8 washing tips to make your whites whiter and your brights brighter
By taking the time to carefully wash your clothes and fabrics they can look better and last much longer.
1. Act fast to remove stains from fabric. The longer you leave it the harder it often is to remove.
2. Remove spilled liquids on fabric by blotting with a white cloth. Start on the outside of the stain and work your way in so that the stain doesn’t spread.
3. Help to remove an oily stain by sprinkling it with cornflour. Leave it for 15 minutes before scraping it off and laundering as usual.
4. Use fresh lemon to help whiten your napkins, linen placemats, or even sports socks. On the stovetop, fill a large pot with water and some sliced lemon. Bring the water to the boil and then turn off the heat. Add your whites and soak for an hour before washing as normal.
5. To get rid of stained clothes, make a paste of three tablespoons baking soda and three tablespoons water. Place the paste over the affected area and allow to sit for 15 minutes before washing.
6. Clean white tablecloths by adding one-quarter cup of white vinegar to your rinse cycle. White vinegar cuts through grease and can help remove stubborn stains such as red wine or tomato sauce.
7. Before washing your clothes, close all zippers, clasps, hooks and snaps. Leave buttons undone as it is better for your clothes.
8. Protect the fabric on fade prone clothes such as dark trousers or jeans by washing them inside out.
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