Even in normal times, no one wants to do more laundry than they have to. But as the coronavirus pandemic makes ho-hum errands more of a risk, those without their own washers and dryers are likely looking for ways to cut down on trips to laundromats or communal laundry rooms. Here are 16 tips to keep those hampers and baskets emptier for longer.
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We know, we know. Some things should only be worn once: Underwear, for instance, or a close-fitting blouse. But the vast majority of clothing shouldn’t be pitched in the hamper after the first wear. Good Housekeeping recommends washing everything from pajamas to bras to jeans once every three wears, a tactic that will not only cut down on laundry, but keep your clothes in good shape for longer by reducing wear and tear.
A corollary to our first tip: Stock up on those must-wash items so that they don’t send you scurrying to the laundromat every few days. Underwear is an obvious choice, and it’s easy enough to buy pairs in bulk. But don’t forget those all-important undershirts and camisoles, which are often the unsung heroes of our top halves, as well as plenty of socks. Consider sticking to one color and type of fabric to simplify laundry days and reduce the amount of delicates that need special treatment.
One way to feel better about this wear-it-more-than-once stuff? Hang up your clothing after you take it off. A set of over-the-door hooks is especially handy for this, or if you really want to get fancy, a dedicated clothing valet of some kind. Either way, it keeps air circulating around your garments and keeps them from getting too rumpled.
There’s a lot to be said for polyester and other synthetic fibers: They’re often durable, wrinkle-resistant, and inexpensive. But they also tend to trap odors more than their natural counterparts. Fabrics that do a good job of keeping odor at bay include linen, wool, and hemp. While 100% cotton may be a solid choice for a sweat-free day, be careful: It takes a long time to dry and will start to stink in the meantime.
So you’ve worn a particular garment and it looks fine, but the smell is another story? It may not have to go in the hamper quite yet. There are plenty of ways to absorb the odor, including putting balled-up newspapers under the arms, hanging it outside in the sun for an hour, or sprinkling baking soda over smelly spots. You can also try a commercial deodorizer like Febreze.
They may seem like a charming '50s throwback, but aprons aren’t just for when you’re feeling retro. They’ll protect your clothes from those impossible-to-remove grease stains, splattering sauce, and all sorts of other kitchen maladies that make more laundry inevitable. The Wirecutter recommends sticking to natural, breathable fabrics here, too; synthetic aprons will just make you hotter as you labor over a hot stovetop.
Stains are annoying, sure. But before you pitch an article of clothing into the hamper, try your hand at spot cleaning, which can be surprisingly effective if you use the proper technique. For instance, blot the stain instead of rubbing, which can just saturate fibers more. And consider getting a nifty stain-removal pen that can make the process a no-brainer.
Plenty of us find that we can stretch our wardrobes for weeks, save for certain critical items that we wear over and over again. So why not do a little hand-washing to eliminate that awkward “in between” laundromat trip? Real Simple has plenty of tips for everything from lacy bras to sturdy jeans and sweaters. And if scrubbing at the sink sounds like a drag, you can even try a portable washer.
The only thing worse than dragging a full load of clothing to the laundromat is dragging an additional load of bedding. Keep those sheets smelling fresh a bit longer by saving your shower for the evening, right before you slip between the sheets. That will help rid your body of the dead skin cells that flake off at night, providing a feast for dust mites.
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Whether the kids are outside running around or you have to do some heavy-duty yard work, make like Fräulein Maria and use a dedicated set of clothing you don’t mind getting (and keeping) dirty. This is a great chance to put those unfashionable but still-serviceable duds to work, keeping your nicer stuff dirt- and odor-free. Another option? Grab some already-smelly clothing from the hamper and rewear them.
It might seem counterintuitive, but the more clothing you have, the more laundry you’ll likely generate — after all, the need to wear something more than once won’t be as pressing. An easy way to pare back your closet is by trying a capsule wardrobe, which relies on fewer but higher-quality pieces that can be mixed and matched.
Pit stains are common, but avoidable. One of the easiest ways to keep your whites from that dreaded dirty tinge is by swapping out your antiperspirant for an aluminum-free deodorant. Make sure you don’t overapply, and let it dry completely before putting on your shirt.
Humans need room to breathe, and so do your clothes. A too-full closet will leave clothing smelling musty and cause wrinkles, too. Of course, removing stubborn wrinkles will require a long session at the ironing board or, worse yet, another run through the washer and dryer.
Got clothing you won’t be wearing for a while? Lighten your laundry load once they do come back out by storing them away from heat, sunlight, and moisture to prevent premature aging and fading. And be sure to clean them before putting them away — any lingering stains can oxidize and yellow the fabric.