Laundry Washing Detective

Q-Why are clothes cleaner in the summer than in the winter?

A- Clothing manufacturers test cold water cleaning in 65 degree water and some locations get down to 40 degrees with their water. If this is your location consider warm water in the coldest part of the winter.

Q – Why do socks get tiny holes?

A – Most holes are caused by over-bleaching a load and this bleach can also affect other loads as well for dark shirts and the like.

Q – Why are my Towels less absorbent than when I bought them?

A - The Soap And Detergent Association advises that overusing fabric softener, which coats the fibers, can leave a residue. To get rid of it, run a cycle without the fabric softener

Q – What is a good amount of laundry to put into the washing machine?

A – Top Loaders – loosely pack to the top row of the holes in the drum
Front Loaders – Just above the circular front opening

Q – How do I stop piling and fading of my clothes?

A – With the age of the fabric and the type of fabric it can be inevitable, but to limit it would be to turn the item of clothing inside out when you wash. This way the ‘good’ side is saved from the agitation of the wash. Also, don’t pack your wash tight with clothes, that way all clothes will get clean and rinsed well.

Q – I made my own detergent and it wasn’t foamy, is it cleaning?

A – There is a misconception that more suds equal better cleaning. Whirlpool Institute of Fabric Science advises that excess suds can inhibit proper cleaning and they hold the soil in the water longer and the clothes can look dingier. Using less than what the manufacturer suggests still gets your clothes clean.

Q – Does it matter the order in which I load the washing machine?

A –YES
1. Water
2. Detergent
3. Laundry
This allows the detergent to dissolve properly first and does not put spots on clothing

Q – Why do I get stains on the armpits of my clothes?

A - It isn’t always from sweat; it can be from the deodorant being used that is not let to dry before putting on a shirt