20 Top Laundry Hacks to Make Your Life Easier
Laundry doesn’t have to be a chore! At Belmont Eco and Hawthorne Laundries, we’re all about making laundry day simpler with clever tips and tricks. Here are 20 of our favorite laundry hacks to help you tackle those piles and keep your clothes looking their best!
1. Pre-Treat Stains ASAP
Don’t wait until laundry day—treat stains right away with a bit of detergent or stain remover to prevent them from setting in.
2. Use Cold Water for Most Loads
Cold water is gentle on fabrics and can save energy while still giving clothes a great clean.
3. Add White Vinegar for Freshness
Adding half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle softens clothes and neutralizes odors—without leaving a vinegar smell!
4. Dryer Sheets Aren’t Just for the Dryer
Tuck a dryer sheet into drawers or gym bags for a quick refresh. They keep clothes smelling nice and reduce static.
5. De-Fuzz with a Razor
Use a razor to gently shave off any pills or fuzz from sweaters and cottons to keep them looking new.
6. Use Mesh Bags for Delicates
Delicates, like bras and lace, should go into a mesh laundry bag to avoid tangling or snags during the wash.
7. Turn Clothes Inside Out
Wash clothes inside out to preserve colors and protect delicate fabrics from wear and tear.
8. Add Baking Soda for Brightness
Baking soda is a natural brightener. A quarter cup per load can help keep whites whiter and colors brighter.
9. The Dryer Trick for Pet Hair
Toss clothes in the dryer on low heat with a dryer sheet for 10 minutes before washing. This loosens pet hair, which will get trapped in the lint filter.
10. Avoid Overloading the Washer
Clothes need room to move! Overloading prevents items from getting thoroughly clean and can damage your machine.
11. Use a Salad Spinner for Hand-Washed Items
A salad spinner is great for wringing out small items like swimsuits or delicate tops after hand washing.
12. Speed Up Drying with a Towel
Toss a clean, dry towel into the dryer with wet clothes. It helps absorb moisture and cuts down on drying time.
13. Sort by Fabric, Not Just Color
Sorting by fabric weight (light vs. heavy) as well as color helps prevent damage and optimizes drying time.
14. Keep Clothes Smelling Fresh with Essential Oils
Add a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or tea tree) to dryer balls for a fresh, natural scent.
15. Remove Oil Stains with Dish Soap
Dish soap cuts through oil stains! Rub a drop onto grease spots, let it sit, then wash as usual.
16. Ice Cubes to Remove Wrinkles
Toss a few ice cubes in the dryer with wrinkled clothes and set it to high for 10 minutes. The steam will help release wrinkles!
17. Use Aluminum Foil Balls as Dryer Sheets
Out of dryer sheets? A ball of aluminum foil acts as an anti-static dryer sheet in a pinch.
18. Avoid Fabric Softener on Towels
Fabric softener can coat towels, reducing their absorbency. Instead, add vinegar during the rinse cycle to keep them soft.
19. Freeze Chewing Gum-Stained Clothes
If gum gets stuck to clothing, pop the item in the freezer for a few hours. The gum will harden and be easier to scrape off.
20. Clean Your Washing Machine Regularly
A quick cycle with hot water and vinegar keeps your washing machine free from mildew and keeps clothes smelling fresh.
Drop by Belmont Eco and Hawthorne Laundries!
Whether you’re looking for quick laundry tips or a convenient place to do large loads, Belmont Eco and Hawthorne Laundries have you covered.
Find us at these locations:
Belmont Eco Laundries: 4725 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR – (503) 720-6383
Hawthorne Laundries: 2942 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR – (503) 232-4353
Check out more laundry hacks and services at www.belmonthawthornelaundries.com. Let us know which tips work best for you!