Steps to successful Laundry

Over the last few weeks we have been talking “laundry“.  I also have another $25 Visa card to giveaway……so keep reading.

I asked if you are a laundry lover or hater?  I also asked what you look for in a laundry detergent.

I learned:

• Most of us don’t like doing laundry, but know it HAS to be done.

[pullquote]Laundry is my nemesis. It seems to multiply and just when I think it is complete it comes back. I, honestly, do not know where it comes from, because most of it is not mine. ~Ellen J[/pullquote]

• There are some, though, that actually ENJOY doing laundry

• Many of us hate putting the laundry away

• Some of us lucky ones have husbands or children who help with the laundry, making the task easier.

[pullquote]Do I dare admit that my husband does the laundry probably more often than I do? It was one of those things I taught him how to do early on . No, I will not share him.  ~Shaina[/pullquote]

• Doing a load or two every day, is the best way to keep it under control.

What do we look for in a laundry detergent?

• Cost and Scent were tied for the two biggest factors when choosing a laundry detergent

[pullquote]What do I look for in detergent? Cost is a definite factor, scent (sometimes we get the fragrance-free…don’t want to compete too much with my perfume ), and of course, I want it to work. ~ Bridget [/pullquote]

• Stain fighting and cleaning action were next on the list

• Color safe and skin irritants were also important

I have been using Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Power Gel Laundry Detergent, which includes not only Arm & Hammer Baking Soda (duh!) but also OxiClean to tackle tough stains.  I have to honestly say…………I’m in love with it!  And I can’t tell you how many times my 14 year old has told me how GREAT it smells when she’s doing laundry.  I mean seriously, who knew a 14 year old even CARED what the laundry smells like! lol

Steps to successful Laundry

via Arm & Hammer

• Sort it Out:

Proper laundry sorting is important to prevent laundry problems like dye transfers and shrinking clothes. Read and follow care labels.

• Colorfastness:

If uncertain whether the garment dyes are colorfast, find a hidden area of the garment (such as, the inside seam) and apply a “Pre-treatment concentration” of detergent. Allow to sit for 30 minutes and rinse. If color remains fast, proceed on whole garment.

• Pre-treatments:

Treat stains early. Fresh stains are easier to remove than old ones. Always test an inside seam for colorfastness.

• Drying:

Do not put garments with a stain in dryer. The dryer heat will set stains and make them permanent. Repeat pre-treatment/washing techniques above. If this doesn’t work, send garment to cleaners. Some stains, however, may be permanent.

You may also want to read:

10 Money Saving Laundry Tips

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Tell me your favorite laundry tip in the comments for a chance to win a $25 Visa gift card from Arm & Hammer.

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Giveaway will end on July 29, 2011 at 5 pm CST. One winner with a valid entry will be selected at random using random.org. I will email the winner and they will have 48 hours to claim their prize or another winner will be selected. Contest open to US residents only.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Church & Dwight Co., Inc, the maker of ARM & HAMMER branded products, who is compensating me to try different products. Save $1.00 on any 2 ARM & HAMMER Laundry Detergents. And be sure and head over to The Switch & Save Challenge for the chance to win $25,000.