12 Incredibly Clever Laundry Hacks- A Cultivated Nest

Time and Money Saving Laundry Tips.

It doesn’t seem to matter if you live by yourself or have a house full of family members; laundry always seems to add up. It feels like a never-ending project that is always waiting for you. We all wear clothes, so it makes sense that laundry adds up in a short time. While I can’t get rid of your laundry, I can help you with these 12 Incredibly Clever Laundry Hacks to save you time, energy, and money!

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In addition to saving you money and being frugal, you will also learn a lot too. Some of these tips and hacks have been around for a long time, and that’s because they work so well. Let’s get started so you can get busy with that load of laundry you are working on!

12 Incredibly Clever Laundry Hacks

1. Get Rid of Oil Stains With Baby Powder

Ever been cooking bacon, or dropped a greasy cheeseburger on your pants? We have all been there at one point or another when you end up with oil on your clothes. Sprinkle some baby powder on the oil stain and allow it to sit for 12-24 hours. Then wash it as usual, and it should be gone. If the oil doesn’t come out, repeat the process before drying the fabric.

2. Clean Your Washer With Vinegar and Baking Soda

You don’t realize how many germs are in your washing machine tub. Give it a good cleaning at least quarterly by making a paste with baking soda and vinegar. Scrub it with a soft cloth or soft bristle brush. After you have finished scrubbing, run the washer on hot water. It will help remove water build-up, soap scum, and any other junk that has grown in the crevices.

3. Say Goodbye To Dryer Sheets

Did you know that you can take a piece of aluminum foil and use it in place of dryer sheets? I was AMAZED when I found this out, and once I tried it, I was even more amazed by how great it works. All you need to do is roll a tight ball with the aluminum foil. Add it to your load of laundry, and you can keep using it for up to six months. It reduces static and is such a frugal idea, plus it helps you avoid the chemicals found in dryer sheets!

Another alternative is to use wool dryer balls. You can make your own DIY wool dryer balls for very little cost, or buy some already made wool dryer balls on Amazon!

4. Keep Clothes Bright With Salt

Adding one teaspoon of salt to a load of brightly colored clothes will keep them vibrant and bright. This is a game-changer and keeps the colors lively instead of fading as quickly.

5. Fix Clothes That Have Shrunk

If you’ve ever opened the dryer to find that your favorite shirt has shrunk, there is hope! Over the years, I have learned that you can un-shrink clothing by soaking them in baby shampoo or hair conditioner. We pretty much always have these things around the house, and I am guessing you do too. Just add 2 tablespoons full of either the baby shampoo or conditioner to a bucket or sink with water. Then let it soak for 15-30 minutes. Rinse and remove the item from the water, carefully wring it out and lightly begin to stretch the fabric. Allow it to air dry. Repeat process if needed until it’s the correct size.

6. Get Rid Of Wrinkles

Raise your hand if you don’t like to iron! I sure don’t and am more than happy to use some hacks to avoid it at all costs. You can add a damp towel to clothing and put it in the dryer to create steam and remove wrinkles. It’s a fast and easy way to get rid of wrinkles. Another option is to add a handful of ice cubes to the dryer. The steam that is produced from the melting ice will result in wrinkle-free clothes. Total win!

7. Speed Up Your Dryer

In a hurry and need a load dried faster? Toss in one or two dry towels to the dryer. It will help the entire load dry faster and will save energy and time. I use this tip frequently.

8. No More Dingy Whites

Bleach isn’t the only way to keep your whites nice and bright. Instead, boil a sliced up lemon in a big pot of water. After the water begins to boil, remove the pan from the stove. Add in the clothing and stir it with a wooden spoon. Let it sit for 1 – 1 1/2 hours, then toss the clothes into the washer and run them with laundry soap. The will be bright white, and you can repeat this process as often as you need to.

9. Remove Ink Stains

Getting ink on your clothes can be very frustrating. I don’t want to admit how many times I have accidentally done this. Spray the spot with hand sanitizer and scrub with an old toothbrush or another soft brush. Let it rest for 10-20 minutes then wash. If it didn’t come out, then repeat the process again, but make sure to catch it before drying the clothes.

10. Use Laundry Detergent Tabs

A great way to speed up the laundry process a little is to stop measuring out liquid laundry soap. Instead, use laundry detergent tabs! While you can buy commercial laundry detergent pods (including naturally derived ones), why not save some money and quickly whip up your own homemade laundry detergent tabs?

11. Make Dark Clothes Look New With Coffee

If you have noticed your dark clothes have begun to fade, you can easily give them new life. Add 2-3 cups of brewed coffee in the washer when it’s time for the rinse cycle. The result is blacks and other dark colors that look the way they are supposed to look. Not dingy and faded.

12. Make Your Own Wrinkle Release Spray

Another easy way to get rid of wrinkles is by spraying them with homemade wrinkle remover. Put two cups of water and 2 tablespoons of fabric softener in a spray bottle and shake well. Then spritz onto the clothing and shake them. Place the garment on a hanger and watch the wrinkles disappear. If you have an unusually stubborn piece of clothing, you may need to repeat the process, but it works great the first time for most clothes.

What’s your best laundry hacks that you use?