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Help in the Laundry Room -- 10 Frugal Tips
by Cyndi Roberts
Finding bargains on clothing is one of the primary goals of
frugal living.
But, making that clothing last and look good for as long as
possible is sometimes a real challenge, given today's high prices on laundry
products.
Here are a few tips to help you keep your clothes looking their
best without spending a fortune!
1. Buy good quality. If you are buying new clothing, it is
especially important to get the best quality you can afford. Poor quality
garments just won't last no matter how carefully you care for them.
2. Wash as directed on the label. If it says wash in cold water,
then be sure you do. One sure way to ruin an article of clothing is to use an
improper cleaning method.
3. Wash everything you can in cold water. Most experts say
clothes get just as clean in cold water as in warm or hot. For sure, there will
be less shrinkage. And if there's a stain you didn't see and pre-treat, it won't
be set in by hot water and maybe you can still get it out!
4. Always rinse in cold water; hot water sets wrinkles.
5. Turn T-shirts and sweatshirts inside out before washing. This
will cut down on the "pilling" on the fabric caused by the clothes rubbing
together during the wash cycle.
6. Hang those T-shirts and sweatshirts to dry instead of
throwing them in the dryer. The decals or printing on the front and back will
stay looking nice much longer.
7. In fact, hang dry everything you can. Especially if it's 100%
cotton. Heat sets wrinkles and shrinks cotton. Smooth the garments out as you
hang them, whether you're hanging them directly on a hanger or on the
clothesline outdoors.
8. If you accidentally leave a load of clothes in your washer
overnight and they have that sour smell, just add about 1/2 cup white vinegar
and run through a rinse cycle. They'll smell sweet again!
9. Here's a recipe for homemade pre-treatment that will remove
almost any stain: mix equal parts of water, ammonia ( maybe lemon- scented),
Wisk and water. Put in a spray bottle and keep it handy in your laundry room.
Spray on spots just like you would the expensive kind!
10. Instead of buying an expensive specialty product for your
fine washables--try using a small amount of baby shampoo. Works just as good!
But, of all the things you wear, your expression is the most
important.
Cyndi Roberts' website, "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another" will show you ways to
save money everyday.
Receive a free e-course on saving money at the supermarket! To learn more,
visit http://www.cynroberts.com
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