Frugal Laundry Tips

· To reduce static cling: Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip or slacks.

· To remove stains from clothing: Add 1 cup each of powdered Cascade and Clorox II to 5 gallons of the hottest water from your faucet. Soak several articles overnight and launder as usual. Do not use on delicate or non-colorfast fabrics. Particularly good for removing food stains.

· To clean your washing machine: Fill your washer with hot water. Add a quart of chlorine bleach (no detergent). Run the washer through the longest wash cycle. Immediately after the bleach cycle, while the washer is still wet, add a quart of white vinegar through the same cycle again, refilling the tub with hot water. This will clean out soap scum and mineral deposits from the spin basket and hoses.

· To make homemade laundry detergent: Grate a bar of Fels Naptha or Zote. Combine with a cup and a half each washing soda and borax. These products can all be purchased on the laundry aisle, where available. Please don't confuse washing soda with baking soda.

· To make homemade fabric softener: Combine 6 cups of water, 3 cups of vinegar, and 2 cups of cheapo hair conditioner in a gallon container.

· To make homemade Febreeze: Combine 1 cup fabric softener, 1 cup rubbing alcohol, 1 cup baking soda, and 2 cups water. Pour into a spray bottle. Test on a hidden spot before using.

· To make homemade Shout: Combine 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda, 2 T. ammonia, and 3 cups water. Pour into a spray bottle. Spray on heavily soiled spots before washing (first test for colorfastness on a hidden spot).

· To get rid of laundry detergent residue: Wash laundry with nothing but washing soda.

· To make homemade starch: Combine 2 T. cornstarch & 2 c. cold water. Put into spray bottle. Shake well before each use.