Laundry Packs

Remove dye transfer from clothes

2013-09-30T21:23:00.000-07:00

Sometimes clothing dye is not stable and will fade on other clothes!.

Removing dye stains from clothing can be done if you work quickly--the longer the dye sits, the deeper it penetrates into clothing fibers.

The first thing to do is find the culprit and pull it out. Then rewash all the clothes using a nonchlorine bleach or a cup of white distilled vinegar in addition to your regular laundry detergent. Do this BEFORE you put the clothes in the dryer.

If you have already dried the clothing or the dye transfer is heavy, you will need to take time to soak the clothing before rewashing. Mix a solution of oxygen-based bleach - OxiClean, Clorox 2, Country Save Oxygen Bleach, Seventh Generation Oxygen Bleach - and cool water.

Follow the package directions as to how much product per gallon of water. Submerge the stained items and allow them to soak for at least eight hours. Check the clothes and if the dye stains are gone, wash as usual. If they remain, mix a fresh batch of oxygen bleach solution and soak for another eight hours then wash. Sometimes it takes several washings before dyes begin to wash out and cling to the unsuspecting!

If you're only removing dye stains from white clothing, you can soak them for 30 minutes in a combination of 1 gallon of water and 1/4 cup of liquid chlorine bleach instead of the commercial color remover.

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Remove Ink from Your Clothes or Dryer

2013-07-23T19:03:00.000-07:00

You may have questions: How To Remove Ink Stains Quickly and Completely?

The pen will not only leak on your clothes, but the ink can actually stay in your dryere after the load is through.

To help you to remove ink from your clothes, follow these tips:

If the ink is ballpoint or washable marker, begin by treating the stains with rubbing or isopropyl alcohol. Place the ink stained clothing on top of a white towel or paper toweling. Working from the outside of the stain and using a cotton swab, blot the alcohol into the stain. The ink will be transferred to the toweling underneath. Keep moving the stain onto a clean towel area until the stain is gone. Then rinse the area very well with cold water.

You may need to repeat the treatment several times depending upon how much ink was transferred. Use the same method if the stain has already dried – just know that you’ll need to keep repeating the treatment.

If the ink is a permanent marker, nothing is going to work. Consider dying the garment a dark color, putting an embellishment over the stain like a patch or ribbon or button trim or use the clothes as play or painting clothes.

If you get ink on your leather furniture or other leather product, it is best to purchase a commercial grade, leather product stain remover. These products will remove stains from the leather without damaging it. On top of that, they will provide a protective layer of product that will help prevent damage to the leather.

To remove ink from the washer or drye, Use rubbing alcohol to remove any ink remaining in your washer or dryer tub. Just use a white towel dampened with the alcohol to remove the ink. Rinse with a clean cloth or sponge dampened with water.

Good luck.

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Dial 1592400 Sta-Flo Concentrated Liquid Starch, 64 oz Bottle (Pack of 6)

2013-07-15T18:40:00.001-07:00

The Dial Sta-Flo concentrated liquid starch is sprayed on clothes before ironing to give them a crisp edge and make them more wrinkle resistant. Mix equal parts water and Sta-Flo starch into a household spray bottle and apply mixture to clothing prior to ironing.

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Concentrated liquid starch
Leaves clothes looking like new
Making ironing easier and clothes soil-resistant
64 oz Size
Pack of 6

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars

Great savings December 14, 2012

By Taina51

Amazon Verified Purchase

I like this product because I can make different strengths of the starch, save money and I don't have to use aerosol spray cans that are bad for the environment.

4.0 out of 5 stars

Stay-Flo Liquid Starch November 8, 2012

By Patsy

Amazon Verified Purchase

Was very pleased to find this product on Amazon. I have used this starch on my kichen and bathroom curtains for years. It keeps them fresh looking all winter

A Simple Solution to Make New Towels More Absorbent

2013-07-10T23:18:00.000-07:00

The story… I have bought some new towels, and they are very soft and fluffy but a not absorbent. Is there anything I can do to them or wash them with to make them work better?

Maybe you've experienced it too!

There are things you can do to make your new towel more absorbent.

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Wash the towel in hot water 2-3 times before you use them to remove extra dye and any coatings left from the manufacturing process & and avoid washing other items because the towels might lose some of their color and damage them.
Add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle; vinegar will get rid of smells and stains. Then add 1/2 cup of baking soda in the second wash cycle, baking soda will get your towels cleaner and whiter. Don't use baking soda and vinegar in the same rinse.
Don't use any fabric softener. If you can't stand how towels feel without fabric softener, use amidoamine softeners if available but the vinegar should help soften them anyway.

Add two clean tennis balls or any others made of rubber as you add your towels to the dryer. This will help to fluff up the towels and they will then be more absorbent.
Hang your towels on a clothesline to help them smell fresh and become more absorbent; line drying is also greener and cheaper. However, they might be less absorbent after they dry, so put them into the dryer for a couple of minutes to soften them.

If you are already using fabric softener, place 1/2 cup baking soda in the washing powder and add to the washing machine. Then, add 1/2 cup vinegar to the rinse slot. . It can be stripped to help increase absorbency.

How do you keep your towels fresh, clean and absorbent?
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Customer Said about Charlie's Soap Powder

2013-07-08T01:48:00.000-07:00

Charlie's Laundry Powder does 100 standard washloads for just pennies per load. Charlie's Soap rinses completely leaving no residue on your clothes or in your washer. Perfect for babies and those with sensitive skin.

Charlie's Soap has no perfumes, no fragrances, no chemical brighteners. HE/front loader compatable. Clean fresh clothing and no oder buildup in your washer. Our post-consumer recycled jar is good for the environment and convenient to use.

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You may not believe the instructions (one scoopful, scooper is buried in the bag so look for it) but trust them!

After I read the comments of the customers I can concluded, it's to everyone

Customer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars

How To Get The Best Results From Your Clothes Dryer

2013-07-07T22:43:00.001-07:00

Drying is a process to remove water from a substance is one of the most frequently and widely used operating processes in daily life and is undeniably an energy-intensive operation. Over-drying obviously wastes energy and may also undermine the quality and life of fabric.

Drying your clothes isn't an art, but there are techniques that will provide you with the best results. Here are suggestions for how to use a dryer efficiently and get the best results for your clothes.

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Sorting your clothes actually begins before the wash cycle. Separate wash loads by texture (which produce lint, which attract it), fabric (put clothing items of similar materials together), soil (separate heavily soiled from lightly soiled), and color (whites, lights, darks, items that bleed). This will serve you well as you sort clothes for drying.
Avoid overload the dryer. Keep the dryer load small enough to tumble easily and freely in the dryer drum. It's also helpful to readjust large loads, such as sheets and blankets, during their cycle so they dry faster and more evenly.
Whenever possible, dry full loads not just one or two items to save energy costs.
Drying several loads consecutively saves energy because the dryer doesn't have to warm up each time.

Don't add wet items to a partially dry load. It will confuse the moisture detector in your dryer and over dry some of your clothes.
Don't open the dryer door unnecessarily. You'll add time to the drying cycle by letting warm air escape.
If possible, install your dryer in a warm area (Don't turn your dryer up too hot). Unheated spaces make drying times longer.
Do remember to clean the lint filter after every load to maximize your dryer's ability to do its job. Lint - even a little - lengthens the drying time.
When removing your clothes from the washer to the dryer, Do shake your wet clothes out before you put them in the dryer. This helps release some of the wrinkles from the wash.
Remove the clothes as soon as the drying cycle is completed and fold the clothes to help avoid wrinkles. When that ideal scenario isn't possible, run the dryer another 10-15 minutes, then remove the clothing promptly to lessen the problem.

Do you have a better solution?
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Tide With Touch Of Downy April Fresh Scent Liquid Laundry Detergent 100 Fl Oz

2013-07-07T00:39:00.000-07:00

Tide with downy makes the clothes smell so good. The smell stays with the towels and sheets and clothes for weeks after being washed and you can walk behind or beside someone who washes their clothes with downy tide smells good.

The Tide with Acti-Lift formula contains technologies to help lift off stains with ease.

Acti-lift has 3 parts:

Cleaning enzyme - helps provide deep cleaning of fibers so stains lift off more easily
Cleaning polymer - designed to boost Tide's already great cleaning surfactant to help break-up dry stains and lift them from fabrics
Whiteness booster - helps to give a great whiteness result - even in just one wash

Frequently asked questions about Acti-Lift :

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What is the Acti-Lift formula?

Our Acti-Lift formula is designed with ingredients to help provide deep cleaning of fibers, break-up dry stains, and provide a whiteness boost. Soon, you will find it in place of your current Tide when you shop.

Is Acti-Lift technology unique and exclusive to Tide?

Yes, Acti-Lift is unique and exclusive to Tide only and will soon be available in many of your favorite Tide varieties. Acti-Lift technology is not in other detergents.

Will Acti-Lift technology be too harsh on my clothes?

No. Like all Tide products the Acti-Lift formula is extensively tested to ensure that it's safe for all machine-washable fabrics.

Can I use Acti-Lift in HE machines?

Yes, there will be HE versions of many of your favorite Tide varieties including Tide with Bleach Alternative, Tide Coldwater, Tide with a Touch of Downy, Tide plus Febreze Freshness, and Tide plus Febreze Freshness Sport.

Can Acti-Lift be used with laundry additives - bleach, laundry boosters (Tide Stain Release, etc)?

Yes, Acti-Lift can be used with laundry additives such as bleach and laundry boosters. As always, be sure to read instructions before using additional products.

Can Acti-Lift be used for colors and whites?

Absolutely; Acti-Lift is suited for both.

Can I use Acti-Lift on all types of material/clothing?

Acti-Lift can be used on all washable fabrics. As always, for best results, please be sure to read you garments care label instructions.

Is the packaging recyclable?

Yes, our packages are recyclable and in fact, all Acti-Lift bottles have been made from 25% or more post consumer recycled plastic.

Acti-Lift formula is now available in many of your favorites: Tide HE, Tide Coldwater, Tide Coldwater HE, Tide with Bleach Alternative, Tide with Bleach Alternative HE, Tide plus Febreze Freshness, Tide plus Febreze Freshness HE, Tide plus Febreze Freshness Sport, Tide plus Febreze Freshness Sport HE, Tide with a Touch of Downy, and Tide with a Touch of Downy HE.

Detail info: Tide With Touch Of Downy April Fresh Scent Liquid Laundry Detergent 100 Fl Oz (Pack of 4)

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To Make Sure You are Really Buying Green Cleaning Supplies..!

2013-07-05T02:27:00.002-07:00

As consumers grow more concerned about the environment, the demand for green products continues to grow. But how do we make sure of what we are buying?

These tips can help you decide which cleaning products are really green.

Check for full disclosure of ingredients.

It's important to keep in mind that there are no requirements for manufacturers to even list ingredients for cleaning supplies unless they contain disinfectants or items that are known to be hazardous.

Look for manufacturers that list their ingredients either on the label or on their websites. To be sure what you are getting is green, you need to know exactly what is in it.

Know about risky ingredients.

Knowing what exactly is in your cleaners will allow you to find out about the risks associated with those cleaners. Check out the National Institute of Health's database to search for information about your household cleaners, how they should be handled, and their potential hazards.

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Check the cleaner's environmental claims & Don't be dazzled.
Something that is made from 100% plant based ingredients is better than a cleaner that claims to be made from just natural ingredients. Look closely at the claims from your cleaners and, if needed, investigate further by contacting the company and asking more questions.

Check the Material Safety Data Sheet.
Take a moment to search online for the products MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet). This sheet will probably give you more than you bargained for.

Note:

Research certified green products:

Green Seal (greenseal.org), Energy Star (energystar.gov), Cradle to Cradle (c2ccertified.com).

Companies that sell green products wholesale are also listed on :

Eco Mall (ecomall.com), Green People (greenpeople.org) and through the Wholesale Connection offered by Green America (greenamericatoday.org).

Thank to : Sarah Aguirre
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Using Baking Soda to Laundry

2013-07-04T00:08:00.000-07:00

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer, maintains pH balances, and neutralizes acids and bases, adding baking soda to laundry is an easy way to keep your clothes clean. Using baking soda to laundry is one of the best things to green your laundry by reducing your dependence on chemicals.

Learn how to use baking soda in laundry below:

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Using baking soda in laundry can also help soften clothes, boost your detergent's power, and keep whites white, among other things.

Remove odors with baking soda
Odors in your laundry are caused by bacteria. Baking soda helps regulate the pH level in the washer water by keeping it from being too acidic or alkaline. Adding 1/2 cup of it to the washing load will help get the smell out of your little soccer player's worst smelly socks.

Detergent & Bleach Booster
To boost bleaching power with baking soda, adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to each 1/2 cup of bleach, it can work more effectively to reduce bacteria and loosen soil.
To boost bleaching power with baking soda, adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to each laundry load, detergents can work more effectively.

Safe Stain Remover
Baking soda is also an excellent stain remover. Put a few tablespoons in a cup and add water until it makes a paste. Next, rub the paste into the stain and place the article in the wash.
Don't forget to use baking soda to remove the stains from your washing machine too, after you have done your clothes.

Fabric Softener
Adding baking soda to the rinse cycle of the wash also serves as a fabric softener. This is an excellent and low cost replacement for fabric softeners that contain dyes and harsh chemicals. This also can be an excellent solution for those with sensitive skin and allergies.

Iron Cleaner
Baking soda is a mineral compound that works as a gentle abrasive. To remove built-up starch and deposits from the face plate of a cool iron, mix a paste of baking soda and vinegar. Using a white cloth, rub the paste over the face of the iron and then wipe off with a damp cloth.

Control Suds
If you mistakenly use laundry detergent, you'll see those suds begin to flow. If it happens, turn off your washing machine and grab your box of baking soda. Sprinkle directly on the suds to quickly break them down. The baking soda will absorb some of the moisture and clean-up will be easier.

Baking soda has many uses that go beyond the kitchen. It's can make doing the wash a little easier and make your life a little cleaner and greener.
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Electrolux Silver IQ Touch Front Load Washer and Steam ELECTRIC Dryer Laundry Set W/ Pedestals

2013-07-02T22:28:00.002-07:00

I love these machines!.

4.30 Cu Ft Steam Front Load Washer and 8.0 Cu Ft Steam Electric Dryer with 15" Drawer Pedestals
Fastest Wash Time- 15 minutes to wash. - Fastest Dry Time- Fastest dryer with just 14 minutes to dry.
ENERGY STAR Most Efficient- Rated ENERGY STAR Most Efficient, our washers are eco-friendly: up to 161% more energy-efficient and use 66% less water.
Gentlest Dry- Our gentlest dryer offers exclusive technology that gently tumbles clothes with exceptional temperature control to help protect fabric.
Residential Curbside Delivery

They showed up and were undamaged which was my first concern. They washing machine is very heavy so hopefully you have some help to move it. Installation was easy (we had to flip the doors which was also fairly easy). They look great. The spin cycle is extremely fast which helps to get out most of the moisture. They have several specialty cycles like pet beds, jeans, towels, etc...

You can have the cool led lights on while they machines run their cycle which is also kinda cool. We sat and watched the washer run it's first cycle just because it was new and exciting to us lol. The fast dry cycle on the dryer may dry a very small load in 14 minutes but I wouldn't count on that for anything else. The pedestals are nice and match great.

Overall, I love these and I would recommend them.

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Easy Ways to Wash a Wool Coat

2013-07-02T03:13:00.000-07:00

A wool coat is a very warm, comfortable and useful garment. It was often used by those who lived in cold, damp climates or those who worked out at sea. Washing your wool coats is a good way to preserve and keep them clean.

Usually, you can wash a wool coat by yourself. It mostly depends on the percentage of wool in the coat and the manufacturer’s instructions. However, some wool coats may be safely washed by hand or machine.

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First and very important step is to carefully read the manufacturer’s label, located on the inside of the coat.

To wash a wool coat use a wool-safe liquid detergent. Use the amount suggested on the container label.

You should fill a sink with warm water, add detergent and put your item in the sink. Allow it to soak for about 5 minutes and then put into a sink full of clean, cool water to rinse.

Squeeze the excess water out and allow the item to dry lying on a flat surface.

Keep the coat away from direct heat or sunlight. Do not dry a wool coat in the dryer. Your coat may shrink or the shape may become distorted.

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The Best Way to Prevent Laundry from Bleeding

2013-06-30T20:35:00.001-07:00

Bleeding laundry is one of the biggest problems while trying to wash clothes. Color bleeding occurs when clothing manufacturers rely on ineffective dying techniques or cheap dyes. Sometimes the dyes are simply unstable or not permanently set in the fabric.

However, there are several things you can do to prevent color bleeding from occurring in the first place. Read the following tips to learn how to stop laundry from bleeding.

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Take precautions by always washing new clothes separately the first time they are washed.
Sort your laundry into dark colors, light colors and whites to reduces the chance for darker colors to run onto light colors, and is the most important step to prevent bleeding colors.
Avoid overloading your washing machine. Stuffing too many clothes into a washing machine can make the clothes rubbing and causing color transfer.
Place your laundry in a dryer as soon as the washing cycle has been completed.
In order to prevent color bleeding, you can wash them in cold water. If you wash in hot water the colors will bleed easier.
Soak dark or new clothes in salty water for half an hour. By soaking them, you will cause the dyes to bleed out thus diluting their color.
Soften your water with white vinegar. Hard water transfers colors in the wash more easily, but it is easy to soften the water with 1/2 cup of vinegar every time you wash.
Use "oxyclean" - "color catching" product in the wash every time and the color that does come out will stay in the water, not transfer to another article of clothing.

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Smart Ways Using Chlorine Bleach

2013-06-27T20:05:00.000-07:00

Chlorine Bleach is used for whitening, stain removal and disinfecting in the washer.

You should know that ordinary chlorine bleach is a pesticide. Because it kills bacteria and viruses it is called a disinfectant or an antimicorbial pesticide. And because it kills fungi and molds it is also known as a fungicide. Standard household bleach contains the chemical sodium hypochlorite.

If you are responsible for doing laundry or other types of cleaning as some of your chores around the house, you may be using liquid chlorine bleach to do the job. If so, you need to be sure to always "Read the Label First" to know how to properly use this product and for safety information. Also, be sure your parents know what household products you are using. They can make sure you use them safely.

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Here are some tips for using chlorine bleach correctly, safely and more effectively.

Test Items Before Bleaching
If you're unsure if an item can be safely bleached, do a spot test. Put a drop of your diluted bleach solution in a hidden area, such as the inside of a seam. Wait 5 minutes, then rinse and air dry. If there is no adverse color change, the item can be safely bleached.
Separate clothing
Bleach only all-white clothing and linens. Only include items that can be safely washed in the machine with hot water. Check your garment care label if you are unsure.
Bleach will not be effective on every stain type. For example, bleach will work well on stains like coffee, juice or grass but is not effective on oil-based stains like grease.

Mix the bleach in hot water before adding it to the wash tub
Bleach should be added to the hot wash water after adding detergent but before adding your clothes. Chlorine bleach should never be poured directly on clothing. It can cause weakening of fibers and extensive color removal.
The ratio should be 1 part bleach to 30 parts water. For ease of measuring, this equates to roughly 1/2 cup of bleach per gallon of water (125 ml bleach to 3.7 liters water)

Add clothes to wash
Chlorine bleach works most effectively in hot water, so remember to set the temperature of the wash to its hottest setting for best results.

Keep It Fresh
Chlorine bleach loses its potency once the bottle is opened and chlorine bleach has a limited shelf life.Bleach should be disposed of after about six months.

Always be careful when using chlorine bleach. Because it comes in 1 gallon jugs the container can be a little hard to handle. Spills and splashes happen. Not only will the bleach damage your clothing but it is irritating to your skin and can cause serious damage to your eyes, even blindness.

Caution:

Never mix a chlorine bleach with any other household or cleaning products. Doing so can cause a chemical reaction that is harmful to your clothing and, more importantly, your lungs.

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How to Clean Your Washing Machine

2013-06-26T19:39:00.000-07:00

I searched around and found about as many different approaches for cleaning a washing machine, but one tutorial, seemed easy, inexpensive and do-able. Regina Yunghans at Apartment Therapy wrote a great walkthrough to help you clean and disinfect your machine.

Adding vinegar and baking soda to an empty wash cycle will do a fine job of disinfecting the wash tub, but cleaning the fabric softener well or those gross crevices under the lid will require some old fashioned elbow grease and a toothbrush.

-->	What You Need Materials White Vinegar or Bleach (I used vinegar, as I try to avoid bleach in household cleaning) Baking Soda Tools Toothbrush Microfiber Cloth

Instructions

Fill the washer using the highest load size, hottest water setting, and longest wash, open the lid and as the washer tub fills, add a quart of white vinegar (or bleach), and add a cup of baking soda.

Close the lid and allow the washer to agitate for about a minute. Open the lid again and allow the water, vinegar, and baking soda to soak in the washer tub for an hour.
Remove any parts you can and soak them and clean nooks and crannies under the lid.

Using a toothbrush, clean the upper portion of the agitator and hard-to-reach areas under the lid and around the rim of the tub. You can also use this time to clean the front and sides of the machine, but don't close the lid yet!
After an hour, close the lid and allow the cycle to complete.

During this time, you can clean the top of the washing machine, the dials, and console with vinegar solution.
Repeat.

Run one more hot wash with a quart of vinegar in it to clean away any residue loosened and left behind by the first cycle.
Once the washer has drained, wipe the sides and bottom of the tub with vinegar solution to remove any last residue.

You can prolong the cleanliness of a fresh washing machine by leaving the lid open between uses. This allows the interior to dry out thoroughly and prevents mildew.

Whether you're looking to deep clean or just freshen up your contraption, try these vinegar tips and you definitely won't be disappointed.

If you are unsure as to whether the item you are cleaning is suitable for our instructions, take professional cleaning advice first.

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Selecting the Best Dry Cleaner

2013-06-25T20:28:00.000-07:00

A good dry cleaner is your best partner. The most frequent question was, "How can I find a dry cleaner I can trust..!".

I would like to say that the dry cleaner is a mysterious business. Clothes get dropped off at the counter and whisked away into the back room or even a different facility. They come back days later on hangers, pressed and wrapped in plastic.

Finding a good dry cleaning service is important.Most people don’t know where to begin when selecting the best dry cleaning services. Use these tips to select the best dry cleaner.

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Certifications
All of those components are important and can be weighed efficiently when analyzing whether the dry cleaning service is certified or not. Certifications show that these are pros who take their craft seriously.

Professional Affiliations
Ask about professional affiliations. Research whether the dry cleaning shop is allied with the Better Business Bureau or the International Fabricare Institute. These groups are concerned with your rights and the owner’s reputation.

Employee Professionalism

A good dry cleaning service has a helpful counter clerk. A Great counter clerks inspects the garments carefully and asks about stains and special care.

Go "green"

Select dry cleaners that use non-toxic, environmentally safe solvents. Traditional dry cleaning solvents are petroleum based, while "green" cleaning agents are silicone or carbon based. Ask the what type of solvent they uses.

Listen to word of mouth, your friends can help you avoid a world of trouble. Not all dry cleaners can manage such stains properly, which makes your search for the right one that much more important, inexperienced dry cleaning technicians may have limited skills and damage your garment.

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How to Load a Washing Machine to Get The Best Results

2013-06-25T03:20:00.000-07:00

How do you load your dirty clothes, linens, and even laundry additives into your washing machine can affect performance. By loading the washing machine correctly you can get the best results.

Washing clothes in your washing machine isn't too difficult, but you should know how to load your washing machine so that it can wash your clothes as effectively as possible.

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If you load your washing machine incorrectly the results can include dirty clothes, but can also include soap spots on them, fabric softener stains, or even bleach stains. Here's how to load your washing machine the right way.
Put detergent and water in the machine
Set your washing machine to its smallest load level and let it fill with water and add laundry detergent Use the cup provided in the box or bottle of detergent to measure the necessary amount and let the machine agitate for 15 or so second to let the detergent dissolve in the water. Pouring your laundry detergent into the machine before loading in the clothes gives the detergent a little extra time to dissolve before it starts the job of cleaning the laundry.

Avoid Potential Laundry Mishaps
Inspecting the clothing saves the items in question and also protects the garments -- and your washer -- from damage. Zip up all zippers. Fasten hooks. Tie drawstrings. Unroll cuffs. Turn pockets inside out. To lessen fading, turn dark clothing, such as jeans, inside out. Also, unbutton all buttons. The agitation of the wash cycle can cause buttons to tear buttonholes. Be sure to read the care labels on clothing items for proper washing instructions. Most clothing will have specific laundry treatments listed on the tags.

Place the items in the machine one at a time & balance the load

Placing your clothing and linens in the machine one piece at a time reduces tangling and also avoids the risk of accidentally dropping a tank top or undies over the agitator blade. For a washing machine to spin properly, clothes must be evenly distributed throughout the drum so that it is balanced. An unbalanced load can also ruin the washing machine.

Skip Overloading Problems

Do not overload the machine with too many clothes or they will not be able to agitate properly, and thus will not get as clean as possible. A simple test to see of you are overloading your machine is to pick out a brightly colored item of laundry during the washing process and watch it as it skims across the surface. The item should drop alongside the agitator paddle, disappear for a few seconds, and then reappear on the outer side of the tub, and back towards the agitator paddle again. If the clothes don't move, then the machine is overloaded.

Now - set the machine to the right size load, then - let the machine run as normal.

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High-efficiency (HE) Detergents

2013-06-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

Choosing between powder and liquid used to be the main decision with laundry detergents.You may have noticed a new symbol on detergent bottles and boxes – HE. It actually stands for High Efficiency.

These detergents are formulated to be used in HE washing machines. They are low-sudsing and quick dispersing for use in low water volume machines. HE detergents hold soil in suspension so it is not re-deposited onto clean clothes.

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Front-loading machines, which require less water and detergent. And instead of using a big water-filled tub with an agitator like traditional machines, with an HE washer, the clothes go in a "tumbler" and gently tumble around in a shallow pool of water. HE washers also tend to spin faster, which means your clothes have less water in them when they go into the dryer, resulting in shorter dryer times. You can use HE detergent in a traditional washer with no problems.

Because an HE washing machine tumbles instead of agitates, it creates more suds than a traditional machine. Therefore, HE detergent must be low-sudsing.

Some HE washing machine manufacturers will actually void your machine's warranty if you use non-HE detergent. You can't use traditional detergent in an HE washing machine, but you can use HE detergent in a traditional washing machine. Read your washers care and use guide!.

If HE detergents are new to you, take time to read reviews of top rated HE detergents bellow..!
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Selection of etergents for Baby Laundry

2013-06-20T20:27:00.001-07:00

Baby laundry is a big part of daily life with newborns and toddlers. All but the most natural and gentle laundry detergents can irritate a baby's skin..!

While there are detergents touted as just for babies, as long as you use a mild detergent without dyes or fragrance you can safely wash your baby’s clothing with your own. The exception is diapers which must be handled carefully and washed in a separate load.

Do not use liquid fabric softener or dry sheets which may irritate baby’s skin due to the added perfume. Always wash a child’s pajamas in detergent rather than animal-based natural soaps to protect the flame-retardant treatment in sleepwear.

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Many new parents find that baby detergents don't always get the job done. Others just can't stand the extra expense of buying a special product just for the baby. If you decide to try regular detergent, choose a liquid — they tend to rinse out more thoroughly, especially if you have "hard" water. Powders have a tendency to leave flakes on fabric that can irritate you baby's skin.

It's important to remember that when you wash your clothes in regular detergent, your baby is rubbing against you, hugging you, in contact while youre holding him/her any way so it really doesnt matter. If he/she was allergic to it, you would have to change your detergent as well. so if he/she has been fine since day one while touching your clothes, she'll probably be fine to have her own clothes washed regularly as well.

Source: about.com | babycenter.com
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Choosing a Laundry Detergent or Washing Powder

2013-06-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

Laundry detergent or washing powder is a type of detergent (cleaning agent) that is added for cleaning laundry.wikipedia.org*)

With so many choices on the market, how do you know which detergent is best? The best option is the one that fits the family's needs in terms of efficiency on specific soils, personal preference for the scent of the form (ie powder or liquid) and the price.

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General purpose detergents are available in liquid, powdered or single dose form.

Liquid Detergents

Liquid detergents are very effecting on greasy, oily stains and can be easily used as a pretreater. Most come with measuring caps and many offer refill sizes.
Powdered Detergents

Powdered detergents are usually less expensive to use per load. They are effective on clay and ground-in dirt, powders are an ideal choice for children’s play clothes.
Single Dose Form

Single dose packs are the most expensive and may take two packs to handle really dirty clothes. Take a look at your family’s needs and that will help you make a decision.

Liquids, powders and single packs can be used in cold water; however, some powdered detergents do not dissolve well in lower temperatures. If this is a problem, use a higher wash temperature or dissolve the powder in a cup of hot water before adding it to the wash. Both liquids and powders are available in concentrated or ultra form. Although packaged in smaller sizes, they provide the same cleaning power as their larger unconcentrated counterparts.

For free-flowing washing powders and liquids, manufacturers suggest the amount you should use with each load on the packaging, including advice for lightly/heavily soiled loads and soft/hard water areas, follow the label instructions and use the companion measuring cap or scoop.

Single dose packs are pre-measured for an average size and soil load. If you do large loads of laundry or heavily soiled laundry, you may need both.

A combination detergent is one detergent that does two jobs. Examples include a detergent with built-in fabric softener, color-safe bleach or bleach alternative.

Other features, such as brighteners to help keep clothes white, enzymes to help remove protein soils, compatibility with all water temperatures and special formulations for infants’ laundry, enhance a detergent’s performance. Detergents are also available with or without fragrances and dyes.

Light duty detergents, available in liquid or powder form, are designed for hand or machine washing lightly soiled items, as well as for delicate fabrics. Many are also ideal for baby clothes.

Suggestion

Use the measuring jug or cap provided, using too much washing powder in your wash is a waste of money.

Too much washing powder or laundry liquid hinders the cleaning power of the wash, as the bubbles cushion fabric, preventing wash agitation (when the fabrics rub together)and causing block the washing machine drainpipes, which results in a poorly-rinsed wash.
Washing powder or detergent that hasn’t been completely rinsed off fabrics can cause skin irritation.

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Choosing The Best Washing Machine

2013-06-17T18:45:00.000-07:00

Washing machines are getting more and more popular...! A washing machine (laundry machine, clothes washer, or washer) is a machine to wash laundry, such as clothing and sheets. The term is mostly applied only to machines that use water as opposed to dry cleaning (which uses alternative cleaning fluids, and is performed by specialist businesses) or ultrasonic cleaners.

If you’re considering buying a washing machine and have done a bit of browsing, you’ve probably noticed that there isn’t just one washing machine brand available in market – there are hundreds!

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Before you choose your new washing machine think about what type of washing you do, how often and when. The final choices will, however, be different for different customers depending on their individual requirements.

By knowing what to look out for, you can find a machine that is an excellent compromise between price and quality.

Top-loading

If you have a limited budget, the best washing machine for you could be a basic top-loading machine with convenience features that suit your "laundry-style."

The front loading washing machines could be your best choice because of excellent washing, ample capacity, and quiet operation. There have been quite a few front-loading washing machines around for awhile.

Front-loading

These machines also have high spin speeds, anywhere from 950-1300 rpm. This results in much less water left in the clothes, so the dryer won't have to run so long, which will save you energy. Front-loaders are also appropriate for people who want the storage that comes beneath when pedestals are added (these are not free, however).

Front-loaders are best placed on concrete floors or reinforced first floors, and, when properly installed, can be incredibly quiet. Only a few are appropriate for second-floor installation (Samsung and Electrolux make washers that you might want to consider for the second floor). Front-loaders have more vibration as a result of higher spin speeds, and the axis upon which the drum spins (the X axis). The vibration goes to the shock absorbing system, and then to the floor.

If the machines are not going above the first floor, the only other considerations would be the dimensions of the machines versus the space you have, whether you want them stacked or not, whether you want pedestals or not, and the features you want in your machines.

High Efficiency Top Loading

If you want all the capacity, cleaning power, and efficiency of a front-loader but you have a need or desire to maintain the look or set-up of a top-loader, the answer for you is a high-efficiency top-loader.

These machines will look much like a traditional top-loader, with a striking difference: they don't have an agitator. How does it work, then? Well, the drum and the washplate at the bottom work in conjunction to cause the clothes to agitate themselves, and they scrub each other clean while seemingly defying gravity as they travel through the washtub.

Because these machines have washtubs on the Y axis instead of the X axis, the vibration caused by the high spin cycle speeds is not translated down to the floor, but mostly out to the sides. As there is just air between the tub and the walls of the machine, noise from the spin cycle is almost eliminated, and vibration is greatly reduced, making HE top-loaders appropriate for all floors of the house.

The list of features is a bit shorter, as the layout of the machine restricts its ability to perform some of the functions that front-loaders can. You can find models with internal water heaters, matching dryers with steam, and all models of top-loaders are direct-drive (even conventional top-loaders). Some of the models will have windows, so you can watch your laundry.

You don't have to leave these washers open if you don't want to, though it wouldn't hurt to air them out anyway.

Steam washing

The latest innovation into the market is Steam washing machines, these work exactly the same way as a normal washing machine but inject steam into the wash cycle. Steam washers have been proven to remove more household allergens, than non-steam machines, as steam can maintain the optimum heat ,unlike water. It can also save water as the particles are smaller and can penetrate fabrics better.

Other Suggestions

Energy usage is another factor which should play a key role in determining which washing machines are best for you. The Energy Star eligibility of the government, or any other suitable alternative criterion should be considered before making the final choice. Also take into account the noise factor. If you have to use your washing machine near the kitchen or a bedroom, front loading machines should be your best choice. They are usually very quiet; although a few top-loaders also show the same quality.

Conclusion

In any case, the main points for consideration on any washer and dryer include size and style, capacity, cycles, temperatures, controls, and energy efficiency.