Laundry Solutions Exposed

There are hundreds of laundry solutions online, but do they really work?
​I have researched and tested some of the more popular ones. Here are the results...

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​Wash

Vinegar-Adding one cup of vinegar at the beginning of the cycle will result in softer, fresher smelling laundry? TRUE

Baking Soda-Adding one cup baking soda will whiten  your whites?  TRUE
However adding 1/2 cup works just as well. 

​Blood Stains-Your own saliva removes blood stains? FALSE
The enzymes in your saliva do not break down the protein in your blood, however the water in your saliva does work to help remove the stain, so rather than spitting on your clothing, just use soap and water.

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​Dry

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Fold

Aluminum Foil-Using a small ball of aluminum foil in the dryer is a good substitute for dryer sheets? INCONCLUSIVE
This I can tell you, my towels felt just as fluffy as if I were using a dryer sheet. The towels smelled clean, however there was no additional scent since the dryer sheet was not used. (This may be a good solution if you or your loved ones are sensitive to perfumes used in products.) Although I am skeptical, it is said that the foil ball can be reused for six months​. I will have to wait and see on that one.

Fluffy Towel-Using a towel in the dryer will make your wet clothes dry faster? FALSE
While it is true that a fluffy towel will absorb much of the moisture during the first half of the drying process, it will take just as long, if not longer, for your entire load to dry. This is because the towel takes up surface area in the dryer, causing the entire load to dry at a slower pace.

Sun Drying-Drying clothing in the sun brightens whites? TRUE
​Hanging your clothes in the sun brightens whites, gives your clothing a fresh scent, and helps to naturally press them. The sun will bleach anything that is left in its rays, so be careful not to leave colors in the sun too long.

There are not many folding hacks or tips online that prove untrue, so here are some of my favorite tips and solutions for folding clothes with ease.

• Remove clothes immediately from the dryer. Letting them sit will cause wrinkles to set in.
• Shake and smooth each piece as it comes out of the dryer to reduce wrinkles and to maintain fluffiness in your towels.
• If the clothing is slippery or hard to fold, it should be hung.
• Do not fold bras in half. This will shift the padding and misshapen your undergarments. Lay them flat, one behind the other like you would see in a lingerie store.
• Use organization products from stores like The Container Store to keep your drawers and closets neat and tidy.