It’s hard to imagine now, but our grandmothers used to wash clothes entirely by hand — a far cry from the effortless comfort of the washing machines we rely on today.
Even with all the convenience of modern laundry, there are a few lesser-known tricks every woman should have in her back pocket. AdmiGram.com shares some surprising laundry facts that will make your household chores easier — and maybe even enjoyable.
5 Laundry Facts That Not Every Woman Knows
Salt and Coffee Keep Colors Vibrant
When washing brightly colored clothes, it’s natural to worry they’ll fade. Luckily, there’s a simple fix: add 2–3 tablespoons of regular table salt to the water when washing colored items. To help black fabrics keep their deep color, try adding a bit of strong black coffee to the wash instead.
Baking Soda Is a Natural Whitener for White Fabrics
It’s true — adding a scoop of baking soda to your regular detergent when washing white linens can help restore their brightness. For stubborn stains, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it directly to the spot before washing.
Washing at Low Temperatures Works Just as Well
Many people assume that hotter water means cleaner laundry, but that’s not really true anymore. Modern detergents and washing machines are designed to clean effectively even at room temperature. As a bonus, washing on a cooler cycle can also cut down on your electricity bill.
Dry Mustard for Greasy Stains
Mustard powder is surprisingly effective at lifting grease from delicate silk and wool fabrics. To make a soaking solution, mix 2–3 tablespoons of mustard powder into a small amount of warm water to form a paste, then strain it through a sieve or cheesecloth. Stir the strained liquid into about 2.5 gallons of warm water and let the item soak for 2–3 hours. Afterward, rinse it in water with a splash of rubbing alcohol added (about 1 teaspoon per 2.5 gallons of water).
Laundry on the Go
Traveling or staying in a hotel? You can hand-wash small or delicate items by placing them in a plastic bag with a bit of detergent or soap, sealing it, and kneading gently. It’s a great way to save water and detergent — and it’s much gentler on delicate fabrics than a full wash.
