CORRECT
THAT'S A MYTH. Using More Detergent Will Not Get Your Clothes Cleaner.
It can actually damage your washer, especially in high-efficiency (HE) washers. “The residue will build up in the washer and can cause smells and component failures,” says Mike Showalter, laundry expert at Sears. However, if you have hard water, you might actually need more detergent. Read the label on your detergent bottle for hard water recommendations.
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WRONG!
THAT'S A MYTH. Using More Detergent Will Not Get Your Clothes Cleaner.
It can actually damage your washer, especially in high-efficiency (HE) washers. “The residue will build up in the washer and can cause smells and component failures,” says Mike Showalter, laundry expert at Sears. However, if you have hard water, you might actually need more detergent. Read the label on your detergent bottle for hard water recommendations.
Next ›BACK
CORRECT!
THAT’S A MYTH. Most newer washers and detergents are designed to clean your clothes in cold water.
By using hot or warm, you waste energy heating the water. Save the hot water for things like sheets and pillowcases.
TIP: For items that need extra attention to disinfect, like post-workout gym clothes, do a cold-water presoak before washing.
WRONG!
THAT'S A MYTH. Most newer washers and detergents are designed to clean your clothes in cold water.
By using hot or warm, you waste energy heating the water. Save the hot water for things like sheets and pillowcases.
TIP: For items that need extra attention to disinfect, like post-workout gym clothes, do a cold-water presoak before washing.
CORRECT!
THAT'S A FACT. Pre-treating stains is the key to getting them out.
TIP: For red wine, try covering the stain with salt and letting it sit for a bit. The salt draws out the wine. For oil (from salad dressing or bacon, say) cover the stain with cornstarch. For serious stains, pre-soak the clothes in a product like OxiClean.
WRONG!
THAT'S A FACT. Pre-treating stains is the key to getting them out.
TIP: For red wine, try covering the stain with salt and letting it sit for a bit. The salt draws out the wine. For oil (from salad dressing or bacon, say) cover the stain with cornstarch. For serious stains, pre-soak the clothes in a product like OxiClean.
CORRECT!
THAT'S A FACT. If it says “Dry Clean,” that’s the recommended method.
If it’s not silk, wool, taffeta or velvet, you should be OK washing it on the gentle or hand-wash cycle. Just don’t put it in the dryer. If the label says “Dry Clean Only,” take it to the cleaners.
WRONG!
THAT'S A FACT. If it says “Dry Clean,” that’s the recommended method.
If it’s not silk, wool, taffeta or velvet, you should be OK washing it on the gentle or hand-wash cycle. Just don’t put it in the dryer. If the label says “Dry Clean Only,” take it to the cleaners.