Comments on: A super-easy laundry tip that you probably already do

By: Jessica

Jessica — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:44:43 +0000

We do most of things you listed, especially using the towels a couple of times. When I was young and would spend the night with friends, they would have hampers in the bathroom just full of towels. I was told to put my towel in there (even though I was spending two nights). This just didn’t make sense to me. I get out of the shower clean, use a towel and it is still basically clean for a couple of uses. The apartment we live in now doesn’t vent well so the towels don’t dry out well and do start to have a stale smeall usually after the 3rd use.

By: CHB

CHB — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:17:40 +0000

This is yet another time that I’m extremely jealous of people who don’t sweat. I can usually get away with some pants and sweaters worn more than once, but overall I wash most things right after I wear them out of respect for society.

However when it comes to workout clothes, I let those go for I don’t even know how long, since they’re supposed to be sweaty! I also stretch the towels. I don’t even use dryer sheets because I don’t really understand what the point is, and I always try to wash full loads in cold water.

I love the playclothes idea – I basically do this for myself as an adult too.

I’m curious what frugal ways people use to get rid of stains, especially sweat? The only one that has really worked for me is using hydrogen peroxide and salt to get blood out of whites.

By: Judi

Judi — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:50:41 +0000

We do most of this.. well, as far as stretching the wear. I’d be swimming in laundry if I tried to wash after one wear/use with 4 kids and us adults – egads! So reuse is essential with some of your rules applied (like towels getting hung up to dry, not thrown on the floor).

Here are a couple laundry tips I put to use.. I typically use fabric dryer sheets, but cut them in half.. it usually works just fine.

I was given a few bottles of liquid softener – but I rarely remembered to run back downstairs to put the softener in, or to use the little ball – so I put some on a wash cloth and toss it in with the clothes to dry.. get lots of use out of this!

By: A

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:19:03 +0000

No email came through today. You should have the right address though.

After doing a bit of research, the only offered solution was to wash my neck. I already do that, so it still leaves me at square one.

By: Carrie

Carrie — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 02:09:07 +0000

OK…I am way behind. I NEVER thought to hang them backwards in order to know they were worn the 2nd time. I was always trying to remember. This is GREAT! Thanks for the suggestion, and it will be implemented immediately.

By: Carol

Carol — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:25:15 +0000

I also wear clothes more than once and the towels get used more than once (unless someone puts it on the floor and it gets musty) I have hooks in my bathroom and clothes get put on them to be worn again. I work in an office and I make jokes about “I do not work in a coal mine” I do not exactly get dirty. The best thing about jeans is that pet hair does not stick to them. Jeans get worn about 3-4 times, pjs, sweaters about the same. It conserves water, soap and energy.

Carol

By: tasterspoon

tasterspoon — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 22:56:16 +0000

I second the comment about using the deoderant crystal. I was skeptical, but it actually has worked for me and creates no yellow stains (or white smudges, for that matter).

Based on something I read on a blog somewhere, I now cut my dryer sheets in half. Supposedly you can make a reusable dryer sheet by soaking a washcloth in fabric softener, but I’ve never tried that.

By: JenMarie

JenMarie — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 20:41:20 +0000

Fabulous tips! I do these except now wash towels after about 3 dryings after reading a detailed article (can’t remember where I saw it now) about how often you should re-use towels.

By: Kacie

Kacie — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:55:57 +0000

Good tips! Thanks for sharing them.

Lol, I don’t technically have Underoos. I just wanted to call them that. haha

By: FFB

FFB — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 17:21:11 +0000

You have underoos?!? Where can I find those (umm, for the kids of course)?

We abide by the sniff test. Undies and socks get one wear though. It helps to air out clothes too.

And the whites have to be washed separate from the colors!

I’ve heard that vinegar is great fro taking out sweat stains. I’m going to try that soon. One thing I’ve done though is switch underarm deodorant. I no longer use an antiperspirant, instead I use a natural deodorant. Maybe that’s too much info but I’ve found that I’ve eliminated most of my underarm stains on undershirts.

Great tips. Thanks!