When chlorophyll, xanthophylls and carotenoids from fresh grass are ground into cotton, removing the complex mix of proteins and organic pigmented compounds can be difficult. Pretreat with a full load’s worth of liquid detergent poured onto the stains. Scrub until the stains start to disappear, wait about ten minutes then launder in cool water. Repeat…

Removing the stains can be a laundry challenge, but Family Handymanoffers a few tips: First, soak the garment in equal parts cold water and white distilled vinegar before laundering as usual.  Stubborn yellowish antiperspirant stains on white fabric can often be removed by scrubbing in 1 part Dawn dish soap mixed with 2 parts hydrogen peroxide. Let…

Laundry pros take sorting to a new level when they recommend sorting not only by color but also by fabric type. We always separate linty laundry like towels and sweatshirts from corduroys, permanent press and smooth fabrics that can pill. Separate loads for pure whites, lights and patterns on white, darks, brights and delicates lets…

Consumer Reports says we use around 70 billion kilowatt hours doing laundry at home. To save on your costs, start by using cold water when you can. Increase the spin cycle to remove more water and reduce drying time. Clean the lint filter and dryer duct to keep air moving. If you still use dryer sheets,…

Real Simpleoffers expert tips to extend the life of technical undergarments. Start by laundering in a mesh lingerie bag – that prevents unnecessary wear and tear – and lay flat on a clean towel to dry or hand on a drying rack or clothesline. Absolutely avoid fabric softeners. Most workout clothes are made with synthetic…

Chlorine laundry bleach can irritate skin, eyes and lungs and weaken natural fabric fibers. Four other methods for whitening laundry, some of them as old as washing itself. The juice of half a lemon added to regular detergent in your next load will brighten and freshen. Hydrogen peroxide in a 3-percent solution can whiten whites,…

Keep gym clothes fresh by presoaking in warm water mixed with an ounce of laundry detergent and the juice of a lemon to penetrate water-resistant technical fibers like Spandex and Lycra.  The lemon’s citric acid helps break down oily buildup. Gently scrub armpits, neckline and any other stained or odor-retaining areas before soaking overnight. Then…

Soak cranberry stains 15 minutes in a mixture of one tbsp white vinegar and ½ tsp liquid laundry detergent in a quart of cool water. If the stain persists, sponge with rubbing alcohol and rinse. Scape off gravy spills, sprinkle with baking soda to soak up the grease, then pretreat with a small amount of…

First, zip up. Open zipper teeth will snag and tear more delicate items in the washer and dryer. Check the pockets for tissues, pens (and money), unbutton shirts and hook bras or use a lingerie bag. Securely tie draw strings to prevent them from slipping inside the garment.  Separate colors from whites and wash new…

After summer’s hot and sweaty nights, it’s time to freshen your nighttime environment. Begin by stripping the bed down to the mattress. If you use a mattress pad, launder (or bring to us) and dry thoroughly, hanging on the line, if you have one. Flip and rotate the mattress. Is it time to replace your…