Laundry Lessons 101!

I think one of the hardest things for some college students to learn is how to do laundry. I thought I'd lend a hand and give a few tips:

• DO separate your clothes. I typically have four loads: whites/towels, darks/jeans (yoga pants, jeans, dark t shirts), delicates (which is anything that shouldn't be washed with everything else-undergarments, lace, chiffon, sweaters, etc.), and colors (everything else). When in doubt, two loads is actually usually ok - heavy duty stuff and light stuff.
• Laundry detergent is expensive, but I've fallen in love with Arm & Hammer. It's actually relatively cheap, and it has a sensitive skin version, which is great because I break out in hives when I wear things washed with fragrances. 
• DO use dryer sheets. They have multiple uses anyway. Use them to get static out of your hair, keep static out of your clothes, and they make everything smell nice.
• DO invest in Febreze. If you can't wash something, it does wonders for the smell of a small room (nasty couches/futons NEED Febreze!).
• DO buy a Tide pen, or some other detergent pen. It got a spaghetti stain out of my comforter (that I obviously couldn't put in a dorm washer/dryer). They are also great for little stains, especially before you put them in the wash.
• A good tip if you don't want to buy a whole lot of stain remover stuff: Rub detergent into the stain before you wash the clothes. Works for me 75% of the time. If the stain doesn't come out, DON'T DRY IT. 
• DO get a laundry bag/bucket/carrier/whatever. Laundry facilities can be very far away from your room. DSD has some adorable laundry bags for a great addition to your dorm decor! And at a great price. Consider having it monogrammed, too!
• Ketchup can be removed with a soak in cold water and some vinegar. Juice comes out with dishwashing liquid (as does a whole MESS of other stuff-Google it!). 

 

Any more laundry tips?