Knowing how to do laundry properly is an essential skill that can mean the difference between looking your best and looking a mess. Although it may not seem like a difficult task, preserving pieces’ color, texture, and quality depend on several factors. White laundry items, in particular, can be finicky as whites tend to show stains and lose their brightness without proper care. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to follow to keep your white items clean and presentable.

Do:

Separate patterns & solids.

Even a small amount of dye from a pattern could bleed onto white items and discolor them. New items that have not been washed before are particularly susceptible to this problem. To prevent issues, separate patterned pieces from solid ones.

Wash on warm.

Towels should go through a hot cycle as they tend to collect more bacteria. However, most other white clothing can be washed on a warm, gentle cycle. If you are washing patterned items, do not use detergent with bleach, but instead a color-safe detergent. Air-dry items in the sun whenever possible.

Don’t:

Use excess bleach.

It’s common to use bleach to keep whites bright and remove stains, such as yellow water or sweat marks. However, bleach can wear out fabrics, so use it sparingly. Vinegar is an excellent alternative that’s gentle on fabrics and the environment. Like bleach, it can remove stains and brighten whites, but without the harsh effects. Add about a half-cup to one cup of white vinegar with whites for best results. A couple of tablespoons of baking soda works similarly to soften the fabric and remove stains.

Only separate lights from darks.

You know to separate white from dark clothing and patterns from solids, but it’s also important to divide loads based on fabrics. Delicate items, such as intimates and dress shirts, require a lighter cycle than thicker materials such as socks and towels. Likewise, sportswear is resistant to fabric softener, which may alter its absorbency. Wash durable clothes together and lighter items separately, using the corresponding wash and dry cycles. If possible, hand-wash delicates.

For self-service and drop-off laundry service in Dothan, AL, turn to Park Avenue Coin Laundry. Whether you’re too busy to do your own laundry or don’t have access to a working washing machine and dryer at home, they’re your source for reliable laundry service seven days a week. Call (334) 678­-0800 to speak with a friendly team member about their drop-off wash and dry service or visit the website to learn more about what they offer.