Laundry Tips & Tricks
Expert advice to help you get cleaner clothes, remove tough stains, and make laundry day easier. From our family to yours!
Stain Removal Secrets
The key to successful stain removal? Act fast! The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove. Here are our top tips for common stains:
🍷 Red Wine Stains
Blot immediately (don't rub!). Sprinkle salt on the spot to absorb wine, then rinse with cold water. For set stains, try soaking in equal parts dish soap and hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes before washing.
☕ Coffee & Tea Stains
Rinse immediately with cold water. For brown stains, try mixing equal parts white vinegar and dish soap, apply to stain, and let sit for 15 minutes before washing.
🖊️ Ink Stains
Apply rubbing alcohol to the back of the stain with a cotton ball. Blot from the outside in to prevent spreading. Rinse with cold water and launder as usual.
🌿 Grass Stains
Pre-treat with a mixture of white vinegar and water, or apply dish soap directly to the stain. Let sit for 15 minutes before washing in the warmest water safe for the fabric.
🍫 Chocolate Stains
Scrape off excess chocolate, then rinse with cold water. Apply liquid detergent and gently rub the fabric together. Wash in warm water (check care label first!).
Washing Machine Hacks
Sort by Temperature
Washing similar colors together at the same temperature prevents bleeding and ensures each load gets the proper treatment. Hot water for whites and towels, warm for colors, cold for darks.
Don't Overload
It might seem efficient to stuff the machine full, but overloaded machines can't clean effectively. Clothes need room to agitate and move. Fill to about ¾ full for best results.
Use the Right Cycle
That "quick wash" might not be right for everything. Heavy soils need longer wash times. Delicates need gentle agitation. Using the right cycle saves energy and protects your clothes.
Measure Detergent Carefully
More detergent doesn't mean cleaner clothes. Too much soap can leave residue, attract dirt, and damage your machine. Follow the package directions and adjust for load size.
Drying Tips for Better Results
💨 Drying Best Practices
- Clean the lint filter before every load
- Don't overload the dryer
- Separate heavy items from lightweight items
- Use dryer balls to reduce drying time
- Check pockets before drying (seriously!)
- Remove items slightly damp and air flat or hang to finish
Pro Tips for Specific Fabrics
Cotton T-Shirts
Wash in cold water to prevent fading. Turn inside out to protect prints. Air dry or tumble on low to prevent shrinking.
Denim
Wash inside out in cold water. Skip the dryer — hang or flat dry to preserve color and shape. Only wash when necessary (jeans don't need frequent washing!).
Winter Coats & Jackets
Check the tag — many need professional cleaning. Spot clean small stains between deep cleanings. Shake out and brush before storing for summer.
Synthetic Fabrics (Polyester, Nylon)
Wash in warm (not hot) water. These fabrics can hold static electricity — use dryer sheets or dryer balls. They're quick-drying, so remove promptly.
Save Time & Energy
A few simple changes can make a big difference in your laundry routine:
- Wash full loads — running half-empty cycles wastes water and energy
- Use cold water — heating water accounts for 90% of the energy used in washing
- Skip the extra rinse — modern detergents don't need multiple rinses
- Clean your machine monthly — run an empty load with hot water and vinegar
- Fold immediately — prevents wrinkles and the need for ironing
Questions?
Our staff at Lee's Laundromat are happy to help with any laundry questions. Stop by or give us a call!