Unfortunately laundry is something that we have to do for our entire lives. This means there is a greater chance that our results are going to be less than perfect from time to time. Following these few simple steps can help ensure that you have the best- looking laundry every single load!

Select the Right Water Temperature – While cold water works well for delicates, items that tend to shrink, and stubborn dark colors that like to bleed. Warm water is best for moderately soiled clothing and human- made fabrics. Hot water should be used for your bedding, towel, cotton whites, and heavily stained clothes, especially those with oil or grease stains!

Select the Right Detergent – While powdered detergents work well for general loads and are typically less expensive, but it doesn’t always dissolve properly in cold water and leaves residue on your laundry. Liquid detergents, which usually contain enzymes, are good for pretreating stains. The key to selecting the best liquid detergent is to read the full list of ingredients. The more enzymes that are in the formula means better cleaning power. Single dose pods prevent overdosing but be sure to check the price per load if you’re on a budget as it isn’t usually the most cost effective way to go.

Use Less Detergent – One of the biggest laundry mistakes is using too much detergent. Overdosing detergent can create so many suds that they trap soil allowing it to redeposit on clothes. Try using one-half less than the recommended amount and see if you are pleased with the results. Your clothes will look better and you’ll save money.

Avoid Bleeding Colors – No one wants the surprise of pink underwear or a new tie-dyed effect on your white shirt. There is only one simple solution for this.. SEPARATE YOUR CLOTHES! Nothing makes me more bonkers than watching my teenage boys wash their towels, nice shirts, and jeans all in one load!! SEPARATE, SEPARATE, SEPARATE! I suggest separating them into 5 different loads… whites, darks, jeans, towels, and bedding.

Reduce Fading – Clothes are expensive and fading  causes them to look worn out very quickly. By turning dark-colored clothes inside out before washer them you can avoid abrasion and wear to fabric surfaces that cause dull appearances.

By incorporating these few tricks into your washing routine,  you can ensure that your clothes will be bright and beautiful for years to come!