Warm water is appropriate for moderately soiled clothing and human-made fabrics. Hot water should be used for bedding and towels, cotton whites, and heavily stained work clothes, specifically those with oil or grease stains. Powdered detergents work well for general loads and are usually less expensive; however, they don’t always dissolve correctly in cold water and leave white residue on fabrics. Liquid detergents, which usually contain enzymes, are good for pretreating stains. The key to selecting a liquid detergent that fits your needs is to read a full list of ingredients. More enzymes in the formula equal better cleaning power. What about the single dose pods, packs, and tablets? They are convenient and easy to use. They prevent overdosing but check the price per load if you’re on a budget. You can also make your own laundry products using one of several formulas. If you have a front load washer that smells terrible, using less detergent may just solve your problem. As soon as possible after stains occur, rinse or soak the garment in cold water, apply a stain remover, and get it into the washer. If the stain is still there, never put the garment in the dryer. Use a stain remover and rewash. Be sure to use the right stain removal technique for each type of stain. To find out if something is colorfast before you wash it, wet a cotton swab and rub it on an inside corner or seam and see if the dye transfers to the swab. If it does, hand wash the item separately. If that random red sock falls into a white load of clothes, know how to remove the dye stains. Some of the best ways to avoid shrinking or stretching in clothing are to use a cold water setting, avoid too much agitation, and a hot clothes dryer.
