Things You Should Always Wash In Cold Water

 

Photo source:  Southern Living

"On laundry day, it may be tempting to lump whites and darks into two big piles to make quick work of the overwhelming mound of dirty clothes in your laundry room. But besides color and fabric type, the temperature of the water you wash your laundry in matters too. Hot water can damage delicate fabrics like wool or silk, or cause them to shrink. Your new satin blouse may be clean, but you don’t want it to come out of the washing machine a size smaller. Cold water is safer for washing these items. Before you separate your laundry, check this list for things to always wash in cold water."  Comment from Southern Living

Click here to go to the Southern Living article and learn how to prevent having to spend money on more clothes by taking proper care of what you have.

Safely Wash Dry-Clean-Only Clothes at Home

 

Photo source:  Martha Stewart

"The dreaded "dry clean only" tag may have you skipping over that boutique item even though it would make a gorgeous addition to your wardrobe. But is there a way to wash dry-clean-only items at home? 

Below, garment care experts and laundry professionals share how to wash dry-clean-only clothes at home—and when a professional dry cleaner is absolutely necessary."  Comment from Martha Stewart.com

Back in my working days, I would go to the dry cleaners once a week and spent way too much money.  Not now!

Click here to go to the Martha Stewart.com article and find out how you can save money on dry cleaning.

Easy Ways to Make Your Jeans Last Much Longer

 

Photo source:  Everyday Cheapskate

"Ever feel like your jeans give up on you way too soon? Turns out, most of us are literally washing them to death. The fix is surprisingly simple and it doesn’t require fancy detergents or expensive denim care kits. A few small changes to your laundry routine can keep your jeans looking brand-new for years."  Comment from Everyday Cheapskate

Since I have made some of these changes, I have noticed a big difference.  With the price of jeans these, I really appreciate all that I have learned.

Click here to go to the Everyday Cheapskate article.

How to Make Oxiclean - DIY Oxiclean

                                                        

Photo source: Homesteading in Ohio

Many years ago I started making my own cleaning concoctions that have saved me a whole lot of money.  For instance, I have a new respect for vinegar.  Just vinegar and water are like a magic potion.  It is great for cleaning so many things.

Anyway, I was searching for more concoctions that I can make to save more money and I ran across Cari from Homesteading in Ohio.  She is seriously into DIY cleaning products.  I'm already impressed and I haven't gotten beyond the DIY Oxiclean page.  I have lots to learn from her!  

Click here to be impressed by her page on Oxiclean and so much more.  You will be glad you did!

You are welcome.

Frugal Laundry Hacks

 

Cutting costs of everything has become a challenge lately!  I don't think we are alone . . .

One Good Thing by Jillee has an excellent article on frugal laundry hacks with some great tips.  Click here to go to the article.

DIY Liquid Laundry Detergent

 

Since the pandemic began, we have used a shopping service to shop and deliver our groceries for us.  Of course, that made the already rising cost of groceries go way up.

Needless to say, I've been looking for ways to save money on groceries.  Although I have posted DIY recipes for laundry detergent in the past, I have not yet used them.  Mainly because they are powder detergent.

Today I found a recipe for liquid laundry detergent.  Click here to get the recipe.

Clothes dryer problems?

Appliances are one of those things that I hate to go out and buy.  Being the frugal person that I am, all home remedies are exhausted before even calling the repair man . . . they are very expensive too!

It has been a while since the clothes dryer has been acting up and not drying the clothes in one cycle. We would have been grateful for two drying cycles!  It would take forever to get laundry done!

After cleaning out the lint vent and replacing the thermostat (ugh, the part alone was expensive . . . The Captain changed it out, saving on labor costs), it still was not working properly, although a little better.

Stubbornly frugal and still not wanting to give in and buy an expensive dryer, I decided to do some digging around the internet to see if anyone else was having the same problem.

I finally found the answer that eventually solved the problem and I am so sorry that I can't think of where I found the information since I am so grateful to whoever that was!!

Sometimes it is simple, little things that make a difference in the way things work.  It was so simple, I almost felt silly for even trying the suggestion . . . and I dismissed it for a while.  After continuing to struggle with the laundry, I thought, why not try?

Fabric dryer sheets and fabric softener container waxy ingredients that clog up the lint screen, making it impossible for proper air ventilation.  I imagine it could also start a fire!

So . . . out came the lint screen for a good cleaning . . . and voila . . . the dryer is working perfectly!

Check your lint screen out and see if water doesn't penetrate it.  Water will just bead up on the screen if it needs to be cleaned.  All it takes is water, a little dishwashing liquid and a toothbrush.  Problem solved or prevented!

Most people would go out and buy a new one.

Anyway, it sure is nice to be able to get the laundry done quickly :)