Once you start doing your laundry correctly, you'll probably have to do less of it — your machines will run better and your clothes are likelier to get stain-free on the first try. Below, our experts, who have spent many, many hours testing detergents, hampers, washing machines, dryers, and more, will walk you through a few of their best tips and tricks at every stage of the process — some of which might surprise even the most seasoned laundry-doers. For instance: You might think that hot water is better at killing odor, but our experts recommend washing everyday laundry in cold water. It prevents both fading and shrinking, it banishes odor just fine, and it's better for your energy bill and the planet, too. We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more ›
Before you throw your clothes into the machine: Sort your clothes by lights and darks — a laundry sorter can be very helpful here — and check for any stains. You can pretreat stains by massaging in a small amount of liquid laundry detergent (or, depending on the stain itself, a dedicated stain remover). Our full guide to stain removal→
Laundry detergent is potent, and despite what the label might tell you, you rarely need more than 2 tablespoons per load. More than that can leave residue on your clothes and build up on the inside of your machine over time, leaving streaks and marks on your laundry. The very best laundry detergents (to use sparingly)→
It might seem like an annoying extra step, but air-drying certain clothes can go a long way toward helping them last longer. Anything made of silk or wool should be air-dried — high heat from a dryer can destroy their delicate fibers. (And to that point: For all items that you're chucking in the dryer, our experts recommend using the lowest heat setting possible.)
If you're washing at home, remember to periodically clean your washing machine (and deep-clean it biannually) — which helps to prevent odors and keeps it running well for longer. This requires running the hottest cycle available or a sanitizing cycle after wiping your machine down. And when it comes to the dryer, it's crucial to clean the vent at least once a year to reduce the risk of a fire. If it's time for a total refresh: The very best washing machines (and matching dryers)→
Thanks for reading. You can reach the Wirecutter Newsletters team at newsletters@wirecutter.com. We can't always respond, but we do love to hear from you. Was this email kindly forwarded to you? Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox.
|
Skip to content
