Laundry can be kind of a drag, but it doesn’t have to be! These seven laundry tips will make your life easier and your clothes cleaner, and they won’t even take up much time. With the right laundry products, you can wash multiple loads at once, and save time in the long run. You may also want to try some of these unique, at-home hacks. Use these quick tips to find out more about how to clean laundry effectively, with just a little effort on your part!

USE DRYER BALLS

Dryer balls are a quick, easy way to save money on your energy bill. Dryer balls reduce static and soften clothing by rolling around in your dryer with your clothes. They also help reduce unwanted wrinkles. The more expensive option is to buy them online, but you can also find them at many grocery stores and even some discount stores for about $5-10 per pack (depending on the brand).

Another tip: Don't use fabric softener unless absolutely necessary since it makes your clothes less absorbent, meaning that they'll require additional water/energy when being washed.

Skip out on those bulky towels in favor of hand towels or washcloths; these small swaps will result in an overall reduction of water consumption when doing laundry.

Furthermore, you can replace disposable paper towels with reusable cloths or roll up old t-shirts and use them instead—these methods will lessen waste (and plastic) in landfills over time.

If possible, consider investing in an eco-friendly washing machine since newer machines tend to be high-efficiency models which save water, energy, and money compared to older units that don't have Energy Star certifications.

USE A BOX OF BAKING SODA

Did you know that baking soda is a natural deodorizer? It’s also a gentle, yet effective cleanser. If your clothes are feeling dingy, put roughly 1⁄4 cup of baking soda in a large bucket and fill it with cold water. Let your clothes soak for about 15 minutes, then drain and rinse with fresh water. You can do another quick wash with detergent afterward if you want your clothes to smell nice and fresh.

Baking soda is quite cheap so you can use it liberally without worrying about waste or harsh chemicals harming you or your family members; there are also no known adverse effects on skin or clothing, unlike many commercial laundry products. When used correctly, it’s tough to beat. Also, it's a very accessible household product to find in stores. For instance, you can purchase Arm & Hammer Baking Soda at practically any local grocery store. Consider doing a cold baking soda wash the next time you feel like your clothes need a more thorough cleaning.

USE VINEGAR IN THE WASH CYCLE

Vinegar is a great natural fabric softener that helps your clothes look better and lasts longer than commercial varieties. Add a cup of vinegar to your next load of laundry and notice how fresh everything smells! Just be sure not to use it on anything with yellow clothing; it will turn them slightly gray.

Also, be certain to never mix vinegar and bleach together—it creates dangerous fumes. Keep them separated while washing your clothes. The last thing you want is to be in danger while washing your clothes.

Moreover, you don’t have to put any of those fancy designer detergents in either—use plain white distilled vinegar instead. It works just as well as anything else out there, but costs pennies per load compared to other brands. And if you want to save even more money you can even make your own, eco-friendly version using baking soda and white distilled vinegar!

STOP STATIC BY PRE-TREATING CLOTHES

If you’re one of those people who constantly gets zapped by touching a door handle or rubbing your feet on the carpet, pre-treating clothes can help. Try spraying a bit of fabric softener onto an old towel and then rub it into your clothing before throwing it in with your laundry. The charge from the static cling will get neutralized before it hits your body.

It also prevents unwanted buildup in your dryer by preventing that same static charge from getting reattached to other items after they come out of the dryer.

Moreover, it's nice having peace of mind knowing that the next time you wear clothes you won't have to worry about the annoyance of static cling or getting shocked.

REMOVING ARMPIT STAINS

If you are concerned about your armpits' discoloration, there's an easy way to remedy it. Soak some white cotton balls in white vinegar and water, then insert them into the stained area and leave them there overnight. After that, place the soiled shirts in the washing machine and run them until the cycle has finished.

Furthermore, some people prefer to use baking soda—and even cornstarch in some cases. If you do this, be sure not to mix these with bleach, or else it will stain your clothing. In addition, for stubborn stains, you can try applying lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide on a clean cloth and wipe it onto your stained areas.

There are plenty of options for at-home stain removal. Just be sure to use caution with any potential hazardous agents and also ensure that the products you're using are suitable for your type of clothing material.

AVOID WRINKLES WITH STEAM IRONING

Steam irons are somewhat expensive compared to regular irons, but they are a wonderful product for just about any household. They are incredibly effective at removing wrinkles without leaving water stains on your clothes. The steam also helps deodorize and sanitize your clothes, which is especially helpful if you have to wear them soon after ironing. Ironing will be something you'll do much less often, so a bit of extra spending upfront can save you a lot of money over time.

Additionally, this makes steam irons great for busy professionals who need to keep their professional attire clean and wrinkle-free. If you're doing some research before making a purchase, know that there are many types of steam irons available—stand-alone ones and units with built-in heaters that plug into an outlet. Whichever model you decide to purchase is mostly based on your personal preference.

CLEAN YOUR WASHING MACHINE

Lastly, most people think of their washing machine as something that does all of their dirty work for them. In reality, however, your washing machine could be harboring a lot more dirt than you realize. Every time you do laundry, transfer any solid dirt from your clothes and linens into a garbage bag before placing them in your washer. Over time, that dirt can build up inside of your machine, leading to issues like mold growth or clogged drains.

Every few months (or depending on how often you use it), give your washer a deep clean by unplugging it from its power source and filling it with one-quarter cup bleach (followed by a gallon or two of warm water). If possible, let it sit overnight before rinsing it out completely with fresh, warm water. This should help rid your machine of built-up soap layers, hair, and other potential problem areas.

HIRE A PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICE

There are plenty of other ways you can tidy up your home besides doing your laundry. If you’re looking for a professional cleaning service that truly cares about keeping your home or business healthy and clean, then Beyond Expectations Cleaning Professionals is the organization for you.

To start with a professional cleaning service for either your residential or commercial space, call Beyond Expectations Cleaning Professionals at (912) 230-4990 or visit www.b-expectations.com to learn more. Beyond Expectations offers consistent and exceptional cleaning services and has over 20 years of experience in the cleaning industry, so you can rest assured only the best and most skilled professionals are cleaning your space.

Beyond Expectations serves the Glynn County, Georgia area, including St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Sea Island, and Brunswick.