You can safely wash a fabric shower curtain and plastic liner in the washing machine to eliminate any mold or grime. Add baking soda or vinegar, an extra towel, and wash on warm for the most efficient clean. You can also hand wash shower curtains if you prefer.

This article will cover the importance of cleaning your shower curtain, how often you should do so, and how to safely wash it in the washing machine.

Is It Safe to Put a Shower Curtain in the Washing Machine?

It is safe to put a shower curtain in the washing machine. However, the fabric makes a huge difference. Some fabric shower curtains are made from a delicate material that needs to be dry-cleaned rather than machine washed.

The best way to tell if your specific shower curtain can go in the machine is to read the label. If you’re missing a label or otherwise unsure, the safest option to prevent any damage to the fabric is to send it to the dry cleaners. Otherwise, popping it in the wash is an easy and fast way to ensure it’s not harboring any mold.

Can You Machine Wash a Plastic Shower Liner?

You can safely machine wash a plastic shower liner. When done correctly, the liner will come out fresh, mold-free, and with no damage. Machine washing a plastic liner can help prolong its lifespan and ensure its cleanliness.

If you want to maintain a healthy showering space, cleaning your liner is crucial, but it can be time-consuming to do so by hand. Instead, try washing it in the machine for a practical and straightforward solution.

How Often Should You Clean & Replace a Shower Curtain?

If you’ve seen a build-up of grime on your shower curtain or liner, you might be wondering if it’s necessary to clean. Those gross spots of dirt and grime could be a sign of mold, something no one wants in their home.

The general consensus is that shower liners and curtains should be washed every few months and replaced after six months to a year. Though your curtain may not have visible mold, it is still susceptible to bacteria and should be cleaned and changed as needed.

Most likely, the dirt on your shower curtain will not make you sick. Though bacteria and mold can grow in moist environments in the shower, they are not usually dangerous to people with healthy immune systems.

However, if you have a lowered immune system, it might be a stressor. Inhaling mold can potentially worsen the symptoms of conditions like allergies and asthma. If you suffer from any respiratory issues, consult your doctor about how often you should clean your shower curtain.

Having to wash a shower curtain every few months might feel intimidating, but the good news is that there are a few cleaning methods.

How to Wash a Shower Curtain in the Washing Machine

The first method is using a washing machine, which is safe for your fabric curtain as well as the plastic liner.

If you decide to go this route, be sure to follow these steps for the best results:

1. Verify that your particular curtain can go in the wash without damaging the fabric. Then, try a spot test of the detergent or soap you plan on using to ensure it will work on the material.
2. Remove the hooks. Carefully take the shower curtain off the hooks used to attach it to the curtain rod, so they do not damage it in the wash.
3. Add in one or two towels. This is an important step. Most people recommend adding at least one other towel in the washer in addition to the curtain. The extra towel will help in preventing damage and wrinkles to the curtain, and scrubbing the curtain for additional cleaning.
4. Add detergent, vinegar, or baking soda. In addition to detergent, vinegar or baking soda can act against mold and improve cleanliness.
5. Wash it on the ‘warm’ setting. Because your shower curtain may contain some bacteria and mold, you must wash it on the ‘warm’ setting to get it as clean as possible.
6. Hang it out to dry. Though most curtains are acceptable in a washing machine, keep them out of the dryer. Instead, hang or lay flat to dry before placing it back on the curtain rod.

Washing by Hand

The second option is washing by hand. Most professionals recommend washing by hand in the open air, especially if using harsh cleaning supplies. While some people clean by spraying soap or cleanser on the curtain in the shower, this might not give you enough airflow to avoid breathing in the disinfectant.

Instead, follow these steps:

1. Take your shower curtain off the rod and move to a bigger room or, even better, an outdoor area.
2. Spray it with cleaner or a natural solution like apple cider vinegar, baking soda, or tea tree oil.
3. Let it sit, so the product can break down the mold and bacteria.
4. Wipe the cleaner off with a cloth or sponge and rinse thoroughly.
5. Hang the curtain out to dry. Be sure the curtains are unfolded completely so they can dry evenly.

If you opt to wash your shower curtains by hand, it’s still important to maintain a frequent cleaning schedule so they don’t accumulate too much mold and bacteria.

You might also want to read: How to Clean a Shower Curtain Without Taking It Down

Conclusion

It’s perfectly safe to put your fabric or plastic shower curtain in the washing machine, provided you read the care instructions beforehand. Add some baking soda or vinegar, an extra towel to prevent damage, and leave it out to dry rather than using the dryer.

Washing a shower curtain by hand also works, but it may take more time. The most efficient way to remove mold and grime is to simply put it in the washing machine so you can enjoy a fresh, clean shower.

The post Can You Wash Shower Curtains in the Washing Machine? appeared first on HomelyVille.

So, if you want a quick way of getting your clothes to smell fresh, you’re in luck. I’ve prepared a list of the best freshener and odor eliminator sprays that will work wonders with clothes. In addition, I’ve also provided some DIY sprays and other clothes freshening solutions you can try.

Body Odor and Smelly Clothes

Most people would link body odor to sweating. Broadly speaking, they wouldn’t be entirely wrong, since sweat is a major component of body odor. However, sweat itself, i.e. the liquid we produce, is odorless. If you were to extract raw sweat from one of the millions of sweat glands in our body, you would get a clear liquid with no scent.

So, what is that unpleasant smell we often associate with sweat? Well, the sweat we produce reacts with the bacteria on our skin. To be precise, it’s the bacteria reacting to the sweat, multiplying at an exponential speed. These microorganisms thrive in moist environments, so the more we sweat, the more body odor we can expect to sense.

Factors like gender, health, our diet, and the medication we take can influence the scent of our body odor. And while we sweat everywhere on our body, there are specific areas where the odor tends to be most prominent, like armpits, feet, groin area, etc.

We wear clothes more than 90% of the time. So, it’s only natural that they will soak up the sweat and start to smell off. Not only is that unpleasant, but the odor can also be extremely difficult to remove. And the most immediate solution is a good freshener spray.

Best Freshener and Odor Eliminator Sprays You Can Buy

1. Caldrea Fabric and Room Spray

Interestingly, Caldrea sprays are regarded as the best on the market, despite competing with some pretty strong brands, as you will see shortly. I was pleasantly surprised when I first tried Caldrea’s fabric and room spray, thinking that it was a little overrated. But I was wrong; not only did my clothes lose their nasty odor but the scent of the spray made them feel fresh and smell heavenly.

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Caldrea sprays are made of natural ingredients, including neroli essential oils and lemon. There is nothing artificial about these fresheners, so they’re perfectly safe to use by anyone. In addition, the spray is transparent, so you don’t have to worry about any artificial color residue.

But the best thing about Caldrea is that it’s more than just a clothes freshener. You can use it on your furniture, pillows, comforters, and shoes. In fact, if you have a car, spray a bit of Caldrea inside. I guarantee you that any unpleasant odor will be gone before you know it.

While this might seem like a trivial detail, a lot of people I know have compared the scent of Caldrea to that of rooms at the Four Seasons hotels. It’s similar to another famous scent, the Williams Sonoma. In short, you can’t really go wrong with Caldrea as your first choice.

2. Febreze Fabric Refresher

Most of us have at least heard of Febreze. It’s that spritz bottle that lots of people use to freshen their rooms before they get some well-deserved sleep.

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In fact, a study conducted by the National Sleep Foundation found that less than 50% of people are getting a good night’s sleep and that odors are one of the primary reasons behind it. Febreze sponsored the study, which goes to show you just how committed they are to removing odors and keeping the air around you fresh.

Of course, Febreze has its own line of fabric fresheners. A single bottle of spray can cover everything from pillows to carpets and comforters. Naturally, I had to test it out on my clothes to see if it works, and so far it hasn’t failed to remove any odor. More often than not, a product with as much hype as Febreze doesn’t perform well, but I’m fairly sure that this spray deserves all of the attention it gets.

3. Egyptian Cotton Linen Spray

No parabens, no synthetic colors, no artificial fragrances, no gluten, no GMOs, and zero animal products — that is Egyptian Cotton in a nutshell. It is also a list of reasons why you should definitely get yourself one 16oz bottle of this spray and test it for yourself.

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Egyptian Cotton is a linen spray — when you use it, the scent of fresh linen fills the room. That’s why it’s great if you want to spray it on any furniture or carpeting, but it’s just as effective if you merely spritz it into the air. What I love to do is spray a little of the freshener onto clothing I’d just finished ironing. Not only does it keep any odors from lingering, but it also keeps the clothes fresh throughout the day.

Dozens of people I know praise the Egyptian Cotton as the best clothes freshener they ever tried. And considering it’s not as popular as some other brands on this list, I’d say that’s quite an achievement. 

4. Bath & Body Works

Bath & Body Works sounds a little like the name of your local spa — a little cheesy, but to the point. However, B&BW is actually the name of a brand that produced a splendid freshener which I had the honor of trying out recently. It’s one of the few products that can actually help me catch some quality sleep. Due to its soft, alluring aroma, it’s guaranteed to have you snoozing in a matter of minutes.

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Of course, I didn’t choose B&BW just to get some shut-eye. Some of my neighbors have suggested it as a good alternative to other fabric freshener sprays, so I figured I’d give it a try. After spraying some of my clothes and my bedsheets, I felt elated. The gentle vanilla scent mixed with some essential oils gave my room an air of tranquility, which was something I definitely needed after a hard day’s work.

B&BW’s spray is, in my opinion, perfect for rooms that don’t necessarily have a strong odor, but do contain stale air. With a few quick squirts of this spray, you can breathe new life into your bedroom, or any other room for that matter.

5. FunkAway

FunkAway is the perfect solution for anyone who works out or is into sports. I personally know at least ten gym-goers, and on more than a few occasions they told me that they simply threw away their old jerseys and shorts if the odor didn’t go away. Of course, at some point you should get rid of old clothes, but if you eliminate an odor quickly, why not use a freshener like FunkAway?

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This awesome spray comes in a compact bottle that you can put away in your gym bag and carry around everywhere. Thanks to its OM Complex formula, it can eliminate the most stubborn odors, including those that don’t go away after the first wash. In other words, your old gym clothes can stay in your closet for another season — simply spray them with FunkAway, and you’re good to go.

While the scent of FunkAway is powerful, it’s actually quite soft and not overwhelming. I have to stress this point because most sprays that have overwhelming aromas tend to contain artificial ingredients. With FunkAway, you can rest assured that your clothes won’t smell like you just sprayed perfume on them to cover the odor up.

Aside from fabric, this freshener also works great on solid, hard surfaces. So, feel free to spray it on your car upholstery, sneakers, sports equipment, training and yoga mats, and even the pet areas in your home.

6. Hex Deodorizing Spray

With a tagline like “un-stink your stuff,” you can tell that Hex is one of the more fun options on the market. The light blend of citrus and fruity apple is a perfect replacement for any odor, as it is just strong enough to remove foul smells, yet gentle enough to feel heavenly when you give it a good whiff.

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Hex is made out of completely natural ingredients that are biodegradable and safe for the environment. In addition, it’s strong enough to remove odors from hard surfaces like wood, carpet fabric, plastic, and even metal. That’s why you will see the good people of Hex advertise this freshener as a spray that removes smells from “anything that can’t fit into a washing machine.”

Naturally, the aroma that comes from Hex works just as well on clothing. Simply spray a little of the formula on the odorous item, and let it work its magic. But don’t forget to shake it before use or to allow the item to dry after you sprayed it. That way you’ll get the full Hex effect, i.e. a set of fresh-smelling clothes in mere minutes.

7. Sweat X Odor Eliminator

Rounding out the list is the powerful Sweat X Sport Extreme odor eliminator. And again we have the perfect option for anyone who loves a good kick-off or a solid workout. Sweat X targets the odor-causing bacteria, eliminating every trace of them instead of simply masking the smell. It’s both a freshener and a sanitizer, all in one action-packed product.

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As is the case with all the products on my list, Sweat X is eco-friendly in every way. It doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients and you can freely spray it on your skin with no side-effects. Moreover, it’s biodegradable and non-toxic, the perfect combination for any sports buff on the go.

Make a DIY Freshener and Odor Eliminator

Lots of people ask me about DIY options whenever I cover the topic of odor elimination. After doing some research, I actually found quite a few different homebrew freshener spray options that anyone can make. Of course, I made sure to provide only the options that use natural ingredients. None of these natural sprays will harm your skin or damage the fabric in any way.

Essential Oil Mix

When you visit your Whole Foods next time you’re in the mood for shopping, pick up some natural essential oils. Then combine the scent of your choice with one cup of water (around 5 drops of oil will do) and pour the mix into a spray bottle. Not only will this combination make your clothes smell great, but it’ll also kill off any odor-inducing bacteria. My pick is peppermint or rosemary oil, but you can do your own research and see which aroma fits you best.

Vinegar Mix

There’s a good reason why people tend to use vinegar in nearly every DIY cleaning solution. After all, it’s a natural anti-bacterial liquid that can kill up to 98% of microorganisms on any surface. Of course, vinegar has a pungent smell of its own, so to combat it, I suggest mixing two cups of water, a single teaspoon of vinegar, and 10 droplets of essential oil.

Lemon Juice Mix

Most of the products I listed have a lemon aroma option, and with good reason. The acid within the fruit is great at neutralizing bacteria and keeping the clothes fresh. Therefore, a mix of one tablespoon of lemon juice and a cup of water will be perfect for your spray bottle. Also, if you want to keep the mixture fresh, store it in your fridge for later use.

Witch Hazel Mix

Witch hazel has similar properties to vinegar. The only difference is that its scent isn’t as strong, though you can still sense it. For that reason, I advise mixing 10 drops of essential oil with two cups of witch hazel. However, you can also buy scented Witch hazel, in which case you won’t need any essential oils.

Vodka Mix

Yes, you’ve read that correctly — vodka. And when you think about it, it makes perfect sense; vodka is alcoholic, so it kills bacteria without fail. Plus, it’s a colorless drink, so it doesn’t stain the fabric, and it dries without leaving any odors behind. But since it’s quite strong, I recommend mixing ⅓ cup of vodka with ⅓ cup of water.

More Ways to Eliminate Odors From Clothes

While I did focus on the best freshener and odor eliminator sprays for clothes, there are other inexpensive options for getting rid of nasty smells. Of course, I won’t delve too deep into the topic. However, here’s a brief list of methods that you might also find useful in case you don’t have a spray lying around:

• Dryer sheets between the clothes
• Old newspapers left in the sleeves overnight
• Steam the clothes while you shower
• Keep an open bag of kitty litter in the closet
• Wrap the clothing item around unused ground coffee beans
• Sprinkle baking soda on your clothing
• Air your clothes out and place them in direct sunlight
• Put them in the dryer for 10 to 15 minutes
• Put them in the freezer for a few hours
• Use activated charcoal

A Few Words In Closing

All of the fresheners and odor eliminators listed above have proven themselves to be the best. Of course, if none of the choices suit you, or if you can’t find any of them, feel free to get a different product. However, make sure that the spray you’re using is eco-friendly, biodegradable, and that it eliminates bacteria rather than masking the odor. 

The post Best Freshener and Odor Eliminator Sprays for Clothes appeared first on HomelyVille.

You might be able to wash your rug in the washing machine. If it is made of cotton or synthetic fiber and a rubber backing that hasn’t worn out, you can wash it in the washing machine. Small woven or braided rugs can also be washed in the machine. Anything else and you have to be very careful.

If you wash a heavy rug or one that doesn’t meet the criteria above in your regular machine, you run the risk of damaging both the machine and the rug. Even with rugs that can be washed in the machine, you need to do it right. The rest of the article will cover all the details you need.

Why You Shouldn’t Wash Every Rug in the Washing Machine

As you’ve seen above, cotton, synthetic fiber, and polyester rugs can go in the washing machine with little or no problem. If the rug is made of wool or silk, on the other hand, a lot can go wrong, including the following:

• Color bleeding: Washing some rugs in the washing machine can cause the color to bleed, especially when you use cold water. You can mitigate the color bleeding, but it is hard to eliminate it completely.
• Shorter lifespan: The stress that rugs go through in a washing machine will most likely break down older rugs. Even for new silk or wool rugs, putting them in a machine even once is enough to leave them looking uneven.
• Damaged fabric: Laundry detergent isn’t good for rugs made of wool and silk. These materials are protein-based, and the proteases in detergents will only break them down in the process of removing stains.

How to Wash Rugs in the Washing Machine: Step-by-Step

Do you have rugs that can go in the washing machine? Here are the steps you have to follow:

1. Read the Label

What does the care label on the rug say? Some rugs are designated as machine-washable by the manufacturer. Some examples include Hebe Cotton and Actcut Super Soft. If the label says “dry clean only,” the color may wash off in the machine. If you can’t find the label anymore or read what is written on it, just go with the recommendations above.

2. Shake Off Dirt

You need to take the rug outside and get rid of the dirt by shaking it vigorously. Consider hitting the rubber side of the rug to force out as much dirt as possible. Alternatively, you can beat the rug on the floor outside if it is paved, or by the side of the fence. The excess dirt, food particle, pet hair, or small toys stuck in the rug can ruin your washing machine.

3. Pre-Treat Stains and Spots

After you’ve removed as much dirt as possible, the next step is to get rid of the stains in the rug as well as you can. There are different approaches for different kinds of stains, including beverage spills and pet “mishaps.” If you don’t know the cause of the stain, apply a small amount of liquid laundry detergent to the spot and rub it in slowly. Once the stain is properly covered, leave it for around half an hour.

4. Load the Machine

When you are done with treating the stains, it is time to put the rug in the machine. Is your machine a front-load model? You can either wash two rugs of the same size or add two towels in the machine with one rug for the best results.

If you are using a top-load washing machine, on the other hand, you should ensure the load is even on all sides. You can achieve this by distributing the rug evenly around the center agitator and adding towels to achieve the perfect balance.

5. Wash the Rug

To wash the rug, you should set it to delicate and fill it with cold water. Ensure the rug has enough room to move freely during the wash. Add your detergent, but not too much. Rugs need less detergent than your typical laundry.

You should avoid using chlorine bleach with rugs that have anti-slip or rubber backing. The chemicals can damage the rubber while in the washing machine, ruining the rest of your carpet. Oxygen-based bleach brands like Grab Green and Charlie’s Soap are a better way to brighten your rubber-backed rug without any damage to them.

6. Dry the Rug

With the materials used in making most rugs, you need to allow a lot of time for the rug to dry. Don’t put it in the dryer as the heat can melt the rubber-backing, as well as other parts of the rug. Instead, air-dry the rug on a clothesline or over the fence. However, don’t put it under direct sunlight as the colors may start to fade.

Once your rug is properly dry, it’s good to go indoors again.

Other Tips to Keep in Mind When Washing Rugs

• Although it makes sense to regularly clean your rug, throwing it in the washing machine too frequently will only weaken it faster. The rubber backing on most machine-washable rugs can only withstand a few spins in the machine before disintegrating. You should only use the washing machine when it is absolutely necessary.
• If you are not sure of how the rug will fare in a washing machine, it may be best to take it to a professional rug washing business. This is especially true for pricey rugs or those that have a lot of sentimental value.
• If you are thinking of combing your rug with your other clothing, don’t. You will end up damaging your clothes, and in some cases, the rug as well.

Conclusion                                                                

Once your rugs get odorous or visibly too dirty, you may feel the need to throw them in the washing machine immediately. While there is technically nothing wrong with this, you need to slow down a bit to be sure you are taking the right approach to avoid damaging your rugs and the washing machine.

If you are unsure about your machine’s ability to wash a rug, take it to a Laundromat. They’ll probably have the right machine for this type of washing, but don’t forget to ask first.

You may also like: What Colors Can You Wash Together in the Washer?

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If you’re wondering how to get that fried food smell out of your clothes, you’re in the right place. Below, I’ve put together six effective methods to help you eliminate the odor.

But before we dive in, a quick note: These tips are best suited for the types of clothes you’d typically wear while cooking — think old T-shirts, leggings, aprons, etc. I don’t recommend frying in your favorite or more delicate pieces, especially those that require dry cleaning.

1. Laundry Detergent

Before you try anything else, consider giving a heavy-duty laundry detergent a go. Those products are more concentrated than regular detergents and effectively fight stubborn stains and odors. Moreover, there is a huge variety of options to choose from, so it shouldn’t be hard to find a detergent that fits your needs.

Also, there are enzyme laundry detergents that I highly recommend. The enzyme-producing cultures in them actively attack odors, food, beverages, and pet stains, and more. Those products are perfect for big households, as they are kind to people with allergies and chemical sensitivities. They are also safe to use around children, vulnerable adults, and pets.

If you don’t want to invest in detergents, however, you could try some alternatives. For example, here’s how to wash your clothes without a laundry detergent altogether.

2. Bleach

Bleach has many applications — it disinfects, brightens, and whitens fabrics, and gets rid of bad odors. If you’re a messy cook and you always end up staining your clothes and getting them all greasy and smelly, consider adding some bleach to your next wash.

Just be mindful of the fabric your clothes are made of. Don’t use bleach on wool or silk garments, as well as articles of clothing that are not colorfast.

Warning

This probably goes without saying, but bleach is highly toxic when ingested. Therefore, store it with great caution.

3. Baking Soda

This one may sound like part of a recipe, but trust me — it does help. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer, and a pretty cheap one at that. It removes pungent odors and brightens the color of your clothes.

Many detergents only mask the smell with artificial scents. Baking soda eradicates the odors on a chemical level. It is alkaline, which means it neutralizes the acids that cause unpleasant smells. It also absorbs the oils that are responsible for the greasy, pungent odor that lingers around after cooking fried food.

You can mix half a cup of baking soda with your detergent or directly sprinkle it on your clothes. If you feel like your garments need an extra push, you can soak them in a mixture of baking soda and water. Stir periodically and throw them in your washing machine after a couple of hours.

Also, it’s a good idea to wash greasy and smelly kitchen garments separately from your other clothes to prevent odors from spreading. Moreover, it’s not uncommon for oil to splash on you while cooking, so washing the garments you used in the kitchen separately will ensure no oil or grease spreads to your other clothes.  

Here’s a pro tip: if you don’t have time to wash smelly clothes immediately after cooking, sprinkle some baking soda on them for the time being. Then, when you do have time, wash them as usual.

4. Ammonia Solution

Ammonia water is another great alternative. It is an extremely versatile laundry additive, and just like bleach, it fully disinfects, brightens colors, and eradicates unpleasant smells from your clothes.

Add a cup of ammonia to your wash cycle, and you should be left with spotless garments that don’t smell like chicken teriyaki anymore!

Warning

Ammonia is highly potent and toxic and is not recommended for people with chemical allergies. Always store it with great caution and keep out of the reach of pets, vulnerable adults, and children.

5. Borax

Borax is a mineral that is safe to mix with your detergent. It boosts its cleaning power, resulting in fresh-smelling, stainless clothes.

Just like baking soda, borax eliminates the unpleasant odors still lingering around after cooking. It’s alkaline, and when added to the washing water, it keeps it at a pH of around 8, thus neutralizing pungent smells.

It also disinfects your clothes, inhibiting bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms responsible for bad scents.

Prepare a solution of one tbsp of borax per gallon of warm water, and pre-soak your clothes for 30 minutes to an hour. Then, wash as usual. If you don’t have time for that, you can add ½ cup of borax to a pre-soak cycle, too.

Warning

The fact that borax is natural does not mean it’s non-toxic! On the contrary, a small amount of the product can seriously harm a person’s/pet’s health if ingested. As little as five grams can even cause death! Therefore, use it cautiously and store it away from the reach of children, pets, and vulnerable adults.

6. Distilled White Vinegar

Distilled white vinegar is a great natural cleaner that has been used for more than a century. It is cheap and non-toxic, which makes it perfect for families that cook a lot and don’t want to invest in expensive alternatives.

If you’ve decided to use vinegar to remove odors and stains from your laundry, I recommend going with the distilled version. It is clear in color, hence (unlike other variants that contain natural dyes) cannot stain your clothes.

Simply soak the garments in a mixture of vinegar and water for a couple of hours and stir periodically. Then, run the load normally. It’s easy and inexpensive — what better combination?

In Summary

Cooking is a true art form for many. However, smelling like a greasy chicken nugget is neither pleasant nor artistic. Fortunately, there are many ways to get fried food smell out of clothes, and hopefully, after reading this article, you’ve found the perfect solution for you.

The post 6 Foolproof Ways to Get Fried Food Smells Out of Your Clothes appeared first on HomelyVille.

But you won’t get the desired and long-lasting scent from just any detergent. Nor will every sweet-smelling detergent do a proper job of cleaning your clothes. Usually, it takes quite a bit of trial and error to find the right balance between the two. That’s why I’m here — to help you find the detergent you are looking for in no time!

1. Seventh Generation Lavender Scent

Just imagine the sweet scent of lavender permeating your laundry room, and you’ll instantly wish to buy this detergent. What’s more, the Seventh Generation detergent doesn’t use any artificial fragrances — the scent comes from botanical extracts and essential oils.

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In fact, this detergent is as natural as it gets. There are no artificial brighteners and synthetic cleaners, yet a triple-enzyme formula efficiently removes the stains from your clothes all the same. Seventh Generation believes in natural, eco-friendly products, so its detergents have a Leaping Bunny seal. When you see that seal, you can be sure that the product was not tested on animals.

2. Rockin’ Green Hard Rock Natural Laundry Detergent Powder

Not only will this detergent make you feel like a rockstar, but you’ll actually be as cool as one for using a product that is safe for the environment. Formulated particularly for use in hard water, this laundry powder is tough on the stains, but gentle on the skin. It’s kid-friendly, so you can wash your child’s clothes or cloth diapers without hesitation.

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If you lead an active lifestyle, Rockin’ Green is just what you need. Stains, odors, and grime flee before its concentrated formula, leaving your clothes as good as new. Actually, thanks to the mint and lavender aromas that stay long after washing, your clothes won’t just be as good as new — they’ll be even better.

3. Method Liquid Laundry Detergent

This detergent may come in a small bottle, but it can do big things. Due to its high concentration, just 53.5 ounces of the product is enough for 66 loads of laundry. It works equally well in high-efficiency and standard washing machines and removes stains in both hot and cold water. On top of that, Method detergent is so easy to use — just squirt the laundry soap directly from the bottle and wash to your heart’s content!

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Method detergent comes in several delicious scents. Two that particularly stand out are the crisp Ginger Mango and the fresh Beach Sage. But if you prefer your clothes unscented, Method offers a Free + Clear formula that uses no fragrances, yet cleans and freshens up the laundry all the same.

4. Tyler Glamorous Wash Diva Laundry Detergent

If I told you that a detergent can replace a perfume, you’d probably laugh in my face. But after using this Tyler detergent, you’d quickly see exactly what I mean. Its sensual scent combining lily of the valley, citrus, and rose is strong enough to render any additional fragrances obsolete. The name of this detergent is not an exaggeration — it really is as glamorous as a diva.

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But the Tyler detergent brings more than just a sweet scent. Its formula is effective in cleaning stubborn stains but gentle on the fabric. Don’t hesitate to wash even soft linen and delicate lingerie with this laundry soap — the Tyler detergent will give them just the type of care they need.

5. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Pacs: Honeysuckle Scent

Whenever you find yourself missing the spring, wash your clothes with Mrs. Meyer’s laundry pods. With these flowery laundry pacs, you’ll smell like honeysuckle and fresh fruit all year long! Better yet, the scents aren’t made from artificial fragrances — instead, they come only from biodegradable essential oils.

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With its garden-inspired scents and effective cleaning formula, Mrs. Meyer’s detergent quickly became a crowd favorite. Many buyers claim it’s perfect for sensitive skin and the scent is pleasant but not overpowering. On top of that, since this detergent is in the form of laundry pods, it’s perfect for those who prefer them to bottle detergents.

6. Dreft Stage 2: Liquid Laundry Detergent

For many parents, finding a detergent that won’t upset their toddler’s sensitive skin is a never-ending struggle. Even when they do manage to find such a product, it often turns out that its cleaning power is compromised. But Dreft Stage 2 offers the best of both worlds — a hypoallergenic formula that removes even the deepest of stains.

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What’s more, this detergent is perfect for removing odors and replacing them with long-lasting fresh scents. So feel free to let your little one explore the world to their heart’s content — no stains and smells stand a chance before Dreft.

7. Gain Flings Original Laundry Detergent Pacs

Here’s a real treat for all laundry pod fans. Gain Flings detergent pods dissolve both in hot and cold water, cleaning any and all stains in their way. Compared to powder detergent, they have twice as many cleaning agents and 50% more potent scent. In fact, your clothes will stay fresh and fragrant up to six weeks after wash if you keep them in the closet.

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Gain Flings pods are also one of the crowd favorites on this list. Users claim they remove even the worst of stains and the most unpleasant of odors. And of course, one of the biggest advantages of pods over detergents is that they are so easy to use. Just put one pod into your washing machine for a regular load, and you’ll have clean clothes in no time!

8. Arm & Hammer Clean Scentsations Tropical Paradise

The sensationally fresh scent of Arm & Hammer detergent will transport you to a tropical paradise. No matter where you are, after one sniff of just-washed laundry you will see palms, crystal-clear waters, and golden beaches. If you hope to turn heads whenever you enter the room, this is just the detergent for you.

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Your clothes will not only smell good; they will look good as well. This Arm & Hammer detergent removes dirt, stains and grime without a trace, leaving your clothes as vibrant and clean as they were when you first bought them. And with just one bottle of this liquid detergent, you’ll wash up to 87 loads of laundry!

9. Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent

If you have sensitive skin, odds are many detergents flare it up and cause all sorts of rashes and hives. If that’s the case, this Puracy detergent is just what you’re looking for. This detergent was made specifically for allergy sufferers and it contains no toxins, bleaches, or sulfates. In fact, its formula is natural and plant-based, with no artificial cleansers that can irritate the skin.

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Puracy also has a gentle, fresh scent which will make you feel tranquil and put your mind at ease. There is also the unscented option if you want to give your nose some rest.

The liquid detergent comes with an easy-to-use pump. Thanks to that, measuring how much detergent you need is easier, so you’ll waste much less product than you would otherwise. Puracy comes in a small size, but it’s highly concentrated — enough for 96 full loads.

10. Tide Pods with Downy: April Fresh

There is a reason why Tide is one of the top sellers of laundry detergent in the world. Mainly, it’s because Tide’s products ensure spotless clothes, fresh scents, and supreme cleaning power. Tide pods made quite a splash when they were a part of the infamous Tide pod challenge, but even though you shouldn’t eat them, your washing machine is more than welcome to do so.

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Tide Pods with Downy have a wonderful floral scent that will remind you of springtime and keep your clothes fresh for weeks after wash. On top of that, Downy’s fabric softener is added to the mix to make your clothes a pleasure to wear. You won’t have to use any additional products — Tide pods clean, soften, freshen up, and protect the fabric.

The pods are highly concentrated and ten times stronger than regular detergent. Due to a special film, they quickly dissolve both in hot and cold water. With the help of additional solvent — glycerin — the ingredients within the pod mix better than ever. Give it a try, and you might become one of many who started using Tide and never went back.

11. ZUM Patchouli Aromatherapy Laundry Soap

When looking for the best-smelling detergent, which can be more promising than the one that has ‘aromatherapy’ in its name? In clothes washed by ZUM laundry soap, you’ll feel serene and smell fresh. Even though the detergent is patchouli-scented, the fragrance isn’t overpowering. Instead, it’s subtle — just present enough for people to notice.

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The detergent is all-natural, with no parabens, phosphates, and sulfates. There are no artificial fragrances either — the desired scent comes from essential oils. It’s great for sensitive skin and even better for fabric, which it softens and protects. In fact, you don’t even have to use a fabric softener — ZUM detergent alone is enough.

Aside from the lovely scent, ZUM customers are happy with its cleaning power as well. The detergent is highly effective, which means you only need to use small amounts of it per load. It’s become a staple in many households, so why not try it for yourself and see why?

Final Thoughts

Finding the right detergent in a huge market of laundry products might seem intimidating or downright impossible. But luckily, you aren’t alone on your quest. With this handy list of long-lasting scented laundry detergents, you’ll find what you’re looking for in no time!

The post Best Laundry Detergents for Long-Lasting Fresh Scents appeared first on HomelyVille.

Things are very different in the rest of the world. From South America to Europe, Asia, and Africa, powdered detergent absolutely dominates the household essentials aisle, and not only because it’s cheaper. As it turns out, powder laundry detergent has some specific strengths that its liquid cousin can’t hope to match.

Given that you’re reading this, chances are that you have at least a passing interest in trying out powder laundry detergent. We’ve got you covered. Today we will go over everything you’ll want (and need) to know in order to use powdered detergent as efficiently as possible. Who knows, you may end up deciding that it fits your needs better than the liquid variant.

When to Use Powder Laundry Detergent

Your run-of-the-mill liquid detergent is of course significantly more convenient to use than powder detergent. It dissolves quicker and better during the washing cycle, meaning that you won’t have to rinse it out again. Additionally, when you’re dealing with greasy stains like those from oil or various foods, liquid detergent will actually be the superior option.

With all that, the deck seems stacked against powder laundry detergent, doesn’t it? Well, not necessarily. Yes, powdered detergent may sometimes be a hassle to deal with, but it’s proven to be far superior at keeping your whites white and dealing with hard stains.

Use Powder Detergent for White Laundry

When cleaning white laundry, you’ll almost always want to use powder over liquid laundry detergent. The majority of powdered detergents contain a bleaching agent called sodium percarbonate, which can’t be made stable in liquid detergents.

Liquid detergent manufacturers have consistently tried to compensate by putting in various enzymes and optical brighteners, but the results have been less than impressive. Bleach is bleach, and that’s that.

Use Powder When Dealing With Hard Stains

When dirt, clay, or a similar substance hardens, it becomes aggravatingly hard to get out with liquid detergent. And as it happens, removing those hard stains is a specialty of powdered laundry detergents. Any good powdered detergent will easily scrape off every last speck of that pesky dirt. If you’ve only ever used liquids before, you’ll certainly be surprised by the results.

How Much Powdered Laundry Detergent to Use

One of the most important — if not the most important thing to consider with any laundry detergent, is the dosage. If you use too little, your laundry won’t wash well. Use too much, on the other hand, and you will not only risk damaging your laundry but also waste a good deal of detergent. Additionally, considering that powdered detergent doesn’t dissolve as easily as liquid, putting in too much may force you to wash your laundry again just to get the detergent out.

Measure is key, and in order to get it right, you’ll want to ask yourself the following questions:

• How much laundry are you going to wash?
• How dirty is said laundry?
• Do you have a top or front loader washing machine?
• Is your washer fully- or semi-automatic?
• What’s the water like in your area? If you live in a place with hard water, you will need to use more detergent in order to get the best results.

When you’re using powdered laundry detergent, getting a measuring cup is pretty much a must. It may seem like a waste of money, but in the long run, it will save you a lot. Again, you don’t want to use too much or too little; you should be precise.

So here’s a quick guide to how much detergent to put in, based on the abovementioned factors, and assuming that you’re using the washer’s full laundry capacity (there’ll be more on that later).

For Moderately Dirty Clothes

If your washer is an automatic front loader, you’ll want to put in one cup of powdered detergent. The same goes for those of you who have a semi-automatic washing machine. If you have an automatic top loader, however, you’ll want to pour in a cup and a half.

Has your washing machine temporarily (or permanently) broken down, while you still need those clothes clean in time for an event? How about washing them by hand? It’ll take you a while, but it works just as well. Use two full cups of detergent for an amount of laundry that would have filled up your washer.

For Very Dirty Clothes

In case you have a front loader, put in a cup and a half of powder. You’ll also want to use a cup and a half if you have a semi-automatic. If you’re using a top load washer, however, you’re going to need two full cups.

Hand washing is less efficient as always but sometimes necessary. When fighting stains that simply refuse to leave your laundry, expect to use up three full cups of detergent.

Instruction for Using Powder Laundry Detergent

No matter the kind of washer you have, you’ll want the detergent inside before you put your clothes in. After determining how much you’re going to use based on the amount of laundry and how dirty said laundry is, you’ll need to measure it with the cup before pouring it in.

If your washing machine is an automatic front loader, you should unload the detergent into the proper drawer. If the machine is either a semi-automatic or a top-load washer, then you’re going to need to pour the appropriate amount of powder directly into the drum.

Now that you’ve taken care of the touchier part of the process, it’s time to put in the laundry. Just be careful not to go overboard, as an overfilled machine can damage both itself and your laundry as it desperately tries to complete its work.

When determining how much is too much for front loaders, we suggest this rule of thumb — or rather, palm: if, after you’ve put in your laundry, your palm can still fit into the drum, you’re A-OK. If it can’t, you’ll need to take some things out before closing the lid and turning the machine on.

When it comes to top loaders, you should make sure that your laundry doesn’t stick out of the inner tub. If it does, it’s time to — you guessed it — take something out. You’ll have plenty of chances to wash it later, safely and properly.

Finally, it’s important that you remember to check the labels on your clothing. They will always tell you what the fabric will tolerate well, and what it most certainly will not. Like with everything else, just a little bit of prudence will go a long way.

Some Closing Words

Hopefully, by now you’ve realized that powdered laundry detergent is certainly not a relic of the past. Rather, it is simply a different sort of detergent, with its own set of upsides and downsides.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with sticking with your usual brand of liquid detergent, no matter the circumstances. There’s no doubt that most of the time, it will get the job done.

Sometimes, however, the easiest way is simply not the most effective one, and you will want a powder laundry detergent for the best results.

The post How to Use Powder Laundry Detergent appeared first on HomelyVille.

But do the Tide pods also contain softener? The short answer is yes, most of them do. However, there are differences between products and even Tide pods without a fabric softener. Here is a quick breakdown for you.

What Kind of Tide Pods Have Fabric Softener?

Did you know that Tide sells 15 separate types of laundry pods? And they all come with a different softener (or without any softener at all).

Some of the most popular Tide Pods with softener are:

• Tide Pods 3-in-1 with Spring Meadow Scent — they contain a detergent, stain remover, and a color protector. However, they do give your laundry an enduring fresh smell, and Amazon reviewers agree you don’t need to add a softener.
• Tide Pods 4-in-1 Plus Downy — they come with a Downy softener, in addition to the detergent, stain remover, and color protector. The Fabric Protect technology takes gentle care of your clothes. Plus, these pods also pack a Downy April scent.
• Tide Pods 4-in-1 Plus Febreze — they come with a signature Febreze scent, as well as a detergent, stain remover, and brightener. This one can tackle even set-in odors and provides long-lasting freshness.

As you can see, the 3-in-1 doesn’t technically include a fabric softener. However, users swear by its single-step effectiveness. Even if you skip the softener, your laundry will come out extra soft and smell great.

Should I Add Extra Softener when Using Tide Pods?

While you can, you don’t need to — especially if you’re using the 4-in-1 formulas, since they all feature a fabric softener. Laundry pods are made to make your life easier, and there is no real need to add an extra step.

What’s more, laundry pods are already a pricier way to wash your clothes. By doubling on fabric softener, you will only increase your costs. Not to mention that the scents might mix with an unpleasant end result.

What About Tide Pods Without Softener?

There are three Tide Pod formulas that don’t feature a fabric softener:

• Tide Pods 3-in-1
• Tide Pods Free & Gentle
• Tide Pods Ultra Oxi

However, the only Tide Pod without added perfume is the Free & Gentle formulation.

In addition to being scent-free, this Tide Pod also contains zero dyes and it’s perfect for sensitive skin. In fact, it became the first and only detergent approved by both the NEA and NPF (National Eczema Association and National Psoriasis Foundation, respectively). It’s also my personal recommendation for anybody with a skin condition or a scent sensitivity.

Final Thoughts

It’s safe to say not all Tide Pods are created equal. This is why it’s best to shop around and find the best product for your laundry needs.

What is your favorite type of Tide Pod? Tell me in the comments below. And, if you want to learn even more about using laundry pods (the right way), make sure you check out my dedicated guide.

Image credit: Jer123 / Shutterstock.com

The post Do Tide Pods Have Fabric Softener? (Tide Pod Questions Answered) appeared first on HomelyVille.

Throughout this article, you’ll also learn a couple of ways to remove oil out of your sheets, the reason that baby oil is so hard to get out, and whether or not massage oil can ruin your bedding. Without further ado, let’s dive into the guide below!

Removing Different Oils From Sheets

You might’ve accidentally spilled baby oil on the sheets, or you were using massage oil, and some of it soaked into the bedding without you noticing. Either way, oil has been known to wreak havoc on sheets, hair, carpet, clothing, and almost everything else around the house.

If you’ve tried to use water by itself, then you already know that oil and water don’t mix. The goal is to push water through the porous fabric to pull it in and out until all of the oil is gone.

How to Get Baby Oil Out of Sheets

Step-by-Step Process to Remove Baby Oil Stains

1. Pour enough water onto the stained area to soak it completely. You need to make sure that every bit of the stain is covered so it can start loosing from the fibers. Once the stain is covered in water, pour on a few drops of Dawn Dish Soap to cut through the thickness and density of the oil.
2. Take an old toothbrush and scrub away at the stain. This process will take a while, oftentimes requiring 5 to 10 minutes of constant scrubbing. Once you notice that the oil is starting to lift and loosen, you’ll only have a few minutes left. The time span depends on how much oil you spilled and how long it sat in the sheets.
3. Place the sheets in a sink, water basin, tub, or bucket filled with water. Squeeze and pull the sheets back and forth, focusing your attention on the oil-stained parts. Do this motion for about five minutes, then repeat step 2 if your sheets need an extra dose of dish soap scrubbing.
4. Put the sheets into the laundry machine and give it a heavy rinse cycle. Don’t throw any other laundry in the machine with it; You want all of the washing power to focus on the stain. If you don’t have a laundry machine, use powdered laundry detergent in the sink for 10 to 15 minutes of scrubbing.
5. Before you put the sheets into the dryer, make sure you check the stain. If it’s still there, you could risk drying it onto the sheets even more. Scrub it down by following steps two and three until the stain is gone, then place them in the dryer.

Why Is Baby Oil So Hard to Remove?

Baby oil is a type of mineral oil, which makes it a derivative of petroleum. Petroleum is known to cause all sorts of problems when it comes in contact with fabric because it’s a condensed, thick oil. When you spill baby oil on the sheets, you need to act as quickly as possible to stop it in its tracks.

To make matters worse, most sheets are quite porous. You might not see the tiny holes by looking at them far away, but a close examination will reveal the weaving patterns throughout all types of bedding. When oil gets into the pores, it’s very hard to remove.

The reason that washing with dish soap is so effective against baby oil stains is that it works to pull and push the stain through while also loosening it. It’s only a matter of time until the oil starts to fall off and get out of your sheets.

Unfortunately, using nothing but water won’t produce great results. The simple back and forth motion isn’t enough without dish soap or stain removal products. Water and oil have a different density. Although they’re both liquids, they won’t mix. By using dish soap, you increase the density of the water solution and make it much easier to remove the oil stain.

How to Get Massage Oil Out of Sheets

Luckily, massage oil isn’t as bad for sheets as baby oil tends to be.

Instructions for Removing Massage Oil

1. Soak the sheets in a bucket of water. Massage oil can be quickly loosened if you start washing the bedding right when the spill happens. Once you’ve soaked the sheets, use a stain removal spray, such as the Oxiclean Maxforce Spray. It’ll further loosen the stain without pulling the color out of your sheets.
2. Place the sheets in the laundry machine (or a water basin if you don’t have a washer). Use an oil removal laundry detergent, such as the Tide Heavy Duty Laundry Detergent. Much like the spray, it won’t strip the color out of your sheets. When these two products are combined, no oils will stand a chance.
3. Remove the sheets from the washer and assess the stain. If it’s gone, you’re free to air dry the sheets or toss them in the dryer. If you notice that it’s still there, repeat step 1 until it’s gone, then dry them.

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Can Massage Oil Ruin Sheets?

Massage oil is used all over the world, and most of the time, it involves bedding. Nobody wants to go to a massage parlor and lay on a flat metal board! Since sheets are so common, you can probably imagine how many stains are caused by massage oil every day.

But is it really all that bad? Yes! Massage oil can loosen the fibers of bedding, causing it to deteriorate. It won’t decompose or eat away at the material, but it’ll cause holes and gaps around your sheets from the weight of the oil dispersing.

The good news is that massage oil won’t rip away at your sheets right away. If you’re able to catch the spill before it dries, then you can stop the stain from being an actual problem. By following the steps above, you’ll have no problem removing the oil completely.

Keep Your Sheet Free of Oil Stains

The best way to “remove” oil stains is to never have them in the first place. While it might seem impossible considering the texture of oil and fabric, you can follow a few suggestions to prevent the oil from settling on the sheets. Try these tips:

• Place a thin plastic sheet over the sheets before you use baby oil or massage oil. You don’t want a layer of garbage bag material, so make sure they’re relatively thin. Since oil can’t penetrate or soak plastic, it’ll never be able to make it to your bedding.
• Consider using a lighter oil, such as coconut oil. While it can still stain sheets, the removal process isn’t nearly as tasking, nor is the potential damage as bad. Coconut oil also has numerous health benefits.
• Buy spare sheets for massage sessions. You don’t have to worry about soaking your Egyptian cotton sheets if you take them off the bed and replace them with old sheets that you don’t care about.
• Consider using leather couches or platforms. Oil can still dry on leather, but you can scrub it off quickly with dish soap. There’s no need for laundry machines since leather isn’t nearly as porous as microfiber or bamboo sheets.
• Use diluted essential oils. They’ll soak into the skin long before they have the chance to drip down onto the sheets. Even if a few drops make their way to your bedding, it won’t cause any issues. Some people intentionally put drops of diluted essential oils onto their sheets for relaxation purposes.

In Conclusion

Getting oil out of your sheets can be an annoying task. Rest assured that you’ll be able to follow the numerous solutions throughout this article to make your sheets look and feel like new again.

Remember that you should start washing the spill as soon as you can to prevent it from spreading and leaving a yellow stain. The damage caused by oil is exponential if you don’t start scrubbing away immediately.

Here’s a quick recap of the post:

• Baby oil is a mineral oil that’s very difficult to remove from sheets.
• Use stain removers, such as dish soap, laundry detergent, and fabric spray.
• Plastic sheets, essential oils, and leather are all great methods to prevent stains.

The post How to Remove Oil Stains From Sheets (Baby Oil, Massage Oil) appeared first on HomelyVille.

Luckily, the answer is yes. Here are all of my tricks of the trade for getting the yellow stains out of your sheets and keeping them gleaming white.

What Makes Your Bedsheets Turn Yellow

Most often, your bedsheets turned yellow because of your bodily fluids. No matter how hot or cold you run during the night, you’re bound to sweat a little bit.

Every time you sweat, the moisture leaves your body, sticks to the sheets, and creates a stain. While you’re sleeping, you’re also leaving dead skin cells, as well as saliva on your linens.

Another reason why your sheets might have turned yellow are the lotions and creams you use before you go to bed. If you want to prevent yellowing, you should avoid using skincare products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids and benzoyl peroxide.

In addition to sweat and skincare products, your linen-washing habits could be costing you sparkling white sheets. If you’re often overloading your washing machine, the detergent can’t penetrate the fabric and clean it properly.

How to Clean Yellowed Sheets

Don’t worry, even if your bedsheets turned yellow, there are plenty of things you can do to get rid of the discoloration.

Natural Cleaners

Before you get to using hardcore products and detergents, you should try some natural cleaners first. They’re cheap, easy to use and come by, and just as effective as the commercial stuff.

Lemons

Lemons and lemon juice are natural bleaching agents, readily available in any market. For this trick, all you need is a big pot, water, and a few lemons.

First, start by slicing up a few lemons into quarters. Then, fill the pot with water, throw the lemon slices in, and leave it to boil.

Once the water has come to a boil, turn your stovetop off, move the pot, and gently put your bedsheets in it. I recommend using tongs to put the sheets in to avoid burning yourself. You should leave the sheets to soak for at least 15 minutes, although a full hour would be better.

When enough time has passed, take the sheets out, put them in the washing machine, and use the detergent you usually would. Of course, you should wash them on the highest temperature to ensure that they’re sanitized.

Now, you might’ve heard that boiling sheets with either lemons or baking soda works for yellow stains. While that is somewhat true, I recommend doing it only as a last resort if all else has failed. Boiling sheets can damage them, especially if you have something with a high thread count.

White Vinegar

Just like lemons, white vinegar is a natural bleaching agent that you can use for cleaning toilet seats, laminate floors, and more. If your sheets have a detergent buildup, you can put half a cup of distilled white vinegar into the detergent dispenser and run a cold rinse.

On the other hand, to get rid of the yellowing, I recommend putting a quarter of a cup of vinegar in the softener dispenser. By doing so, the vinegar will do three things:

• Bleach your sheets
• Make them soft
• Get rid of any odors

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural and cheap alternative to bleach. You can use it on its own or combine it with white vinegar for even more spectacular results. For a regular wash, I recommend putting a quarter of a cup of baking soda with your detergent in the dispenser.

But if it doesn’t work the first time, you’ll have to repeat the process with vinegar. Again, put the same amount of baking soda and detergent in the first dispenser and half a cup of white vinegar in the other one.

If you can, leave the sheets to air dry when they’re done. The effects will be even better, and the smell of vinegar will dissipate much faster.

Commercial Cleaners

Now, if you don’t want to bother with boiling lemons, you can go for some of my favorite commercial cleaners.

Le Blanc Linen Wash

Le Blanc is a pretty strong detergent and stain-remover that you can use on sheets, clothes, and table linens. It doesn’t contain any bleach, phosphates, or sulfates, and it’s supposed to preserve the fabric.

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On Amazon, you can buy the Le Blanc wash in seven different scents, and each bottle is 64 fl oz. One thing to keep in mind about this linen wash is that it won’t work on heavy-duty stains or yellowing.

Instead, I suggest using it the first time you spot your sheets are changing colors. Also, you should keep using it to protect your linens in the future. But for the optimal results, you can pair the Le Blanc wash with some other methods, like baking soda or lemons.

Bluing

The bluing method is basically what it sounds like; you add a blue tint to your load of whites. Now you might be wondering, ’Why the hell would I want to turn my sheets blue?’

Well, by adding trace amounts of blue in your yellowed sheets, you can counteract the effect. The bluing method has worked like a charm for me every single time I’ve tried it, but one thing I’ve learned is that you have to be careful with the dosage.

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Make sure you read the instructions on the bottle before you start the process since each product requires different levels of dilution. My two favorite bluing products are the Bluette and Mrs. Stewart’s Liquid Bluing.

Cascade Powder

Using Cascade powder to do your bedsheets is actually an old restaurant tip I’ve recently found and loved. Apparently, waiters and kitchen staff often use the powder to keep their jackets and aprons sparkling white.

You can start by filling a pot with water and boiling it. Once you take it off the stovetop, put a big scoop of Cascade powder, and gently put your linens inside.

Just like with the lemons, I recommend leaving the linens inside for about an hour. Then, take your sheets out of the pot, put them in the washing machine, and launder them as you usually would.

Since Cascade is pretty harsh and obviously meant for your dishes, and not sheets, use this method only as your last resort. Also, make sure not to soak your sheets for longer than an hour because the powder can seriously damage them.

Why Bleach Isn’t the Answer

Now, I know that your first reaction might be to try and bleach your sheets, but that’s probably the worst thing you could do. Bleach contains chlorine, which has a chemical reaction when it comes into contact with bodily fluids. Once that happens, it can create even more stains or make the ones that were already there worse.

What’s more, bleach is extremely abrasive and can degrade your bedsheet fibers. So not only will it make your linens more yellow, but it will also reduce their lifespan.

How to Prevent Sheets From Turning Yellow

Now that you know how to get rid of the yellow stains, it’s vital that you learn how to stop it from happening in the first place.

Wash Regularly

I know washing your sheets regularly sounds pretty obvious, but it’s one of the best things you can do. By doing so, you’ll be getting rid of the oils and fluids left on the linens before they start settling in. If you want to learn more about washing sheets and when to do it, take a look at this article.

Use a Detergent Booster

If you’re worried that your sheets will become yellow no matter what you do, you can use a detergent booster every once in a while. The two best options here are Borax and OxyClean because they can easily cut through the oils and fluids.

However, use these products sparingly and only when you really need them. Otherwise, you’ll be cutting the lifespan of your sheets by half.

Dry in the Sun

Drying your sheets in the sun can add to the lighting effect in white sheets. Not only will doing so get rid of the yellowing, but when combined with some other methods, it can also protect them.

Other Methods

If you want to clean your sheets properly, make sure to wash them at the highest recommended temperature. Also, before you even put them through the wash, rinse your linens for a couple of seconds in cold water. When you do this, you can dilute the stains and oils a bit and ensure that they don’t settle.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, white sheets turning yellow is a pretty common thing, and it can happen to anyone. However, by taking some pre-emptive measures and using the right products, you can avoid this unsightly process in the first place.

Even if the worst has happened and your sheets are now yellow, it’s nothing to worry about. You can use a couple of household items or commercial products to rid yourself of the problem for good.

The post Why Your Bedsheets Turn Yellow and How to Fix It appeared first on HomelyVille.

If you’re as cautious as I am, you’re probably interested in the answer to that question as well. Well, since I’ve already done the research, I’ve compiled all of the information you’ll need right here. In addition to explaining how polyester reacts to high temperatures, I’ll also share some tips on how you can avoid having your clothes shrink in the laundry. But first, let’s talk about polyester.

What Is Polyester?

To be perfectly frank, I’ve spent most of my life avoiding polyester. All I knew was that the material wasn’t of natural origin, which immediately made me suspicious of it. On top of that, most of the polyester blend shirts I owned would become rather pungent as the day wore on. That certainly isn’t something that would endear you to an item of clothing, is it?

However, I now have a much better understanding of polyester. There’s a time and a place for this synthetic polymer. After all, there’s a reason why it’s such a popular choice for athletic and outdoor clothing.

To begin with, polyester tends to be much more durable than cotton while maintaining a similarly lightweight structure. Aside from being difficult to rip, polyester is also somewhat resistant to chemicals. Presumably, that means that the color of the fabric won’t fade easily, even if you use a harsh detergent on it.

That’s actually one of the many reasons why polyester is such a popular choice for curtains and other decorative items. Moreover, between the material’s strength and its quick-drying properties, it’s no wonder so many companies have polyester athleisure lines.

Different scientific advances have also made polyester more comfortable than it ever was. Most polyester clothes nowadays don’t even trap odor the way those old shirts would. But, with all these wondrous features, you might be wondering: how does this material handle high temperatures?

How Does Polyester React to High Temperatures?

According to everything we just learned, polyester seems to be some kind of miracle material. It’s a durable and fast-drying material that holds color impressively well. What’s more, it’s probably one of the cheapest materials you can find. But there’s still one test we have to run to get to the bottom of today’s topic: how does polyester handle heat?

Like most materials, polyester performs pretty well at body temperature and slightly hotter conditions. Thanks to its durable structure, it doesn’t change its shape in those conditions.

However, that doesn’t mean that you’re free to put polyester in boiling water or dry it at high heat. If the piece in question is made of a polyester blend — so it’s partly made of cotton or another organic material — it will be more likely to shrink in high temperatures.

While polyester is sturdier than most materials, you don’t really want to test it against extreme temperatures. Even pure polyester has its flaws, no matter how far we’ve come from those odor-trapping shirts of yore.

For example, the material stains fairly easily, which will require you to wash it more aggressively. However, if you put stained polyester into the dryer at high heat, the discoloration will most likely set. Since this material is fairly quick-drying anyway, there’s no need to use a dryer in the first place.

How to Ensure Your Polyester Clothes Don’t Shrink

At this point, we know that polyester is at least somewhat susceptible to shrinking in high temperatures. So what can we do to prevent that from happening?

Follow the Recommended Washing Instructions

If you want to ensure the longevity of your clothes, the most important thing you have to do is read the label! No matter what material the piece is made of, the manufacturer probably knows more about their product than you do.

The labels on pure polyester fabrics usually specifically prohibit the use of heat. You’re supposed to wash your polyester pieces inside out, without using overly stripping compounds like bleach. When you take the piece out of the wash, you can’t tumble dry it, wring it, or do anything that can potentially warp the shape of the item.

Instead, you can dry the piece in the shade after shaking the kinks out. If you iron it, you have to mind the temperature of the iron, and only use it on the inside of the material. All this goes to show that high temperatures can indeed endanger polyester clothing — at least according to the manufacturer.

Of course, this could be a case of brands wanting to protect themselves in case their products warp while in the washing machine. However, if you want your polyester piece to last, I’d still obey the washing instructions to the letter. Still, if you’re not particularly trusting towards washing machines, you can always wash your sensitive items by hand.

Wash Your Sensitive Items by Hand

If you take it upon yourself to wash potentially sensitive items by hand, you should be able to prevent your clothes from shrinking. In this case, the key lies in using gentle motions and detergents.

In fact, you could even skip the detergent altogether. There are all sorts of products you can use instead, from shampoo or bar soap, to baking soda or vinegar. Either way, you’ll clean your polyester clothes without affecting their shape.

Most importantly, washing more fragile items by hand allows you to have full control of the temperature of the water. Really, you can just put your polyester product in a large bucket of lukewarm water, put a bit of soap in, and let it soak. That way, you wouldn’t even have to wring or twist the material, which is another bonus.

Does Polyester Shrink If You Wash or Dry It?

Ultimately, pure polyester is durable enough to stay put even at high temperatures. The only way it would shrink is if you actually put it in boiling water. Even then, it would only be by a small margin. However, not many products are pure polyester — most of them are polyester blends.

Therefore, the real problem is in the other part of that blend. The truth is, you can only guess how it will react to high temperatures. When in doubt, it’s best to just follow the washing instructions on the label. Generally, you can wash most items at 30 degrees Celsius or about 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

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