Here are some clever laundry hacks that actually work
I’m here to revolutionize your laundry routine with some genius laundry hacks that will make your life easier and your clothes cleaner than ever before.
Laundry—it’s a chore that most of us face on a regular basis.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a working professional, or just someone trying to stay on top of household tasks, tackling the laundry pile can often feel like a never-ending battle.
You’ll soon see some laundry hacks designed to streamline your routine, save you time and money, and banish common laundry woes for good.
From clever stain-fighting solutions to space-saving strategies and wrinkle-releasing tricks, these hacks are guaranteed to transform the way you do laundry.
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1. Ice cube trick for wrinkle-free clothes
Tossing a few ice cubes into the dryer may seem unconventional, but it’s a clever hack for banishing wrinkles.
As the ice cubes melt, they generate steam, which helps release wrinkles from your clothes. Say goodbye to stubborn creases effortlessly!
2. Laundering basics
Familiarize yourself with the basic laundering symbols and instructions found on clothing labels.
Understanding these symbols will help you properly care for your clothes and avoid accidental damage during the washing and drying process.
3. Shower caddy for laundry supplies
Keep your laundry supplies organized and easily accessible by repurposing a shower caddy.
Hang it on the back of your laundry room door or store it on a shelf for convenient access to detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, and other essentials.
4. Eliminate creases with a Pool noodle
Here’s a simple and cost-effective laundry hack to bid farewell to creases. Grab a basic pool noodle, slice it along one side, and slide it onto your drying rack.
This nifty trick ensures that your clothes dry without those pesky creases, keeping them looking fresh and neat.
5. Rubbing alcohol for ink stains
Say goodbye to stubborn ink stains with rubbing alcohol! Dab a small amount directly onto the stain before washing to help break down the ink and lift it out of the fabric.
It’s a simple yet effective solution for keeping your clothes looking clean and stain-free.
6. DIY wrinkle release spray
Running low on wrinkle release spray? Make your own DIY version by mixing equal parts water and fabric softener in a spray bottle.
Lightly mist your wrinkled clothes before hanging them up to dry, and watch the wrinkles disappear.
7. Vinegar for odor removal
Stubborn odors lingering in your clothes? Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle.
Vinegar works wonders at eliminating unwanted smells, leaving your laundry smelling clean and fresh.
8. Fold clothes immediately
As soon as your laundry is dry, take the time to fold or hang up your clothes right away. This prevents wrinkles from setting in and saves you the hassle of ironing later on.
9. Make a DIY spot treater
Grease and makeup stains can be a nightmare, but fret not—try this DIY spot treatment hack.
Sprinkle baking soda on the stain, followed by a few drops of white vinegar. Let it sit for a while before washing as usual. It’s a simple yet effective way to tackle tough stains.
10. Use aluminum foil if you’re out of dryer sheets
Ran out of dryer sheets unexpectedly? Don’t worry; aluminum foil from your kitchen can save the day.
Simply bundle up a piece of foil and toss it in the dryer with your clothes. It works like a charm by reducing static cling and keeping your laundry fresh and static-free.
11. Rubber gloves for pet hair removal
If pet hair is a constant battle in your laundry, try this handy trick. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and dampen them slightly, then run your hands over the pet hair-covered clothing.
The rubber will attract and collect the hair, making it easy to remove it from your clothes. It’s a quick and effective way to keep your laundry pet hair-free and looking its best.
12. DIY dryer sheets
Running out of dryer sheets? No problem!
Create your own reusable alternative by soaking a small cloth in a mixture of water and fabric softener. Let it dry, then toss it in the dryer with your clothes for soft, static-free laundry.
13. Create a do-not-dry alert
Avoid the frustration of accidentally shrinking clothes by using a zippered sweater bag as a visual reminder.
Simply place items that need to be air-dried into the bag before tossing them in the hamper. This way, whoever does the laundry knows to handle those items with care.
14. Hair straightener for collars and cuffs
Don’t have time to iron? No problem!
Grab your hair straightener and quickly smooth out collars and cuffs on shirts. It’s a fast and efficient way to achieve a crisp, polished look without the hassle of an ironing board.
15. Shoe freshening trick
Keep your shoes smelling fresh by sprinkling baking soda inside them overnight.
The baking soda helps absorb moisture and eliminate odors, leaving your shoes smelling clean and ready to wear the next day.
16. Lemon juice for stain removal
Dealing with stubborn stains? Lemon juice might be the solution you need.
Apply lemon juice to stains before washing to help lift them out effectively. It’s a natural and eco-friendly way to tackle stains and keep your clothes looking pristine.
17. Steam refresh
Refresh clothes between washes by hanging them in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. The steam helps release wrinkles and freshen garments without the need for washing.
18. Defeat grass stains
For those pesky grass stains that seem impossible to remove, try using the Fels-Naptha laundry bar.
It’s a tried-and-tested solution that works wonders, especially on kids’ clothes and sports uniforms. Say goodbye to grass stains with this powerful stain remover.
19. Clothing rotation system
To prevent laundry overload, implement a clothing rotation system.
Designate specific days for washing different types of clothing, such as whites on Mondays, darks on Wednesdays, and delicates on Fridays.
By spreading out your laundry throughout the week, you’ll avoid overwhelming laundry days and keep your clothes looking fresh.
20. Baking soda for brightening whites
Brighten up your whites and remove stains with a simple addition to your laundry routine: baking soda.
Just add a quarter cup to your wash, and watch as it works its magic, leaving your whites looking fresh and stain-free.
21. Mesh laundry bags for delicates
Protect delicate items like lingerie and hosiery from damage in the washing machine by using mesh laundry bags.
They provide a gentle barrier that prevents snagging and stretching, ensuring your delicates stay in perfect condition, wash after wash.
22. Use a dry-erase marker to remember items
Keep track of items that need special care during laundry time with this clever hack.
Use a dry-erase marker to jot down reminders directly on your washing machine, or hang a dry-erase board nearby.
It’s an easy way to ensure that delicate items are handled with care and attention.
23. Place soap in dispensers for mess-free storage
Keep laundry detergent neatly stored and out of reach of children by using wall-mounted soap dispensers.
Not only does it keep your countertops clutter-free, but it also ensures easy access and mess-free pouring when it’s time to do the laundry.
24. Chalk for grease stains
Dealing with stubborn grease stains? Reach for a piece of chalk! Simply rub it onto the stain before washing to help absorb the oil and lift the stain away.
It’s a simple yet effective solution for keeping your clothes looking clean and pristine.
25. Prevent color runs
Keep your colors vibrant and prevent dye transfer with Shout Color Catchers.
These handy sheets absorb stray dyes in the wash, ensuring that your clothes stay looking fresh and bright wash after wash.
26. Make folding simple with cardboard
Get the whole family involved in folding laundry with this clever hack: cardboard folding templates. Create your own template or purchase pre-made ones online to make folding shirts a breeze.
The template helps ensure uniform folds every time, making laundry day a little less daunting for everyone.
27. Use a mesh bag to organize socks
Keep socks from going missing in the laundry by using mesh laundry bags.
Clip one onto each family member’s hamper to collect socks as soon as they come off. It’s a simple way to ensure that pairs stay together throughout the washing process.
28. Shaving cream for makeup stains
Say goodbye to makeup stains with this simple hack: shaving cream. Just apply it to the stain before washing to help lift it out.
It’s a gentle yet effective solution for keeping your clothes looking fresh and stain-free.
29. Make clothes dry faster
Speed up the drying process by shaking out damp items before transferring them from the washer to the dryer.
This simple step helps to open up the fabric, allowing it to dry faster with fewer wrinkles.
Besides, throwing in a dry towel for the first 15 minutes of the drying cycle can also help speed up drying time.
30. Dry-clean at home
Save time and money by skipping the trip to the dry cleaner and opt for at-home dry cleaning instead.
Products like Dryel offer an easy solution: simply zip garments into the included bag with a wet Dryel sheet, toss it in the dryer, and your clothes emerge fresh and wrinkle-free.
It’s a convenient way to keep your dry-clean-only items looking their best without the hassle of professional cleaning.
31. Dish soap for oil stains
Don’t let oil stains ruin your clothes; fight back with dish soap! Apply a small amount directly to the stain before washing to help break down the grease and lift it out of the fabric.
It’s a simple yet effective solution for keeping your clothes looking clean and stain-free.
32. Tennis ball for fluffy towels
Say goodbye to flat, stiff towels with this simple trick: toss a clean tennis ball into the dryer with your towels.
As the dryer spins, the tennis ball helps to fluff up the towels, leaving them soft, fluffy, and absorbent.
It’s an easy way to breathe new life into old towels and make laundry day a little more enjoyable.
33. Organize your hamper
Keep your laundry sorted and organized with a multi-compartment hamper.
Designate each compartment for different types of clothing—lights, darks, delicates, etc.—to prevent colors from bleeding and ensure that each load gets washed properly.
It’s a simple yet effective way to streamline your laundry routine and keep your clothes looking their best.
34. Lemon essential oil for musty smells
Freshen up musty-smelling clothes with the power of lemon essential oil.
Add a few drops to your laundry detergent before washing to help eliminate odors and leave your clothes smelling fresh and clean.
It’s a natural and refreshing way to breathe new life into old garments and keep your laundry smelling its best.
35. Hydrogen peroxide for blood stains
Don’t let blood stains ruin your favorite clothes—fight back with hydrogen peroxide!
Dab a small amount directly onto the stain before washing to help break down the blood and lift it out of the fabric.
It’s a simple yet powerful solution for keeping your clothes looking clean and stain-free.
36. Salt for color preservation
Keep your colors looking vibrant and prevent fading with a simple addition to your laundry routine: salt.
Add a teaspoon to your wash to help lock in color and prevent dye from bleeding. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to keep your clothes looking like new for longer.
37. Seltzer water for wine stains
Don’t let wine stains ruin your favorite clothes—fight back with seltzer water! Blot the stain with a clean cloth soaked in seltzer water before washing to help lift it out of the fabric.
38. Zippered pillowcase for delicate items
Protect delicate items like bras and lingerie from damage in the wash with a zippered pillowcase. Simply place the items inside the pillowcase, zip it shut, and toss it in the washer.
The pillowcase acts as a protective barrier, preventing snags and tangles while still allowing the items to get clean.
39. Freeze jeans to freshen
Refresh your jeans between washes with this unconventional hack. Place your jeans in a plastic bag and then in the freezer overnight.
The cold temperature kills odor-causing bacteria, leaving your jeans smelling fresh and clean when you take them out.
Before you leave, make sure to check out my blog posts about amazing dorm cleaning essentials that you absolutely need.
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What are your favorite laundry hacks?
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