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Laundry Tips

Washing

Sort Clothes First

For more efficient washing and to prevent problems with incompatible colors or fabrics:

Sort by Color

Keep whites and pastels together, same-color brights together, and dark colors together. Multi-colored clothes that have lots of white and dark colors are best washed separately the first time. If the dye does not bleed or run, it can be washed along with whites the next time.

Sort by Fabric Type

Separate delicate or lightweight fabrics from heavy ones. Don’t wash lint producers (such as towels) in a load of lint-attracting clothes (corduroy).

Remove Heavily Soiled Items

Separate for special pre-treatment or simply to prevent transfer of dirt and/or bacteria (such as with diapers) onto less soiled clothes.

Inspect Clothes Thoroughly

Remove contents of pockets. Pretreat all stains. Repair any ripped clothing.

Choose the Water Temperature Carefully

You don’t need to wash in hot water unless the stains are particularly greasy. Use warm or cold water for most wash cycles and use only cold water for rinses, since the temperature of the rinse water doesn’t affect cleaning. This saves energy and money!

Rub White Chalk on Grease Stains

It will help absorb the grease, making it easier for your laundry detergent to get the stain out.

Drying

Dry Similar Fabrics Together

It will be kinder to your clothes. Lightweight synthetics dry quickly while natural fiber clothes, like denim, take much longer.

Don’t Overdry Clothes

Hanging clothes out while they’re still slightly damp can reduce the need for ironing, which means less energy used and less work for you! Save energy by using your dryer’s automatic dry feature rather than the timer setting.

Dry Two or More Loads in a Row

This takes advantage of the heat that’s still in the dryer from the first load.

Dry Full Loads, But Don’t Overfill

As with the washer, running the dryer with small loads wastes energy. For best performance, air must be able to circulate freely around the clothes.

Use a Tennis Ball

Adding a tennis ball to your dryer can help reduce static, absorb dampness, and keep your clothes and linens from getting tangled up in each other. It can also speed up drying time.

Make It Fun

XTRA HE Laundry Detergent

Take a look at XTRA’s HE laundry detergent options and find out why using HE detergent can save you money—and can help you conserve water.

How to Clean a Pillow

A clean pillow is essential for good sleep and continued health. Gather tips from XTRA on how to wash pillows in your washing machine at home.

How to Sort and Wash Laundry

Wondering the best way to sort and wash laundry? Learn from XTRA how to wash whites and darks, different fabrics, and more.

How to Wash a Comforter

Wondering how to wash a comforter? Read XTRA’s how-to guide and learn which option is best for your comforter and situation.

How to Wash a Hat

Read XTRA’s how-to guide and learn how to wash a hat in the washing machine, how to get sweat stains out of hats, how to hand wash a hat, and more.

How to Wash a Variety of Fabrics

When it comes to doing laundry, not all fabrics are created equal. Learn from XTRA how to wash silk, wool, polyester, rayon, cotton, and more.

How to Wash Bedding

Learn how to wash bedding with tips from XTRA, including sheets, pillows, blankets, and more. Keeping your bed clean is important for health and other reasons.

How to Wash Clothes the Right Way

While many people know how to use a washing machine, not everyone knows how to wash clothes the right way. Check out tips from XTRA today.

How to Wash Jeans and Denim

Wondering how to wash jeans the right way? Check out tips from XTRA and learn how to keep your jeans from wearing out faster than they should.

How to Wash Shoes

Curious how to wash shoes in the washing machine? Read XTRA’s how-to guide and learn the right steps to ensure your shoes stay in tiptop shape.

Laundry Hacks

Whether you’re a mom, a college student, or a working professional, life keeps you busy. Check out XTRA’s laundry hacks designed to make your life easier.