How to easily clean quilts in a washing machine

1- Start by sorting the quilts according to fabric type, color and size. This will ensure that each quilt is washed with similar items which helps protect them from damage caused by abrasion and friction.

2- Check all the quilts for any loose threads or damaged areas that could be further damaged during the washing process. If necessary, mend these areas before laundering the items.

3- Pre-treat stains on the quilts with a stain remover or pre-wash spray prior to washing them to help remove embedded dirt and debris more easily during wash cycles.

4- Load the washer with one or two quilts at a time depending on their size, making sure not to overload the machine as this can cause uneven cleaning results and overstretching of fabrics due to too much agitation during the spin cycles.

5- Select a gentle cycle such as hand wash/delicate for best results when laundering your quilts in the washing machine avoid using regular settings as these are often too harsh for delicate textiles like cotton batting used in most handmade quilts. Use cold water only since warm water may set stubborn stains into fabrics permanently if left unattended long enough while being laundered together with other items (for example: towels). Avoid adding chlorine bleach products unless necessary; some colors may fade away quickly if exposed directly to such chemicals so always test an inconspicuous area first before proceeding.

6- Add detergent according to manufacturer’s instructions: use high efficiency detergents specifically created for front loading machines whenever possible. In fact, using quality detergents will produce less suds than traditional laundry soaps, which can result in a better overall performance while still providing effective cleaning power. Also, this helps especially when laundering heavier loads containing bedding materials like comforters & duvets. For extra softening benefits, add fabric softener sheets directly into the drum after loading items. However, do not pour liquid softener solution into the dispenser tray as this could lead to clogging problems later down the road due improper rinsing out process afterwards.

7- Run desired cycle(s), checking periodically throughout the entire duration to make sure everything is running properly without any issues arising. When you finish unloading the machine immediately, hang up wet garments onto the clothesline outside (if available) or spread them in a flat indoor dryer’s room. This process will avoid direct sunlight exposure and prevent fading discoloration happening. Do NOT tumble dry until thoroughly air dried beforehand, otherwise you will risk shrinking the fabric.

8- Inspect each item closely once completed, make sure there are no remaining spots missed and rewash again if necessary.

9- When satisfied, carefully store the folded quilts inside cupboards to avoid dust, dirt, and other potential allergens.

 Finally, enjoy your newly refreshed quilts and maintain their qualities for years, with the simple steps provided above.

The steps to wash your sneakers in a washing machine

Whether you do sports or not, you surely own sneakers. Over time, these can get dirty and thus contain bacteria. Although it’s not recommended to often wash your sneakers in a machine, it can still save you time and effort in keeping them clean and ready to wear. Here are some steps to follow if you want to wash your sneakers in a washing machine:

• Remove the shoelaces and insoles to prevent these parts from coming loose or getting tangled during the wash.
• Try to remove embedded dirt with a brush to prevent leaving dirt inside the drum that you cannot entirely remove. This process will prevent your machine from harboring dirt and bacteria and make it easy for your shoes to come out clean. Put your shoes in a delicate washing net. The washing net will prevent your pair from getting damaged in the washing machine.
• Select a short wash program with no spin. The less the shoes stay inside the washing machine, the less they will be exposed to knocks or excess water that can damage them.
• Choose a temperature that is not too high. Add a disinfectant Stain Remover. This disinfectant powder, in addition to removing the most stubborn stains, will help you complete the washing process by eliminating germs from your sneakers. Keep in mind that when we play sports, our feet sweat profusely, and this sweat serves as food for bacteria that may be around the shoes, thus facilitating the appearance of bad foot odor.
• Let the shoes dry completely. It is best to dry your pair of shoes in the open air and under the sun.
• Wash the laces with your laundry; if you choose to watch the laces along with your shoes, it is better to put them in a separate washing net.
• Wash your shoe soles. It is always best to wash the insoles by hand to prevent them from losing their shape.

Cleaning your washing machine to prevent bacteria that are responsible for bad odors

A washing machine is often wet and can pick up lots of particles from clothes or whatever you and your household forget in pockets of clothes you put through the washing machine. An often-wet environment is the ideal milieu for the development of bacteria; therefore, cleaning your washing machine will prevent bacteria from growing and making your clothes smell. It is recommended to thoroughly clean your washing machine, on average, every 12 months, depending on the frequency of use and perceived odors. Below are a few tips to prevent bacteria from growing inside your machine and causing foul odors.

1 – Remove the detergent drawer to clean it

Clean your washing machine starting from the inside and remove the deposits behind the window and the seals of the washing machine’s drum. You can find debris there that are residues left behind from your washed clothes.

2 – Clean the filter; 

This is possible by unscrewing the bottom right or left of your washing machine, depending on where it is located. Be sure to put a container or a towel underneath the machine because there is always a little water left behind after each cycle.

3- Run an empty machine or a machine filled with non-fragile bath towels at 60°or ideally 90° by adding 3 spoons of carbonated soda. Between the heat and the release of hydrogen peroxide, your machine will come out like new! (If you don’t have Percarbonate, you can also use 1L of white vinegar, but not both solutions are used at the same time!).

 It’s recommended to practice daily maintenance of your washing machine before the next cleaning cycle by doing the following:

• Remember to get your laundry out quickly at the end of each wash, and leave the door open so that there is not too much humidity responsible for the development of bacteria. This practice will make your job easier, and you will need less of those big cleanups.
• Please, respect the dosage! Overdosing the laundry detergent will not wash your linen better, but on the contrary, it will clog your machine more. Also, check the water inlet hose for it can be blocked by residues or simply placed too high, which does not allow the materials to evacuate well. Do not hesitate to clean it and review its height if necessary.

• All the electronics of our modern machines must also be considered. To maintain your washing machine for a longer period, it is recommended to give it a thirty-minute laundry break from one cycle to the other to prevent the motherboard of the machine from overheating.

6 STEPS TO REMOVE BARBECUE SAUCE STAINS FROM CLOTHES

Holidays are around the corner; it is often during these times that big parties are organized to rejoice with family and friends. During these gatherings, few of the main dishes are barbecues and oven roasted delicacies are seasoned with different types of sauces.   Consequently, it is expected to have accidents that lead to the possibilities of staining clothes while enjoying the food. If that’s the case, you don’t need to panic when it happens. Below are a few tips to have handy as you face the challenge to remove those stains and restore your clothes back to their initial stage.

To remove excess sauce

Using a spoon to remove the barbecue sauce from the stain fabric carefully will prevent the stain from affecting other parts of the clothing. You won’t be able to retrieve sauce that has soaked into the fabric, but the one that is bundled on the outside can be removed.

Rinse with cold water

 Quickly run cold water over the stain; Hot water can set the stain and make it much more difficult to remove.

Apply liquid detergent

Rub liquid laundry detergent on the stained part of the fabric. Work it in gently with your fingers while making sure both sides are well soaked. Liquid laundry detergent is excellent for removing the greasy bits of barbecue sauce that clings to the fibers of your clothes. Most laundry detergents contain the necessary punch to soak up the stain. Let the detergent sit for 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with lukewarm water. You can substitute this step with mild dish soap if you don’t have liquid laundry detergent.

Add bleach (optional)

If the garment is white or you tested it for colorfastness, apply a mild bleach, either hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar, using a sponge. You can also use lemon juice on white fabrics. If the garment has a color or pattern, test the cleaner in a hidden area of your fabric. Even mild bleaches can strip color from clothes, so skip this step if you’re worried. Rinse clothes thoroughly.

Apply a stain remover

Apply a stain remover gel or spray of your choice and let it sit for five to fifteen minutes or as directed. Liquids or gel stain removers are often best for fully penetrating the fabric. You can also apply the stain remover to the two sides of the affected area on the garment to ensure it is fully covered.

Wash and air dry

After you pre-treat the stain, wash your clothes as usual with your favorite detergent and at the temperature listed on the label that is safe for the fabric. Before drying, make sure the stain is completely removed.

Please note: Do not put clothes in the dryer until the stain is entirely out because the dryer’s heat can further set the stain, making it very difficult to remove. If you don’t have time to follow all these tips or need assistance with your laundry needs, remember that Mr. Laundromat is always available for you.

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID WHILE DOING YOUR LAUNDRY WITH A WASHING MACHINE (PART 2)

Mistake #6 – Not removing stains before washing your clothes

If you’re used to putting your dirty laundry straight into your washing machine, that’s a bad idea. Have you ever noticed that some stains don’t disappear after going through a wash cycle? This is normal; some grease or tomato sauce stains are very tough and persistent. Forget this bad habit and consider using a stain remover before putting your clothes in the drum of your washing machine. After that, run your wash cycle as usual. It will take you a few minutes, but you are sure to get all the unwanted stains off your clothes. 

Mistake #7 – Only using short and low-temperature programs

On every washing machine there are several programs. These programs deliver a certain washing temperature and a spin force to be chosen according to the type of textile placed in the machine. There are light programs such as the one that emulates washing by hand, the “15 minutes” quick cycle for those in a hurry or the 95°C for very dirty laundry. Depending on the program chosen, your machine will take more or less time to wash the laundry.

In case you are used to a default program like a quick and short program with low temperature, for fear of damaging your clothes, this can probably be the cause of the bad smell that you perceive on your laundry after the washing process. Each program is designed for a different reason and to adapt to several different parameters such as the degree of soiling, the quantity of laundry and the type of laundry. Therefore, it is very important to choose the right program. Also, remember to sort your laundry based on colors and types of fabric.

Mistake # 8 – When you forget to close the zippers

Remember to properly zip up your clothes before putting them in the washing machine. Why is this step important? The reason is simple but central to keeping your clothes in a perfect condition. In addition, when you zip up your clothes, you prevent the metal teeth on the zippers from hanging on and damaging the fabric of other clothes during the cycling process.

Mistake # 9 -When you forget to unbutton your shirts

In this case, not unbuttoning your clothes is like the opposite of zippers! Buttons, unlike zippers, should remain open. Indeed, if the buttons remain closed during the wash, they can come unstitched and may damage the machine. Consequently, remember to always unbutton your shirts and blouses before the wash.

Mistake # 10 – Not maintaining your washing and dryer machines regularly

Washing clothes is fine. But you need to do it in a clean washing machine. It often happens that we forget to clean the machine we use to wash and dry clothes in. And yet it is very important, not only for the proper functioning of your machines but also for your laundry to be perfectly clean and well washed. To do this, simply run a program at 90°C with a little white vinegar. Also, remember to periodically clean the filter of your dryer, it will help it work better and consume less energy.

Mistake # 11 – Closing your machine directly after washing

After your wash cycle, it’s important to quickly remove clothes from the washing machine and dry them right away, so they keep smelling good. During this time, it is advisable to leave the dryer and the door of your washing machine open for a few moments to allow it to air out. This will prevent bad odors and mold that could settle on your laundry during the next wash. 

All the above are a few of the common mistakes that should be avoided while doing laundry in a washing machine and we hope you will find this information useful.  If you need the help from professionals in the management of your laundry, remember that  Mr. Laundromat is always here for you.