DO LAUNDRY LIKE A PRO

Follow the basic rules

• Manufacturers include care instructions on clothing labels with reason, so do as they say.
• When it comes to laundry detergent, less is more.  Follow the recommendations on the bottle or box.  Too many suds can actually trap dirt in the clothing and washing machine.
• Seperate your clothes (whites, darks, heavily soiled) and check pockets for items before you wash.
• Wash fine fabrics, items that can shrink and dark colors in cold water.
• Use hot water for whites, heavily soiled items and color-fast fabrics.
• To prevent your black pants and other dark clothing from fading, turn them inside out before washing and drying.
• Wash your delicates by hand in a clean sink.  Fill it with cool water and a capful of mild detergent.  Swish the article of clothing around for a few minutes, allow it to soak for another 10, and rinse with cool water.  Then lay it flat to dry.

Strike back against common stains.

• The trick to combating stains is to act fast.  Club soda in a restaurant, lemon juice at home ---- use what's at your disposable.
• With red wine stains, you have a few options.  You can blot the spot with a damp cloth, neutralize the stain with white wine, and then wash as usual.  You can also blot the spot with vinegar or club soda, and then wash.  Or sprinkle coarse salt or baking soda onto the stain, let it sit a few minutes, and then blot with a damp cloth until the stain is removed.  Cream of tartar is said to work as a stain removal paste, as well.  Whatever method you choose, remove the stain completely before drying as heat from the dryer will set the stain.
• Get rid of grass stains with an old toothbrush and white toothpaste.  Wet the toothbrush and scrub the stained area with a dab of paste, not gel.  Then rinse and launder as usual.
• Earse dried blood stains by soaking them with hydrogen peroxide from the first-aid section of the drug store.  Use a butter knife to scrape away the blood, and then rinse it with more hydrogen peroxide.
• Remove yellowish underarm stains caused by perspiration  by rinsing the clothing with cold water before laundering as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Lemon Juice, aspirin, baking soda, salt, white vinegar and even meat tenderizer can remove spots caused by antiperspirant.  To learn how to use common household items to remove underarm stains, go to www.mrscleanusa.com/en/cleaning-tips/stain-removal/remove-deodorantstain.html.  

Get rid of wrinkles without an iron.

• The longer your clothes sit in the dryer after it has finished its job, the more your clothes will wrinkle.  Take them out immediately, or use the tumble press option.  When the cycle ends, the machine prevents wrinkles by continuing to tumble your clothes at timed intervals.
• When you use liquid fabric softener, dilute it first with water and do not pour it directly onto clothing as it may stain.  Fabric softener sheets are hassle-free.
• For a quick fix, let your bathroom press your clothes.  Fill the bathtub with hot water, hang your suit or dress on a hanger from the shower curtain rod, close the shower curtain and let the steam iron out the wrinkles.

Keep your shoes shiny and new.

• Before you wear new canvas tennis shoes, spray them with starch.  It will be harder for dirt to stick and your shoes will be easier to clean.
• Clean rubber soles with a bit of baking soda and a sponge.
• To remove salt marks from leather, suede and vinyl boots, use a washcloth dipped in a solution made from one cup of water and one tablespoon of vinegar.
• Sprinkle a bit of baking soda into your shoes to control odors and moisture. Bits of chalk work, too.