Fitness
Sex & Intimacy
Television & Movies
Pop Culture
Technology
Related Content
Book Recommendations
Book Recommendations
Book Recommendations
Book Recommendations
CLOSE
Search
Popular Searches
Suggested Links
Brought to you by
Think You Know the Best Way To Do Laundry?
Tips and tricks to master your methods
Shutterstock
It’s not a glamorous task, but it is oh-so-satisfying to fold and put away clean clothes. When it comes to doing laundry, there is a right way. You can’t just throw all your clothes into the washing machine and hope for the best.
There are ways to optimize water temperature, sorting, and laundry detergents so every piece looks and feels great. And if you have sensitive skin, these hacks are even more essential.
Know your washing machine
You may not think your washing machine needs to be cleaned. It does! Regular cleaning once a month helps remove detergent buildup, mold, and mildew, which can affect the machine's efficiency and your laundry’s cleanliness, too. Cleaning your washing machine monthly ensures it operates at its best, provides a sanitary environment for your clothes, and prevents unpleasant odors. Check the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations for specific instructions.
Understand fabric care
If you think adding extra detergent will make your clothes extra clean, think again. Using more detergent than recommended can actually have the opposite effect. Excess detergent can create too many suds and leave a residue on your clothes. They might end up feeling stiff and can irritate sensitive skin.
You also want to sort clothes by color and fabric type to help prevent damage and color bleeding. This can extend the life of your clothes and preserve their appearance. Always check your garment labels for washing instructions.
Pick the right laundry detergent
In order to help avoid potential irritation from laundry detergent – especially if you or someone in your family has sensitive skin – use a hypoallergenic detergent that’s free of dyes and perfumes. This is especially important for individuals with eczema, allergies, or other skin sensitivities.
Hypoallergenic detergents like all® free clear are specially formulated to be gentle for sensitive skin. It provides an effective clean without leaving behind irritating residues. You should use all® free clear for any items that come into direct contact with sensitive skin – so don’t forget outerwear, towels, sheets and blankets.
Yes, you can do better at laundry! The detergent you use can make a difference, too. A hypoallergenic product like all® free clear provides an effective clean while being gentle on your skin. And, it’s easy to find online and in-store at retailers nationwide.
Click here for more laundry pointers from all® free clear!
Because everyone needs a Girlfriend™
Sign up to receive our free weekly newsletter every Thursday.
More from The Girlfriend
More for you, from AARP
We are a community from AARP. Discover more ways AARP can help you live well, navigate life, save money — and protect older Americans on issues that matter.