Laundry -- Are Your Whites Whiter, Your Colors Brighter?

When I wash my laundry, I always sort the light colors, dark colors, all-white colors, fragile fabrics, cold water and those that should be washed in warm or very hot water. An easy way to do this, and have them ready for the washing machine at any time is to keep them sorted as they are laid aside to be washed. If you have enough space available in your laundry room, get four or five smaller baskets or other containers. The size should depend on how often you wash your laundry and/or how many people you have at home. I usually do partial loads three to five times per week for two people. The nice thing about this is if you need a specific item washed, you can wash that piece and all that go with it, and they are done for now.

There are many laundry soap products out there now with added bleach or oxy. What is 'oxy?' The word 'Oxy' on a laundry soap box means it has oxygen-bleach, destainer and deodorizer. These products are safe and effective at all temperatures on whites, permanent press, bright colors, pastels, prints and delicate fabrics in hard or soft water. They are not suitable for silk or wool. These products are priced quite high; one I read sold for $12.95 - 2 pounds, $19.95 - 5 pounds and $58.95 for 18 pounds. My liquid laundry detergent and dry bleach work fine for me. The dry bleach I use is okay to use on whites and colors, and some delicate fabrics. I add them together in the washer. If I have something that is stained, I soak in double-strength dry bleach, baking soda and hot or cold water whichever is appropriate.

Then there is deciding which laundry needs to have bleach or other agents in the water with the laundry detergent. Perhaps you may want to soak some pieces with a stronger bleach or other agent added to the water. There is also a product called 'Oxy-Boost,' that is a stronger mixture of oxygen-bleach, destainer and deodorizer. If you get blood on a piece of laundry, pour some peroxide on the stain as soon as possible. It will disappear totally. It works on white or colors. The first time I tried this was on a pink sweater. The sweater did not fade, but came out just like new. A nurse gave me this tip one day while at my doctor's office.

Another cleaning agent is baking soda. I usually put one-half cup of baking soda in the washer with the detergent and dry bleach, especially with light colors and those that tend to turn gray or yellowish after being washed many times. It really makes them sparkle.

Today, I noticed at WalMart, most of the laundry detergents do not say they have oxy, or anything similar. Some may say "Now With More Cleaning Power," which is usually not questioned by consumers. If it has more cleaning power, great - because that is what it's for.

When you take your laundry out of the dryer, fold or hang them up as soon as possible. There will be fewer wrinkles, which if you do have some, press them out on a bed or table with your hands as you fold. You will be surprised how they disappear - no need to iron.

Try these simple steps, and you will be so proud of your laundry you will want to hang it outside and let the neighbors see how white and bright it is.

Sources"
Personal experience