Last post we began with the question of do we really launder our clothing correctly? We do it so routinely that we may not be doing it properly. It is easy to get into a rut and not even realize it until disaster strikes. Today’s post will continue to look at ways to get back on track and get our clothes as clean as possible. Last time we looked at washing machines and the proper detergents. Now we will look at getting the laundry in Raleigh NC ready to wash.
Tips | Laundry Raleigh NC
Label Check: A common mistake made by many of us is not looking at the care label in our garments. There is a whole lot of information located on that small label. It is very important. The following are what the symbols are and what they mean.
- A circle all alone means Dry Clean Only. If there is a big X you can use the washing machine. It is really important you only dry clean a garment that says dry clean only. You can ruin a garment otherwise.
- If the item is machine washable you will see a washing machine type symbol with water. If it also happens to have one dot in it that means cold wash only. If there are two dots then warm water is to be used. If it has three dots then you can safely use hot water. If there is a big X over this symbol then dry cleaning should be used.
- The bleach symbol is represented by a triangle shape. If it is plain then be cautious but you can use chlorine bleach. If there is a big X over the symbol then bleach is a No No.
- The tumble dry symbol has a square with a circle inside. If there is a white circle you may use whatever heat setting you want. If there is one dot then use a low temp.. If there are two dots then use a normal temp.. Three dots indicate you can use a high temperature.
Next you will want to Prep your clothing for laundry. This will involve separating or sorting your items into one of four piles. The normal is whites, lights, darks, and delicates. Some of you will want to combine your whites and lights and that is perfectly acceptable. Once they have been sorted properly then comes the prep. This will involve some of the steps we sometimes either forget or just do not take the proper time to do. This involves:
- Close all zippers (no snags)
- Empty all pockets (you don’t want any surprises)
- Turn your denim any any embellished items inside out
- pre-treat all stains! Check your items carefully.
- Delicates can be put into mesh type bags and wash with cold water on a hand-wash or gentle cycle.
Set your water temperature. Hot Water should be used only for really stained or soiled clothing. Dish towels as well as bath towels and cloths can be washed in hot as well. Warm Water can be used for your whites and lights. Cold Waterworks best for delicates, denims, fine fabrics, and any clothing items you think might shrink.
Choose the right settings on your machine as well. Permanent Press is good for any knits and synthetic fiber clothing. It is a good cycle for keeping wrinkles from forming as well. Regular is great for towels, cottons, denim, and any really soiled items. The gentle or delicate cycle should be used for wool’s, silks, lingerie and any items you want to take extra good care of.
Laundry Raleigh NC
If you need help getting your laundry under control come by and see us at Laundry Express. We are a state of the art laundry facility and can handle all your laundry needs. Come by to do your load of laundry for the week!
