OUT WITH THE SMELLS
It’s common to forget to take out the wash when you get too busy. If you detect any mildew funk, just rewash the clothes using a hot water cycle, with a cup of white vinegar.
BATHE THE STUFFED TOYS
Pop Junior’s soft toys into a large laundry net and give them a quick spin in the machine every now and then. Germs and allergens, begone!
LOAD THEM EASILY
While a front loader is space-efficient, it can be cumbersome to load or remove bulky items like duvets and pillows. If you have a lot of these, go for a washer with an XXL door for more convenient access, like the Electrolux EWF85743 ($1,079, from major electrical stores). Moreover, you can use the washer’s Time Manager function to set a longer wash to thoroughly clean those heavy beddings.
USE THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE
Always check laundry labels to see how to care for your clothes. As a rule of thumb, set the temperature to 30 deg C for jeans,T-shirts, delicates and synthetic fabrics, to minimise fading and shrinkage. Use hotter temperatures to bust germs and mites on items like bed sheets and sportswear.
CARE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Have a baby or a family member with sensitive skin? Use a milder laundry detergent like Top Super Low Suds Multi Protect Liquid Laundry Detergent ($8.95, from major supermarkets), which will not irritate skin. Plus, its anti-dust mite properties make it a great choice for those with dust allergies.
And it’s not just about the type of detergent you use. Chemical residue from using too much detergent can cause irritation for those with sensitive skin.The new Bosch Logixx Homeprofessional WAW32640EU ($3,999, from major electrical stores) has a proprietary i-Dos technology that checks the wash load to dispense the appropriate amount of detergent and water. If you’re in a hurry, the Superquick 15’/30’ function can get your laundry done in as little as 15 minutes.
This article was originally published in Simply Her October 2015.
