Laundry Care | Professional Laundry Service

Scentsy Give Away

Danielle Douglas — Mon, 14 May 2012 21:16:48 +0000

Most of us are familiar with Scentsy’s wonderful candles but did you know that they also offer products for your laundry. Layers by Scentsy is a new personal and laundry care line that allows you to pick a fragrance and incorporate it in all your “perfumed” items from washer whiffs (scented crystals that adds a fragrance to your clothing) to Dryer Disks (scented dryer disk that is anti-static). This is gives you a unique, identifable scent from head to toe.

For the first time this month we will be hosting a Scentsy giveaway!

Three products will be mailed to the winner:

Layers Washer Whiffs

Layers Dryer Disks

Layers Fragrance Foam (scented hand sanitizer)

The scent you’ll receiving is called Quiver (smells as sentuous as it sounds!)

To enter this giveaway you can do several things:

1.) Comment on this post with your favorite laundry tip/trick

2.) Like us on Facebook

3.) Follow us on Twitter

You can submit multiple entries by doing all three!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you Amber for sponsoring this giveaway!

Amber Lovell Boone
Independent Scentsy Consultant

www.ScentSurplus.com

Don’t throw that out just yet!

Danielle Douglas — Sun, 06 May 2012 21:55:46 +0000

Those of you who read my blogs on a regular basis probably realize that the subject matter is inspired by my own personal experiences. Today’s topic is no exception. I learned the hard way about the importance of checking the pockets of my family’s dirty laundry before throwing it into the washer. Today, I found a couple of crayons in my son’s jeans. I can’t imagine what a nightmare it would’ve been had they made it into the washer and dryer. Even so, many laundry mishaps can be fixed. What follows is a list of those common mishaps along with their solutions.

Pink Laundry – I don’t know of anyone who hasn’t experienced this problem. Whether you unknowingly included an article of colored clothing with a load of whites or simply didn’t expect a particular item to bleed, chances are that you’ve turned a basket of laundry pink at some point in your life. Its likely that many of you resolved to wear newly pinked underwear, because you didn’t know there was a solution. The next time you open your washing machine and discover that you mistakenly dyed everything pink, remove the colored article(s) and rewash the white clothes with detergent and non-chlorine bleach or a cup of white distilled vinegar. If you already dried the load, soak the clothes for 24 hours in mixture of oxygen-based bleach (ie: Clorox2 or Oxiclean) and warm water. If the stains are still present after 24 hours, soak the articles in a fresh solution before laundering them as usual.

Ink Stains – Like all stains, you’ll have the best luck treating the ones made by ink if you catch them before the clothes are put in the dryer. If the ink is from a washable marker or ballpoint pen, place the clothing on a white towel or a paper towel. Dampen a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol and blot the stain, starting from the outside and working inward. The ink will be transferred to the towel, so keep moving area being treated onto a clean section of it. Rinse with cold water and repeat the process until the stain is gone.

Make-Up Stains – Don’t you just hate when your blush or foundation gets on your shirt collars? Get rid of these pesky stains by starting with a pre-treatment like Shout; just follow the directions on the bottle. Next, rub the stain with a heavy-duty liquid detergent or a paste made of powdered detergent and water. Scrub the stain and rinse in hot water. Launder the clothing in the hottest water the allowed for the garment. This solution will also work should you discover that a tube of lipstick found its way into the wash.

Crayons – Crayon is best removed with good ole WD-40 and dish washing liquid. Put a folded paper towel underneath the fabric. Spray WD-40 onto a clean white cloth and blot it on both sides of the stain. Then, rub a little bit of dish washing liquid onto the stain. Let the paper towel soak up the stain. When it seems to have disappeared, launder the clothing as usual. Please note that this trick should not be tried on clothes that are labeled “dry clean only.”

So there you have it: easy solutions to a few common laundry problems. Don’t forget that Laundry Care is here to help you with all of your laundry needs. Give us a call and we’ll handle those pesky stains for you.

Front Loading vs. Top Loading Washer

Danielle Douglas — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:13:15 +0000

Sooner or later, nearly all of us will face the daunting task of buying a new washing machine. Ten years ago, the biggest decisions we had to make when doing so were which brand to buy and the number of features we wanted it to have. Nowadays, we’re also faced with the choice of whether to buy a traditional top loading machine or one that loads in front. What follows is a list of factors to consider when making your decision.

Efficiency – When it comes to saving time and money, the front loading machine wins hands down. Top loading machines require enough water to cover the entire load of clothes in the basket, whereas their front loading counterparts only need 1/3 of that amount because their drums sit horizontally inside of them. This means less water left in the laundry, shorter drying times and lower energy bills. Moreover, front loading machines don’t have agitators, which enables them to wash larger loads. Larger loads for the machines mean fewer loads for us.

Cost – There’s no denying that decent front loading machines cost more than top loading ones, but rest assured that your initial investment will be recouped in lower water and energy costs, as well as time saved.

Ergonomics – You’ll want to stay with a top-loading machine if you have problems bending or kneeling, which are necessary in order to load and unload front-loading machines.

Detergents – While you can use any kind of detergent in a top-loading machine, your options for a front-loading one may be limited by the manufacturer. Most of them suggest using an HE low-sudsing detergent. With a steady increase in sales of front-loaders, those types of detergents are fairly easy to find.

Clothing Life – Agitators found in top-loading machines are tough on clothes. Front-loaders rely on gravity, which means that your clothes and linens will enjoy longer lives.

Space – Most front-loading washers can be stacked with companion dryers, which obviously isn’t possible with top-loading machines. If your floor space is limited, a front-loader is your best bet.

If you’re looking to avoid the chore and expense of investing in a new washing machine, let Laundry Care help. We’ll pick-up your dirty laundry and return it to you washed, folded and ready to put away. Give us a call today to schedule your first service.

Hypoallergenic Laundry Products

Danielle Douglas — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 00:46:12 +0000

Don’t you just love Spring? There’s something wonderful about seeing blue sky and sunshine after enduring a cold, dreary winter. As I sat at the kitchen table drinking my morning coffee today, I noticed the crisp breeze coming through the windows, the vibrant colors of the tulips outside and the itchiness in my eyes. Ah, yes. It’s allergy season. There are many things to love about Spring, but allergies are not among them. As I left the table and scurried to the bathroom in search of allergy pills, it occurred to me that it might be a good idea for us to broach the subject of hypoallergenic laundry products.

People with sensitive skin are often allergic to the dyes and fragrances in laundry products. It often takes just one wash in the wrong detergent to cause their skin to itch or break out in rashes. As luck would have it, grocery stores shelves have become inundated with “free and clear” laundry products over course of the last ten years or so. One might think the products would be cheaper, since they’re missing all of those extra dyes and perfumes, but that’s not the case. They actually cost just as much as their regular counterparts, and sometimes a little more. What follows is a recipe for a homemade hypoallergenic laundry detergent, which will be kind to both your wallet as well as your skin.

You Will Need:

3 cups of baking soda
3 cups of washing soda (Arm & Hammer makes a good one, which is available in most grocery stores)
3 cups of finely grated Castile soap (it’s made from vegetable oils and bars of it are usually large)
3 cups of 20 Mule Team Borax
1 large plastic container with a tight-fitting lid

Directions:

Combine the above ingredients in the large plastic container. Put the lid on and shake the container, in order to mix the ingredients. Make sure the container is clearly marked in order to easily identify its contents. Use 1/2 cup of the detergent for each load of laundry or 3/4 to 1 cup for heavily soiled loads. You can always double or triple the ingredients to avoid having to mix the detergent as often.

Those of us who battle extreme cases of allergies will also benefit from buying hypoallergenic bed linens. Look for ones that are made of silk or bamboo, since both are naturally hypoallergenic. Popular brands such as Primaloft, Alpaca and Hyperclean can be purchased online or at local linen stores. Also know that AllergyBuyersClub.Com is an excellent resource for reviews on hypoallergenic products, including bed sheets and bath towels.

If you’re too busy to do your own laundry, let alone make your own detergent, let us do it for you. Laundry Care is fast, affordable and offers quality service. Give us a call today and see why we’re quickly becoming one of the area’s busiest laundry services.

How to store clothes

Danielle Douglas — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:34:03 +0000

Spring has officially sprung and it’s time to pack away all of those heavy winter clothes. Between you and me, I never bothered to do such a thing until last year, after both of my children had growth spurts, which caused newly purchased clothes to over-crowd their dressers and closets. My original intention was to just gather the clothing they’d outgrown and donate it to charity, but as I went through their things, it occurred to me that I could create even more space if I packed away the winter clothes. As a result, we gained a significant amount of extra storage space in their bedrooms, not just for clothes, but for toys as well. Here are a few tips for you, in case you’re interested in tackling a similar project.

The first thing you should do when preparing to pack your clothes away for storage is to be aware of the moth activity in your home and garage. Catch and dispose of any that you see flying around, but know that it’s even more important to get rid of the invisible eggs that they lay. You may need to enlist the help of an exterminator if you notice a large infestation of moths.

The second thing you need to do is to wash or dry-clean all of the clothes you’re putting in storage. Doing so will get rid of larvae, as well as any hair, skin or stain residues that would nourish future deposits.

Next, invest in large plastic containers with air-tight lids. Look for ones that will be easy to stack in your basement, garage, attic or to store under the beds. If investing in containers isn’t an option, use garbage bags. Many people think that cardboard boxes are perfect for storing clothes, but the reality is that they’re easily accessible to moths, too porous to prevent water damage and they contain acids that will eventually break down the fibers in clothes.

Cedar chests are optimal for clothes storage, because they’re infused with a pleasantly scented oil that occurs naturally in the wood. This oil is the secret that prevents the growth of fungus and repels insects.

Finally, the chemicals in moth balls can be too harsh for certain fabrics and they tend to leave unpleasant odors on clothes, so consider including cedar chips or a few lavender and rosemary sachets in your containers instead. If possible, replace them every three months.

Good luck with this latest project. Don’t forget that Laundry Care will be available to wash and fold those clothes when you’re ready to take them out of storage.

How to clean your purse

Danielle Douglas — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 02:12:19 +0000

Becoming a mom has transitioned my life in so many ways. My vehicle is now a four door with a third row seating option, I need to drink at least one cup of coffee before I’ll step foot out the front door and my purse has become a catch-all for the family’s daily incidentals. Chap Stick, tissues, McDonald’s toys and sticks of chewing gum are just a few of the miscellaneous items found in the black hole that is my purse. Suddenly searching for my keys becomes a quest for Holy Grail, taking up at least 10 minutes of my day. That’s why I decided to put a little organization into my purse and purge it from the unnecessary clutter. After I emptied all the contents onto my counter, I noticed how dirty the inside of my purse was. With everything haphazardly thrown in I guess I didn’t notice the residue left behind. Before I could begin organizing my purse, I needed to clean it.

Here’s what I did:

1.) Emptied out all contents and turned the purse inside out. Shook out all the debris into the trash can.
2.) Made a mixture of 1 part white vinegar, 1 part hot water.
3.) Used a rag, wiped the inside of the purse with the mixture
4.) Let the inside of the bag air-dry
5.) For the outside: Used the same mixture in circular motions (I promise it will not smell like vinegar when it dries). My purse is a fabric on the outside. If your’s is leather, use a leather cleaning product and moisturizer.

Now my purse is clean AND organized. We’ll see how long this lasts.

Help! Armpit Stains!

Danielle Douglas — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 03:16:55 +0000

My children enjoy story time at the library. While they’re occupied, I’ll sometimes peruse the bookshelves to see if anything catches my eye. On a recent trip, I found myself standing next to an older man in the biography section. He smiled pleasantly and wished me a good morning. I noticed that he was wearing a white tee-shirt with a pair of trousers; he reminded me of someone from our church.

We stood there for a couple minutes and just as I turned his way to take a book from the shelf, he raised his right arm to do the same. I couldn’t help but notice the yellow stain on the armpit of his shirt. It took every ounce of willpower I had to silence my inner laundress and not explain that those types of stains were tragic and unnecessary.

I used to think that yellow stains were caused by excessive sweating or lack of deodorant. The truth is that they’re the results of chemical reactions between our sweat and anti-perspirants. It turns out that anti-perspirants contain aluminum compounds, which reduce wetness. When those compounds build-up on clothing, the end results are those unsightly yellow stains.

The easiest way to prevent yellow stains is to wear an undershirt. If that’s not possible, start reading anti-perspirant labels; they contain various amounts of aluminum compounds. Choose one that contains the lowest amount of compound while still providing moisture protection you need. It’s also helpful to let your anti-perspirant dry before getting dressed.

If you perspire while wearing a white shirt or blouse, launder it as soon as possible. Should you notice the onset of yellow stains, stop putting the garment in the dryer. The heat will allow any residual stains to set, making them nearly impossible to remove. Drying the shirts in the sun will help to whiten them.

By now you may be wondering how to get rid of those pesky yellow stains that are already lurking on your clothes. There are two possible solutions:

1:1:1 Solution - Mix 1/4 cup each of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and water. Rub the solution into a stain and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Use a toothbrush to loosen any residue and wash it according to the directions on the garment’s tag.

1:1 Solution – Combine two tablespoons of an oxygen-based bleach with two tablespoons of ammonia. If you’re wondering what an oxygen-based bleach is, it’s chlorine-free (think Clorox 2, OxiClean, etc). Go to a ventilated room, throw on some rubber gloves and rub the solution onto the stain for at least 30 seconds. Wash as usual, according the the article’s instructions.

Yellow stains are usually invisible on darker colors, but you’ll know they’re there if you notice a certain stiffness or reside on the underarm fabric. To freshen the clothing, fill the washing machine with cold water and add a cup of white vinegar. Allow the clothes to soak for 30 minutes before emptying the water and laundering the clothing as usual.

With the warm weather fast approaching, we’ll undoubtedly have our share of sweaty and smelly clothes landing in the hampers. Use these tips to keep yours clean and fresh or let Laundry Care do it for you.

Laundry Abuse

Danielle Douglas — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 23:00:07 +0000

Save money on Laundry

Danielle Douglas — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 02:59:05 +0000

I don’t know about you, but I love a good challenge. Whether it’s removing stains from clothing or working a crossword puzzle, I enjoy solving problems. I went to the grocery store this past weekend and realized that I’d left my coupons at home. I was frustrated, because laundry detergent was on sale and I would’ve felt downright victorious had I been able to use a coupon for it. As I debated whether or not to buy the detergent, I wondered if I could find ways to trim expenses related to household laundry.

I came up with the following list after the groceries were put away and my kiddos went down for their naps.

1. Do not wash your clothes after every single use; doing so is not only cost-effective, but will also preserve the life of your clothes. It’s often tempting to throw clothes into the hamper instead of taking time to fold them or put them on hangers. Barring any stains or smells, you can generally wear almost anything at least two or three times before it needs to be laundered. Jeans are generally good for four to give wears before they need a date with your washing machine.

2. Wash only full loads of laundry. It’s true that washing smaller loads uses less water, but it still uses the same amount of energy. Don’t waste electricity.

3. Wash most of your clothes in cold water. Save the warm and hot temperatures for towels and whites. Up to ninety percent of the energy used to wash clothes is expended on heating the water. Warm and hot water will keep your whites bright, but they will eventually fade your colors. Moreover, laundry detergent is what cleans your clothes, not the temperature of the water. Your clothes will still be clean if they’re washed in cold water.

4. Consider using store brand detergents, bleaches and fabric softeners. Why pay more for the name and packaging of another brand, when a generic does the same job?

5. Instead of buying stain removers, try treating soiled areas with liquid laundry detergent. Simply apply detergent to the affected area and use a toothbrush to work it into the stain. Allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes before normal laundering. Baking soda is another budget-friendly stain removal tool. Make a paste of fifty percent water, fifty percent baking soda and apply it to the stain before tossing the item in the wash.

6. Save money on bleach by adding one cup of white vinegar and a quarter cup of baking soda to the wash when you add your detergent. These will brighten and whiten your wash without making you smell like vinegar.

5. Use shorter wash cycles for lightly and moderately soiled loads. Reserve the normal and heavy-duty cycles for major stains.

6. Pay attention to the amount of detergent you’re putting into the washer. Normal size loads only require a quarter cup, especially with the ultra-concentrated detergents that are commonly found on store shelves.

7. Cut the dryer sheets in half. One half of a sheet for each load will almost always be sufficient, especially if you also use liquid fabric softener.

8. Place a dry bath towel into the dryer with each wet load. The towel will absorb water, which will decrease the time you need to run the dryer.

9. Clean the lint trap and dryer vent. A lint problem around these areas will prevent moisture from escaping, which will cause the dryer to work harder. A dryer that works harder will result in higher electric bills and will also need to be replaced sooner.

10. Consider skipping the dryer altogether. The clothesline my husband installed in our backyard last spring has been one of the best investments we’ve made for our home. I love the smell of bed sheets and my family’s clothes after they’ve been hanging outside. In the winter, I put most of our shirts and tops on hangers and hang them on the bathroom’s shower rod to dry. I also do the same with jeans and pants when the laundry is under control and other options are hanging in the closet.

As always, Laundry Care is here to help you with your laundry needs. We offer an exceptional quality of work that is also fast and affordable. Give us a call today.

Combating Pet Hair

Danielle Douglas — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 17:06:22 +0000

Those of us with pets will testify to the tremendous amount of love and joy they bring into our lives. My cat loves to wake me up each morning by sitting on my stomach and purring, while the dog lays on the bed next to her, patiently waiting for my eyes to pop open so he can smother me with morning kisses. He’s as excited to see me when I wake up as he is when I come home from work, and I’m equally excited to see them. What I’m not excited about is pet hair on my clothes. Quite frankly, it’s one of my greatest pet peeves (no pun intended), so I thought we’d spend a few minutes discussing the best way to keep ourselves from taking little pieces of our four legged friends with us wherever we roam.

In an ideal world, our pets wouldn’t have the desire to climb on furniture or, at the very least, they would be trained not to do so. Quite honestly, there are evenings when I take great comfort in curling up with my pooch on the couch and watching TV. This has resulted in the vacuum attachments being used on the furniture at least once a week and sometimes more frequently, if one of my children wants to be mommy’s helper. It’s the best defense in keeping pet hair off of our clothes. If you have a pet that favors one particular chair or spot on the sofa, you can avoid the vacuuming chore by covering the piece of furniture with an old blanket or sheet, which can be removed before guests come to the house. In addition to vacuuming you should also brush your pets once a week to remove loose hairs.

The second best defense against pet hair on clothing is to clean the washing machine. Run an empty wash cycle; if your machine has a center agitator with a cup for liquid fabric softener, fill it with hot water before running the cycle. When the cycle is finished, grab a wet cloth and wipe down the entire machine. Keep the machine clean by running a lint roller over your clothes before you put them in the washing machine. Each of my children has a lint roller in their room and I’ve taught them to run it over their clothes before they take them off and toss them into the dirty laundry basket. I also keep one in the laundry room.

Using white vinegar in the washer will also help keep pet hair off of clothing. It reduces static cling and may help to release any leftover pet hair from clothing.

Finally, empty the lint trap of your dryer after each load. Pet hair will usually be caught in the trap, but will remain in your dryer and on your clothes if the trap isn’t cleaned on a regular basis. Do not fold clothes on your bed or any piece of furniture that is typically occupied by a pet. Hang the laundry and put folded items away immediately, to avoid having pets use them as beds. Keeping pet hair off of clothes is an ongoing battle, but it can be won with persistence. If you lack the time or energy to fight the fight, contact Laundry Care and let us help you.