With the arrival of summertime, our laundry routines undergo a transformation. The warm weather and outdoor activities often lead to more sweat, dirt, and stains on our clothes. To maintain a fresh and clean wardrobe, it's important to adjust our laundering methods accordingly.
- As with any laundry routine, sorting your clothes is the first step. Separate your laundry into different piles based on color, fabric type, and level of dirtiness. This prevents color bleeding and ensures that delicate fabrics receive appropriate care.
- Pre-treating stains is crucial, especially during the summer when we tend to encounter more grass, food, and sweat stains. Identify the stains and apply a suitable stain remover or pre-treatment solution before washing.
- The temperature at which you wash your clothes can make a significant difference. For heavily soiled items or white fabrics, opt for warmer water (following the care instructions on the garment). However, for most regular summer garments, using cold water is usually sufficient and helps conserve energy. Coldwater also prevents shrinkage and color fading.
- Choosing the right detergent for your summer laundry is essential. Look for a detergent that is designed to tackle stains and odors effectively. For sports or active wear, consider using a detergent specifically formulated to remove sweat and body oils. Fragrance-free detergents are a great option if you have sensitive skin or allergies.
- Sunscreen is a summertime essential, but it can leave behind greasy residues on your clothes. To remove these residues, pretreat the affected areas with a gentle dish soap or a stain remover before washing. It's also a good idea to wash sunscreen-stained items separately to prevent the residue from transferring onto other garments.
- Make sure to select the appropriate settings on the dryer. Avoid excessive heat, as it can shrink or damage delicate fabrics. Tumble drying on low or medium heat is generally safe for most summer garments.
- During the summer, clothes can sometimes develop a musty smell, especially if they've been left damp for too long. To prevent this, ensure your clothes are fully dry before storing them. If you notice any lingering odors, consider adding a fabric freshener or placing a scented sachet or dryer sheet in your drawers or closets.
The professional launderers at Bunnell's Laundry Room know all about how to take care of your summertime laundry. Let us take the work out of your laundry.
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