 common laundry problems such as color transfer, stains, graying, yellowing, pilling, wrinkles and more!
Color Transfer
Color transfer occurs when you mix dark or colored clothing with whites in the wash. The simple solution to this troublesome issue is to sort the clothing prior to laundering and wash whites with other whites, colors with like colors and darks with (you guessed it!) Darks only. Avoid mixing them together. Newer dark clothing such as jeans have a tendency to transfer color more, so the first time you wash new jeans be sure to wash them in COLD water and add 1/2 cup white vinegar to the wash to help set the color.
If you’d prefer not to worry about sorting, you can also make your own homemade laundry color catcher sheets. These cloths attract the excess dye that is released in the machine, preventing it from settling on other clothing.
Detergent Residue
This issue generally occurs when the washing machine has been overloaded and is not able to properly cycle as a result. Avoid over-stuffing the machine and be sure to use the recommended amount of detergent. If you continue to experience this issue and you’re not overloading the machine, it may be a mechanical issue with the rinse cycle.
Fading
Fading tends to occur with the use of powdered detergent, but can also be a product of hard water. If fading has become an issue, there are a couple of simple laundry solutions. First, have your water tested, you may need to install a water softener system. Secondly, if you use a powdered detergent, switch to liquid.
Graying
This issue is frequently caused by failing to add enough detergent to the machine during the wash cycle and can be remedied quickly by adding a touch more detergent, adding a booster product such as Oxyclean or borax or by adding 3/4 c. white vinegar to the wash cycle.
Pilling
Pilling occurs when fabric gathers into a tightly knotted lint ball in various spots on clothing and sheets. It can be prevented on clothing by turning the item inside out during the wash. It can be prevented on sheets by purchasing a higher thread count.
Shrinking
Shrinking occurs during the wash cycle if the water is too hot for the fabric. Keep in mind additional shrinkage can occur during the drying cycle as well. It is important to remember that one should NOT wash certain fabrics in the washing machine, such as wool, as they will get ruined.
Stain Removal
The trick to removing nearly any stain is to treat it quickly before the stain has a chance to set. Grease Stains can be removed easily with Chalk. Here is a comprehensive listing of tips for various stains and how to remove them.
Yellowing
Yellowing is often caused by a lack of proper detergent and indicative of body oils and sweat that is not getting properly washed out of the fabric. Increase the amount of detergent slightly or increase the water temperature in the wash.
Alternatively, this can also indicate rust in the water lines or hard water. You can tell the difference by inspecting the sinks and toilets in your home for signs of yellowing. If other appliances are displaying signs, have your water tested.
Wrinkling
Wrinkles are frequently caused by not removing the article of clothing from the dryer and allowing them to remain creased. It can also be caused by over-drying clothing. It can be solved without ironing by simply wetting a clean washcloth (the same color as the clothing articles!), wringing it out and tossing it into the dryer with the wrinkled clothing. Set the dryer for 15 minutes and then remove the clothing immediately when the cycle ends. This will remove the wrinkles with very little effort.
About Detergents
By far, the Best Detergent that we are aware of is a super concentrated homemade detergent that costs less than $2 per 128 loads of laundry. We call it Mom’s Super Laundry Sauce and you can view the recipe here:
Mom’s Super Laundry Sauce Recipe
It works wonderfully to remove stains of all types, dirt, grime, grease, blood, grass stains, “personal” accidents, pet urine, and more.
Additional recipes for Detergents, Fabric Softeners, Powdered Laundry Detergents, Hard & Soft water detergents, Various Bleaches, stain-fighting recipes, and linen water recipes can be found on our extensive Laundry Help Page Here.
